DESTINATION OF THE MONTH
Explore Xiamen, a blossoming destination on China’s Southern coast
Enjoy consistent flights to Xiamen, a natural city with a rich culture situated in China’s Fujian Province, out of both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
On the southern coast of the province of Fujian, the Chinese port city of Xiamen is a commercial and cultural hub of activity. The city, which is made up of two main islands and a strip of mainland coastline, has earned a reputation for being one of the most pleasant places in China for its endless greenery and sparkling waterfront views.
With a burgeoning nightlife and broad range of shopping options, there is no end to the activities you can enjoy in the city. Bicycle through the winding streets or along the city’s 7-kilometre bikeway, enjoy the entertainments on offer including the extraordinarily talented Lingling International Circus, or travel to the beach for a slow, relaxing day by the sea.
With a history dating back 5,000 years, the city’s architecture is a curious mixture of influences from centuries’ worth of cultural exchange. No other part of the city reflects this history better than the island of Kulangsu, also known as Gulangyu, which just a five-minute ferry from Xiamen’s wharf; once home to European and Japanese explorers and expats, the completely car-free islet is renowned for its tree-lined beaches and Victorian architecture.
Xiamen is also a city of mouth-watering and intriguing cuisines: from bowls of steaming satay noodles to balls of gelatin stuffed with sandworms, and from the local “popiah” spring rolls to stir-fried “jiangmu” duck, the city’s food vendors never fail to serve up an impressive array of delicious meals.
Venture beyond the city to experience other Fujian province delights, including the granite and forests of Taimu Mountain, the temples of Quanzhou, and the ancient stone carvings of Mount Qingyuan. The province is home to two massive geoparks as well as the World Heritage Sites of both the Taining Danxia Landscape and the unique folk architecture of Fujean Tulou, more than 100 hot spring locations, and over 2,000 islands with their own unique qualities.
To see the city and surrounding province, catch a flight with Xiamen Airlines, which offers daily flights out of Phnom Penh and twice-weekly flights out of Siem Reap.
More information - Xiamen and Fujian province: http://en.fjta.com/
XiamenAir’s Top Five Must-See Attractions in the “City at Sea”
Xiamen has everything that is considered beautiful – and it is always here waiting for you to explore. It is impossible to list all of the locations you should see in the city, but here are some of our favorites:
1. Kulangsu: this UNESCO world heritage site is home to more than 1,000 buildings in various styles, and it is a scenic spot that every tourist in Xiamen should visit.
2. Huli Mountain Fortress: Built during the Qing dynasty, the fortress was regarded as the “gateway to Fujian Province”.
3. Shimao Twin Towers: A landmark of the city, the twin towers – which stand like sails facing the sea – are home to the best views of Xiamen.
4. Sha Po Wei: Formerly an old fishing port facing the South China Sea, this area is being developed as an arts district in the heart of Xiamen that preserves the rich culture of the ancient port.
5. Xiamen University: Complete with unique architecture that blends the swallow-tailed ridges and red brick walls of southern Fujian with the high stone pillars and flower-shaped window frames of the west, the university is an architectural marvel.