The Locality
Xiamen – China's Famous Seaside City
Xiamen is situated at an eastern longitudinal position of 118°04'04, and a northern latitudinal position of 24°26'46. It rests on the edge of the East China Sea, on the Taiwan Strait. The city has a population of 3.5 million, spread over an area of 1573 km2, with a coastal area of over 300 km2. Xiamen City contains Xiamen Island, Gulangyu; and Tongan areas, divided into Siming, Huli, Jimei, Haicang, Tongan, and Xiangan administrative districts. Siming and Huli districts are located within Xiamen Island.
According to tradition, Xiamen has been a resting area for white egrets since ancient times, and for this reason is also called "Egret Island". With spectacular natural scenery that carries an added sense of purity and mystery, Xiamen possesses a unique charm.
Today's Xiamen is a modern, flourishing "garden city" with azure seas and clear blue skies, lush trees, red-tiled roofs, four seasons of spring, and a flavor of originality that has led it to be called the most livable city in China.
Recommended Sightseeing:
1) An island without cars or horses, see the architecture of ten thousand nations - Gulangyu
2) Ancient Minnan monastery and critical cultural relic – Nan Putuo
3) Tranquil and romantic, China's most beautiful university campus – Xiamen University
4) Built by the sea, following golden beaches and ocean waves - Huandao Road
5) A forested mountain pass in the midst of a thriving city - Wenceng Road
Local Culture:
1) Take a modern walk through tradition, green trees along the seashore, the world's most gorgeous marathon track, home to Xiamen's international marathon (held in January annually).
2) During the Mid Autumn Festival games, the city fills with the sounds of dice. Xiamen locals have a unique tradition dating back hundreds of years: Bo Bing (held annually during Mid Autumn Festival).
3) China's only international investment fair with a theme of attracting foreign investment and investing in foreign markets; among the nation's three locations to host the "9.8" CIFIT (China International Fair for Investment and Trade).
4) Art Director and Principal Conductor of over 80 renowned conductors, Professor Zheng Xiaoying commands one of the nation's 9 major symphonies. (scheduled performances each month).
5) Circumnavigate Taiwan's Kinmen Island via tour boat for a perspective of local Minnan culture.
Local Treats:
1） Frozen Bamboo Shoots
Frozen Bamboo Shoots is made using a type of soft-bodied invertebrate "sand worm" which lives in seaside shallows. Sparkling and crystal clear, tough and crispy, with a fresh and tasty flavor, especially when marinated with condiments. A unique experience.
2） Five Spices Sausage
Five Spices sausage uses a special bean curd skin to wrap minced lean meat, water chestnuts, onion, etc, to form a wrap similar in shape to springrolls. Then it's browned in a pan using oil, chopped into separate sections, and dipped in seasoning. Savory, soft, and crispy all at once, it's a truly wonderful taste.
3） Sauteed Oysters
Sauteed Oysters use black-faced, white-bellied "pearl oysters" (the greater the contrast between face and belly color, the fresher the oyster). These are simmered in a pan with garlic, chives, and yam powder. Or an egg is sprinkled over the top. After removed from the pan, the oysters are sprinkled with pepper, and covered in coriander leaves. Dip them in mustard, spicy oil, vinegar and gulp them down.
4）Shrimp Noodles
Although shrimp noodles' main ingredient is shrimp and noodles, the most savory aspect lies in the soup. First remove the shells and boil the shrimp, then scoop them out, and use this broth to boil the shrimp shells. After boiling the shells for awhile, strain and crush them, then mix this with sugar, and boil the mixture. Then, add chopped green onion and garlic to boiled pork bone broth to complete the main base for the noodles' soup. When it comes time to eat, prepare fresh noodles, scoop them into a bowl, and add some cooked and shelled shrimp and some diced pork on top. Then add a spoonful of scallion oil and a bit of mashed garlic. Ladle in some the prepared shrimp broth, and sprinkle in some pepper. It's a delicious, unforgettable taste.
5）Sha Cha Noodles
Sha Cha noodles could be called modern Xiamen's most widespread snack. Whether served in the in the midst of the bustling city or from a small shop tucked in a quiet back lane, Sha Cha noodles may be found almost anywhere. The most wonderful part about Sha Cha noodles is the taste of the soup. Good Sha Cha noodles are stewed in pork bone broth and add spicy paste and peanut oil, for a uniquely fresh and spicy flavor.
6）Springrolls
Springrolls use specially-made 5-6 cm diameter springroll wraps to enclose sweet onion and sour carrot, garlic, and spicy paste. Sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty all at once, springrolls are an appetizing treat.
7）Taro paste, cakes, and dumplings
Taro paste, cakes, and dumplings. To make taro dumplings, first steam a taro head wrapped in a betelnut leaf, then mash it into dough, then use the dough to wrap meat, bamboo shoots, etc, and steam this in a special basket. For taro cakes, add a little sugar to mashed taro and form it into a ball that's clear like a date, then deep-fry it in oil. If you're feeling like taro paste, just add sugar to mashed taro, then pan fry it in oil. Fresh taro paste will stop steaming soon after it comes out of the pan, but the inside will remain very hot. Those who aren't aware of this will suffer a nasty surprise. So savor this treat carefully!
8）Oyster or crab rice porridge
The technique of making delicious oyster or crab rice porridge lies in using clear grains, without over-boiling them. Try a bowl.
Suggested Destinations:
Gulangyu
Gulangyu is situated on the southwestern end of Xiamen, and may be reached by a 5 minute ferry trip. The island share's in Xiamen's four seasons of spring. Cars, horses, and motorized vehicles are forbidden on Gulangyu, ensuring its claim to fame as a quaint "garden by the sea." Because of unique historical circumstances, both foreign and Chinese architectural styles merged seamlessly in what has been called "an exhibition of ten thousand nations." With the nation's highest density of pianos, it's also a fertile ground for artists and musicians, earning it the nicknames "Piano Island" and "Musical Village."
Gulangyu's shores of fine sand meander and wind, all paths leading to pristine sea-bathing settings. Over 4000 species of lush perennial plants make their home on Gulangyu, bringing the island bird songs, a garden fragrance, and a clear sky. Must-see destinations include Sunshine Rock, Bean Village Garden, Bright Moon Garden, Yu Garden, and more.
Huandao Road
Xiamen's Huandao Road (Circum-island Road) is an international marathon track, and has been called the world's most beautiful marathon course. The musical score landscaped along the roadside is of the local piece, "Waves of Gulangyu". There are statues of marathon runners, and a section has been set aside exclusively for pedestrian use. Go out for a spin on a bicycle, listen to the sea waves, relax in the sea breeze. Pay a visit to the Yefeng Zhai area and Hulishan Fortress for interesting diversions.
Nan Putuo
Nan Putuo Temple rests beneath southern Xiamen Island's "five old peaks". Constructed in the Tang Dynasty, it is the most significant monastery for Minnan Buddhism. The temple's Hall of Emperors, Hall of Heroes, and Hall of Compassion exhibit architectural brilliance. Halls enshrine Maitrea, the Third Buddha, Thousand-armed Guanyin, The Four Emperors of Heaven, and the Eighteen Arhats. The temple library contains many documents and relics precious to Buddhism, including sutras, images of Buddha, Song Dynasty copper bells, ancient texts, a Ming Dynasty volume titled "Doctrine of the Lotus Sutra", written in blood, and figurines of Guanyin crafted by legendary pottery master He Chaozong.
The temple area retains a number of inscriptions, the most famous of which are from Ming Dynasty, in addition to a stone carving by Qing Emperor Qianlong. The boulder at the back of the temple is carved with a giant character representing "Buddha". Five peaks form a screen behind the temple, creating a tranquil setting full of the subtle fragrance of pine and bamboo. This is one of Xiamen's famous destinations you cannot afford to miss.
Xiamen University
Xiamen University is nestled between the mountains and the sea. Its main gate is right next to Nan Putuo Temple, its other side opening onto beautiful beaches and Hulishan Fortress. It has been named "one of China's most beautiful campuses." Xiamen University was established in 1921 by national patriot Chen Jiageng, and is one of China's best modern universities. Famous alumni include Yu Guangzhong, Lin Feng, Yi Zhongtian, and Lu Xun.
Xiamen University's architecture is a splendid blend of both western and Chinese styles, especially the opposing Jiannan Auditorium and Shangxian Field. Buildings of interest within the campus include the Xiamen University Museum of Anthropology, and Lu Xun Memorial Hall. The former has a collection of cultural artifacts dating from prehistory to modern times, the most remarkable of which are representative of Minnan and Taiwanese culture. The exhibition also explores ancient Fujian's foreign relations, the most priceless pieces surviving from Quanzhou's era as a key international port. The Lu Xun Memorial Hall exhibition contains four rooms, located in the former residence of Lu Xun during his period as a professor at Xiamen University. The exhibit represents both Lu Xun's life experience and his high moral character.
