China - Fujian - Xiamen

Bustling island city with charming Gulangyu islet

(photos of November 2005)

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Xiamen

The strategic port city of Xiamen (Amoy) (map) lies on a nearly circular island in a bay of the southeast Chinese coast. It is described at Wikipedia.

Xiamen lies only 5 km from Taiwanese islands, including the Kinmen or Quemoy islands. The People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC or Taiwan) have faced each other off across this bay since 1949. Both have erected huge propaganda signs directed at each other. The PRC sign, which says "Reunify China under the Three Principles of the People", is visible on this map; the corresponding Taiwanese sign, proclaiming "One Country, Two Systems, Reunite China", appears to be located on nearby Dadan Island here.

Xiamen's downtown is well seen from the island of Gulang Yu.

Xiamen University

Xiamen University is located on a beautiful campus (map).

Nan Putuo Si temple

Next to the university one finds a lavishly decorated temple (map).

Gulang Yu Island

The lovely island of Gulang Yu (map) is only 2 km across and 500 m from Xiamen by ferry. Its narrow streets are perfect for traffic-free walking. From Wikipedia, we learn that "The island became a foreign enclave following the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, hence the predominantly Victorian-era style architecture throughout the island, of which many were offices and residences of Consulate-Generals, as well as that of the thriving expatriate business community."

Gulang Yu's hill, Sunlight Rock, offers excellent views.