Xiamen is a city with great literary and artistic colors, just like Lijiang and Dali in Yunnan. It has become a sacred place for literature and art in people's minds, attracting a large number of young literary and artistic people to make pilgrimage every year. On a sunny afternoon, stroll through the mottled and literary streets of Gulangyu Island and feel the beauty of the sea breeze slowly passing through your fingers. The time is quiet and peaceful.

What comes to Xiamen is a kind of atmosphere, with leisurely pedestrians, exquisite handicrafts, rich snacks, and encountering a cat and dog at the end of the street. Slow life is Xiamen's best travel experience for tourists. Don't have any purpose or expectations, follow your own random footsteps and have a spiritual journey.

Transport in Xiamen

1. Train

This is the most commonly used mode of transportation to Xiamen. Xiamen has two railway stations, Xiamen Station and Xiamen North Station. Xiamen is more convenient to stand on the island. Xiamen North Railway Station is located just off the island, and the transportation is not very convenient. However, with the opening of Xiamen Metro Line 1 at the end of 2017, tourists can take the subway directly from Xiamen North Railway Station to enter the island. Of course, they can also take the BRT Express 1 or Express 6 to enter the island.

2. Aircraft

If you choose to fly to Xiamen, Xiamen Gaoqi Airport is almost the closest airport in China to Xiamen's urban area. Basically, the main areas of the island can be reached within half an hour by taxi, and the general taxi fare is about 40 to 50, 60 to 70.

There are also airport buses to ferries, train stations, buses, and BRT connecting line L19, so it is very convenient.

3. Cars

If you take a bus to Xiamen, it is also very convenient. Xiamen has several bus stations such as Fanghu, Hubin South, and Yucun. It is still very convenient to travel in surrounding provinces.

Accommodation in Xiamen

There are many accommodation options in Xiamen, but the most popular one is to stay in specialty B & Bs. There are many B & Bs in Xiamen, mainly concentrated on Zhongshan Road and Zengcuo 'an. These two places are food streets. The family hotels in these two places have their own characteristics. Zhongshan Road takes a European simplicity style, and Zengcuo' an takes a fresh style of literature and art. The prices are all between 200 and 300, which is quite suitable, depending on how you choose!

#B & B recommendations #

onlyone Island B & B

Xiamen onlyone Island B & B has just opened, but its reputation for quality is super high. Xiamen onlyone Island B & B is halfway up the mountain of Zeng Mountain. The location is super nice. Sitting on the mountain and looking at the sea, you can really have a panoramic view of the scenery of Xiamen Huandao Road. It owns its own coffee shop, onlyone Wanghai Coffee Shop, which was once the most popular coffee shop in Xiamen. The cafe in the evening is the most beautiful moment of the day. At this time, if you take a photo of it, you will see a large movie!

The design of the room is particularly great. The large floor-to-ceiling windows can see the mountains and the sea. The early morning sun is really great!

The room is equipped with a high-definition projector, Hifi stereo, and high-quality bathroom amenities. When I come back from playing outside, I will lie in bed to watch a movie after washing and enjoy the most comfortable moment of the day.

itinerary

Xiamen is a relatively mature tourist city, with many places to visit, such as: Zengcuo 'an, Zhongshan Road, Gulangyu Island, Huandao Road, Xiamen Botanical Garden, Xiamen University, Maojie, Shapowei, Putuo Temple, Guali Valley, Kuanpo, Huangcuo, Xiamen Science and Technology Museum, etc. It may take a long time to finish playing. For tourists with short holidays, this is not cost-effective.

Many people only come to Xiamen for two days to play, so today let's talk about how to use two days to play Xiamen!

DAY 1, Laixia-Gulangyu-Zhongshan Road

This way of playing is suitable for friends from around Xiamen or neighboring provinces. If they come to Xiamen by high-speed rail or high-speed train, it should be almost noon. The first thing you should do at this time is to go to a hotel that has been prepared in advance to complete the check-in procedures, and then have a casual lunch near your residence. If you choose to stay on Zhongshan Road or Zengcuo 'an, the problem of eating is easy to solve. There is delicious food everywhere and the price is not expensive.

Gulangyu

(Photo taken on the streets of Gulangyu)

Warm reminder: Round trip tickets for Gulangyu must be ordered a few days in advance. You can purchase them on the Weixin Official Accounts "Xiamen City Ferry Company."

Dongdu Wharf (International Cruise Center Xiagu Wharf) → Gulangyu Sanqiutian Wharf/Neicuo 'ao Wharf.

There is a boat every 20 minutes, with a round-trip ticket of 35 yuan/person; the boat departure time is 7:10-17:30 in winter (10.1- 5.31 of the following year) and 7:10-18:30 in summer (6.0-9.30).

