 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
||||||||||
■ Population: 1.53 million
■ Currency: Chinese Yuan or Renminbi (RMB)
■ Country and city code: +86, +592
■ Tourist info: China International Travel Services, 335 Hexiang Xilu, Xiamen, tel: +86 (0)592 800 8582, website: www.english.xm.gov.cn
FUN FACT
In the 19th century, Xiamen was China’s main port for exporting tea.
Xiamen Botanical Gardens (Huyuan Road, tel: +86
(0)592 205 4022)
Home to sights like the Wanshilian Temple and the “Tipsy Fairy Rock”, these lush botanical gardens have been visited by tourists since the Qing Dynasty and are perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Open from 8am to 6pm daily. Admission costs RMB40 (SGD8).
Nanputuo Temple Nanputuo Si, Siming Nanlu, tel: +86 (0)592 208 6490
Situated at the foot of Wulaofeng (Mountain of Five Old Men) and facing the sea, this 1,000 year old Buddhist temple has been destroyed several times over its lifetime. It is an excellent example of what an active temple looks like.
Yogi Art Store (11-6 LongTou Road, Gulangyu, tel: +86 (0)592 206 0978)
Located on an island 10 minutes by ferry from Xiamen, this place is great for buying traditional Chinese paintings. A onemetre painting costs between RMB60 (SGD12) and RMB180 (SGD35).
Xiamen Cultural Relics Store (North Siming Road, tel: +86
(0)592 202 3363)
Home to crowds of vendors peddling porcelain, bronze figurines, hand-woven linens, reed screens and quality Qing Dynasty vases, be sure to bargain!
Huang Zehe Peanut Soup Shop (20 Zhongshan Lu)
Enjoy Xiamen’s most popular snack food at the 24-hour Huang Zehe. A bowl of peanut soup (huasheng tang) will only set you back RMB6 (SGD1). $
Lujiang Hotel Restaurant (54 Lujiang Dao, tel: +86 (0)592 202 2922)
This rooftop restaurant overlooking the harbour boasts an extensive English menu and specialises in Fujian cuisine and fresh seafood. Open from 7am to 10pm, with dishes from RMB30 (SGD6) and up. $
Beauty Recreation Ground (28 Jiangjun Road, tel: +86 (0)592 207 8996)
Being one of Xiamen’s most popular clubs, the dance floor is constantly packed with youngsters happily boogieing the night away to irrepressible electro beats.
Hello Life Bar (1F Jingxie Mansion, Lianhua South Road, tel: +86
(0)592 513 6719)
Bands from all over China make the trek to Xiamen to play here, making it a mecca for live music lovers. Musicians take the stage almost every night.
Sofitel Plaza Xiamen (19 Hubin Bei Road)
Situated in the heart of the financial district, this 29-storey tower is convenient for both shopping and sightseeing. It features two restaurants, a lounge bar, spa and swimming pool. Room rates are available from RMB900 (SGD174). $$
Ramada (431 Chang Qing Road) *
Located on Xiamen Island, this newly renovated four-star hotel is within a convenient reach to the shopping centres and ferry pier. Room rates start from RMB616.30 (SGD120). $
BY CASEY WHALE
* FOR EXCLUSIVE DEALS, BOOK HOTELS AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM
