Xiamen, a seaside city in Fujian Province, is one of the nicer cities in all of China. It’s relatively small size (about 1 million inhabitants), and its status as one of the first places to benefit from China’s economic liberalization make this city attractive, though relatively unknown, to tourists. The Taiwanese island of Jinmen lies a few miles from Xiamen’s coastline. Though Chinese boats are not allowed to land on the island, it is interesting to take a cruise around Jinmen, especially given the current frosty relationship between Beijing and Taipei. Geopolitics aside, Xiamen offers some first class sights, excellent beaches, and tasty dining.

Xiamen is actually on an island. It is linked to the mainland by a large bridge. Another island, Gulangyu, was a major settlement for foreigners doing business in the area. The best way to reach this island is by ferry from Xiamen. This is a quaint place, with charming lanes and old buildings. Because Gulangyu is close to cars, the air is clean and the noise minimal. The island can be covered on foot, though a bicycle trip is also pleasant. There are some great local eateries, with tasty seafood and local specialties. This is a great place to get off the beaten path.

Xiamen has seve3ral notable gardens. Shuzhuang Garden is a beautiful place with pavilions and old-style bridges. The views of the sea from some parts of the garden are breath taking. Wanshi Gardens offer a plant-lover’s paradise. There are said to be over 5,00 species of plants as well several pavilions, a pagoda, and a scenic lake.

Some of the narrow streets in Xiamen are worth wandering around. This is a great place to find out of the way eateries and get a feel for real Chinese life. Zhongshan Road is the main street in Xiamen. It is a bustling boulevard, full of restaurants and shopping. Seafood restaurants and colorful night markets are found along Zhongshan, as are some of the nicer hotels in the city.

Beaches are found both on Gulangyu and Xiamen. Those wishing to take a stroll, bicycle ride or run, will find some of the parks and back streets of Xiamen as well as the beaches, good places to go.

Xiamen offers a lot of the things many eastern Chinese cities do. Though many sights are on a smaller scale than Shanghai or even nearby Fuzhou, this is one of the most charming and laid-back places in China. The streets are simply delightful, at once quaint and exciting.