Gulangyu Island is a small island full of literature and art. The people on the island are very leisurely and have opened many romantic shops. The piano museum on the island is particularly beautiful, and the church and villas are good. The alley inside is deep, full of classical atmosphere, and has a romantic atmosphere. Seafood is cheap, so it is best to avoid holidays and go there.

(Gulangyu buildings)

Gulangyu Island is located in the southwest corner of Xiamen Island, only separated from Xiamen City by a 600-meter-wide Lujiang River. It can be reached in 5 minutes by ferry. The climate on the island is pleasant and like spring all year round. There are no noisy horses and horses, but there are birds singing and fragrant flowers. It is known as the "Garden on the Sea". The island is well preserved with many buildings with various Chinese and foreign architectural styles, including traditional Chinese temples with flying eaves and upturned corners, small and exquisite Japanese houses, consulates of former Western countries in the 19th century European style, and the "World Architecture Expo".

Gulangyu is also a large number of musical talents. The density of pianos ranks highest in the country. It is also known as the "Island of Pians" and "Hometown of Music". Gulangyu was originally a quiet island. The island's folk customs are simple and simple. The slow life and small freshness it presents attract Chinese and foreign tourists.

(Gulangyu Beach)

There are many interesting places in Gulangyu, such as Riguang Rock, Shuzhuang Garden, Haoyue Garden, Underwater World, Piano Museum, etc. However, because time is limited, we can choose a few of the most representative attractions.

sunlight rock

The scenery of Riguangyan looks beautiful, but the shortcoming is that there are too many people. You can climb the rocks to see the coastal scenery, and climb the beautiful scenery of Gulangyu. The beautiful sea garden is in front of you. It's good to watch the sunrise here, and the coupon for scenic spots is also very affordable.

(Gulangyu Riguangyan Observation Platform, overlooking the entire Gulangyu Island)

Riguang Rock is located in the south of the middle of Gulangyu Island in Xiamen City. It is built by two huge rocks, one vertical and one horizontal, with an altitude of 92.7 meters and is the highest peak of Gulangyu Island.

Riguang Rock is commonly known as "Iwazi Mountain" and also known as "Iwayan". Legend has it that in 1641, Zheng Chenggong came to Iwayan and saw that the scenery here was better than Japan's Nikko Mountain, so he took apart the word "Iwayan" and called it "Riguang Rock." The Riguangyan Tourist Area consists of two parts: Riguangyan and Qinyuan. The rock top platform is not big, surrounded by railings, like a "hanging basket" rising into the sky.

(Riguang Rock overlooks Gulangyu)

shuzhuang garden

Shuzhuang Garden was originally the private villa of Regal Lin Erjia, but was later donated as a garden for tourists to visit. The interior of the garden is more atmospheric, which is different from the graceful beauty of Suzhou gardens. There is also a piano museum inside, where piano exhibitions from various eras are pleasing to the eye.

(Shuzhuang Garden)

Haoyue Park

Haoyue Garden is located in the east of Gulangyu Island. It was built to commemorate Zheng Chenggong's historical achievements in expelling the Heyi and recovering Taiwan. Its name comes from the word "Haoyue" in Zheng Chenggong's poem "I can't sleep when I miss the monarch, and the bright moon shines through the plain curtain."

The most eye-catching thing in the park is the statue of Zheng Chenggong, which is 10 times taller. It is said that since the statue was built, Xiamen has basically not suffered any typhoon disasters. Haoyue Garden is very close to Xiamen Island and is the best place to watch and shoot the Jinmao Twin Towers.

(Haoyue Garden Beach)

Gulangyu cuisine

Yikou Benyangcai

A bite of Benyang dishes can be tested by the name."Benyang" means local. Yikou Benyang Cuisine is a landmark restaurant for Gulangyu's local cuisine. It is said that this house was built in 1930 and is very similar to the Republic of China. The temperament accumulated by time is really difficult for new buildings to imitate. The decoration is simple and simple, very Republic of China style, and the store also has a piano, which is very consistent with the atmosphere of Gulangyu, a music island, and worthy of the name of Gulangyu's most beautiful restaurant. The store specializes in exquisite Fujian cuisine and Hong Kong seafood. Its signature seafood braised noodles taste excellent and is one of the must-eat restaurants in Gulangyu.