Botanical Gardens
Located on the northern face of Xiamen's Lion Mountain, the Botanical Gardens are surrounded by steep cliffs, full of lakes and greenery, and contains hundreds of boulder carvings.
Zhongshan Road
Zhongshan Road is Xiamen's oldest business street. It's a bustling shopping district full of name products, local delicacies, and architecture rich in South Sea warmth. With its fusion of authentic local culture and modern trends and conveniences, Zhongshan Road is the image of Xiamen. It's a sight you won't want to miss.
Azimuth and Map
Public Information
Transportation
Airport and Train Station
Seaview Resort Xiamen is 25 km from Xiamen's Gaoqi International Airport, about a 20 minute commute, passing by fantastic views of Xiamen's seaside scenery.
Seaview Resort Xiamen is 15km from the island's train station, a commute of about fifteen minutes.
Our hotel can provide both airport and train station pickup and drop off services. Service costs are calculated according to your vehicle needs and the number of passengers, beginning at a price of 200 RMB. Please provide us with your flight or train arrival times and information in advance via email, or call us directly (86592）5023333 – Room Reservations Office.
Taxi
Convenient, 24 hour taxi service is available outside of the hotel. Our staff can help you arrange vehicles in advance. Xiamen taxi fees begin at 8 RMB, with an additional 2 RMB fuel charge per trip.
Busses
Xiamen's city bus system is a convenient option for visiting the island's many tourist destinations. Our hotel is a short 5 minute walk from the "Hai Yue Tai Zhan" (海韵台站) station. Bus numbers 29, 47, 115, and Tourist Bus Line 1 all pass this stop, also offering direct routes from our hotel to the Gulangyu Ferry, Zhongshan Road, Xiamen University, Ye Feng Zhai, and Nan Pu Tuo Monastery.
Car Rental Service
Traveling around Xiamen in a private limo driven by our chauffeur is a comfortable, safe, and fun way to see the city. We can arrange detailed routes and itineraries according to your specific needs. Contact hotel staff for further details.
Weather:
Visitor's Handbook
Language
Genuine locals communicate using Xiamen's variation of Minnan dialect. Some consider Xiamen pronunciation as bearing the closest relation to Taiwanese. It has been grouped in with Zhangzhou, Quanzhou subgroups. Xiamen Minnan dialect can be used to communicate in Taiwan, Singapore, Quanzhou, Zhangzhou, and parts of Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
Due to many years of the popularization of Mandarin within government and education, along with the influx of many outsiders into Xiamen, Mandarin has surpassed Minnan dialect as the most widely-spoken and important dialect within Xiamen.
Visas
All international guests entering mainland China require visas. Travelers bearing passports from Brunei, Japan, and Singapore who enter China for a period of 15 days or less are not required to obtain visas.
China currently operates embassies in many nations around the world. Chinese embassies and consulates can process visa applications. Processing time for 30 day, single entry visas is usually between 3-5 working days. Certain travel agencies offer visa processing services. Visa applications require attaching at least one photograph.
The 1st day of a 30 day visa begins on the date of entry. Visas are effective up to three months following their issue. Processing tourist visas with a stay of 30 days or less is generally very simple. Visas exceeding 30 days are more difficult to obtain.
Please inquire of your travel agent, Chinese international travel service, China tour organization, or any People's Republic of China embassy or consulate for further information regarding visas and visa processing.
Time Zone
GMT + 8 hours
Electrical outlets, 220 volts
Currency
China's legal currency is the Renminbi (RMB). The basic monetary unit is the yuan/元(CNY). Our resort accepts credit cards and also offers money exchange services.
Taxes
Hotel rooms add a compulsory 4% Government Adjustment Fund (collected by the city government of Xiamen). Dining charges require an additional 15% service fee.
Business Hours
Bank Hours
9:00-17:00 Note: different banks' hours of operation and weekend schedules vary. Please refer to the conditions of each bank.
Business Hours
10:00-22:00 Note: Many businesses operate until 22:30 on Saturday and Sunday. Please refer to conditions of each business.