Address: No. 59, Anhai Road, Gulangyu

Shao Ziya Gong Wan Fish Ball

The Chinese time-honored brand is a symbol of the inheritance of Chinese folk craftsmanship. Shao-style fish balls are truly raw, and the hand-made balls are strong and delicious. The facade decoration style has strong southern Fujian cultural characteristics and has been passed down from generation to generation. The service attitude also has the hospitality of southern Fujian people. The shrimp meatballs are beaten with fresh shrimp. They are very fresh and tender and smooth. The soup is very light, and a lot of pepper is sprinkled to highlight the meatiness of the shrimp meatballs and fish balls.

Address: No. 178, Longtou Road, Gulangyu

Zhongshan Road

After visiting Gulangyu, you can take a boat back at Sanqiutian or Neicuo 'ao Wharf. Not far from getting off the boat is Zhongshan Road. The Chinatown on Zhongshan Road is particularly beautiful at night, with a strong Nanyang style, and a clean street. There are also many snacks and delicious food. The taste smells tempting.

Located in the southwest of Xiamen Ludao, it was built in 1925. It is one of the "seven horizontal" of the "four vertical and seven horizontal" streets in Xiamen. Since its opening, it has been Xiamen's economic center. Zhongshan Road is currently a relatively complete old city district in Xiamen that displays modern historical features. It has many cultural monuments such as Xiaozouma Road, Chen Huacheng's former residence, and the First Holy Hall of China.

Zhongshan Road is also currently the only commercial street in the country that has direct access to the sea. The Nanyang arcade buildings, the dazzling LED night view, the dazzling array of Fujian and Taiwan specialty snacks, and the ancient Nanyin echoing in the alleys and neighborhoods make up its distinctive style.

The buildings on Zhongshan Road are all arcade towers. Arcade towers are an architectural form that combines European architecture with the characteristics of Southeast Asia. They were introduced to Gulangyu and Xiamen about after the Opium War. This building has a strong Nanyang style, with pink and milky white being the main colors. After the baptism of time, the mottled walls and ancient wooden windows add a unique charm to the arcade.

Zhongshan Road Cuisine

Shangqing Mincai Seafood Food Stall

"Shangqing" means the freshest thing in southern Fujian, and eating seafood is fresh and delicious. Datong Road is the representative street of old Xiamen and has a history of hundreds of years, and Shangqing has been rooted in Datong Road for more than 20 years. From the earliest Fujian cuisine and seafood stalls to steamed seafood, the essence of traditional Fujian cuisine and seafood soy sauce is preserved. The essence of steamed seafood is a seafood hot pot that uses steaming method, which restores the most authentic taste of seafood ingredients. It uses steaming to lock in the umami and quickly cook it and dip it in simple vinegar soy sauce. It is evaluated by foodies as the best steamed seafood in Xiamen.

Address: No. 5 Datong Road

Taro Bao Wang Southern Fujian Tea House

Northerners eat dumplings during the New Year, and southerners eat taro buns during the New Year. The time is vague, and the older generation in Xiamen still likes to eat taro buns during the New Year. Taobao Wang Minnan Tea House has been passed down through four generations, changing years and unchanged tastes. There are dried bean curd, braised pork, shrimp, abalone, scallops, etc. The stuffing is rich, and it tastes fresh with Q bombs. The taro aroma is strong. It is paired with sweet spicy sauce and mashed garlic, as well as shredded sour radish. It tastes unique.

Address: No. 27 Dayuan Road

Palace Moon Shrimp Pancake

The signature product of the Internet celebrity shrimp cake, I have read the introduction of shrimp cake in many strategies. Two thin layers of egg skins are wrapped in shrimp paste. It is said that horseshoe has been added, put into the oil pan, fished, cut 4 times, and add Sweet and spicy sauce, a simple process produces a not simple shrimp cake. When you bite it in one bite, the outside is crisp and tender inside. The horseshoe is really not added for nothing! It was a lot more refreshing all of a sudden.

Address: No. 212 Zhongshan Road

Nanwangzhai Shacha Noodles

Zhongshan Road is a very popular chain Shacha Noodle Store, and its business is very hot. Nanwangzhai is almost a Xiamen snack concentration camp on Zhongshan Road. Nanwangzhai Shacha noodles are salty, fresh and slightly sweet, and the soup color is bright and red, delicious and delicious. There are also many Xiamen specialty snacks in the store, such as roasted meat dumplings, five-spice strips, peanut soup, and oyster fried. You should not miss out on food.

Address: No. 109 Zhongshan Road

DAY 2: Shapowei-Maojie-Xiamen University-Zeng Cuoan

Shapowei

Shapowei is less than two kilometers away from Xiamen University. The place name comes from the fact that it used to be the end of a large sandy beach, and sand from all over the place would flow here. Because there is a sheltered dock here, it gradually became a dock for fishing boats to berth, and it gradually formed an area mainly devoted to fishing boat repair and fish product processing. In recent years, urban functions have been adjusted, typhoon docks no longer berth ships, and sand slopes have gradually declined and become old.

Five years ago, a group of young people came to the deserted Shapowei and seemed to have pressed an activation button. Today, youth culture is intertwined with marine culture, southern Fujian culture, and old city culture in this neighborhood. Young people are more involved in community development. Shapowei has become a social comprehensive area for young people in Xiamen.

cat Street

Ding 'aozai is a small street next to Xiamen University. Many fishermen used to live there, and the smell of fish fed cats on the street. It was later turned into Cat Street. Ding 'ao Tsai Cat Street has various small shops with petty bourgeoisie sentiments. Here, the old Xiamen life atmosphere and fashion vitality blend together. Strolling through the long Ding' ao Tsai Cat Street, comfort and comfort are everywhere.

This place is full of cat culture, with cat graffiti on the walls, cat statues everywhere, and lazy and lovely kittens wandering around the roadside, basking in the sun and yawning, making it very comfortable. I highly recommend friends who like cats to come and play.

Xiamen University

Xiamen University is known as one of the most beautiful universities in the South. The campus has classic buildings, a beautiful campus environment and quiet small roads. The school is very close to the beach and the white sandy beach next to it is very beautiful. Apart from the natural scenery, the third floor of the Furong Restaurant on campus is delicious.

(Xiamen University Furong Lake)

Xiamen University is surrounded by mountains and seas. The main gate is close to the gate of Nanputuo Temple Scenic Area. On the other side is the beautiful seaside beach and the Huli Mountain Fort. It is known as "one of the most beautiful campuses in China." There are scenic spots such as Furong Lake, Lovers Valley, Furong Tunnel on campus, which are quiet and romantic.

(Furong Tunnel)

(Furong Tunnel)

Regardless of the natural scenery, the buildings of Xiamen University are also worth appreciating. The old buildings here are described as "wearing a suit and wearing a bamboo hat", which means the combination of Chinese and Western styles.

Delicious food from Xiamen University and Shapowei

Mangoes are very yellow

One of the most popular online stores that must check in Xiamen is the Xiamen Mango Drink Chain Brand. It is a store that is very attractive by its name. The entire store is mainly mango yellow, giving people a strong visual impact and a strong sense of summer. The products are naturally dominated by mangoes, and the high face value and the spoof quotes on the bottle have attracted a large number of young trendy people.

Address: 3rd Floor, Shimao Twin Towers

213 Seafood Food Stall (Shapowei Store)

213 Seafood Stall can be regarded as an old-timers in Xiamen's seafood catering industry. Xiamen locals who like seafood know their home. Business is very hot, and meal times are basically hard to find. For seafood fans, it is a restaurant that has to be eaten even in line. The ingredients of this store are mainly seafood, with authentic taste and affordable prices. The layout of the store is square, simple and generous, bright and clean. It is the old Xiamen style, which makes people feel very friendly.

Address: 213 University Road

Zeng CuO an

Zengcuo is the most beautiful fishing village in Xiamen, with convenient transportation, relatively quiet and leisurely, and a strong commercial atmosphere. The beach is clean and the sunset is beautiful. You can watch the beautiful sunrise and feel the romantic rural atmosphere. Snacks, fruits, and seafood are quite abundant, so I recommend shaolao.

It is located in the southeast of Xiamen Island. Zengcuo 'an was originally a fishing village in Linhai. In recent years, with the acceleration of Xiamen's urbanization process and the improvement of infrastructure, the number of tourists has increased. Family hotels have rapidly emerged, with an annual tourist flow of nearly 3 million.

There are very few villages in the world that accommodate so many customs and beliefs: not only are the four religions of Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam complete, but there is also Xiamen's unique and fragrant folk worship of Holy Mother. It can be regarded as a very representative original ecological natural village in southern Fujian.

Zengcuo 'an Cuisine

Aliyuan Restaurant

Gangzhen is indeed worthy of being the Zengcuo 'an Seafood Store. There are so many restaurants here, but I feel that this one is more practical. In indoor stalls, most of the dishes are steamed and boiled, reflecting the delicious flavor of seafood ingredients. The price is clearly marked. When ordering, the boss will also advise you more or less, and which to mix with them. It is very conscientious! Recommend the seafood platter, a dozen oysters, 4 scallops, and the green one that cannot be named. It is very cost-effective.

Address: No. 9 Wenqing Street, Zengcuo 'an

Baopo Braised fresh grass

Badu is one of the earliest and most local cold drink shops in Xiamen. The signature roasted fairy grass is 7 yuan per cup, attracting countless tourists to check in.

Address: Wenqing Street, Zengcuo 'an