Xiamen (formerly Amoy and still called E-mng by locals) is one Fujian province's most beautiful coastal cities. Situated at the mouth of Jiulong River(Nine Dragon River), the city of Xiamen encompasses Xiamen Island, Gulangyu Islet and, on the mainland, Tong'an County.

Xiamen's history as a port goes way back: It was the first of the Qing Dynasty treaty ports where foreign merchants were allowed to settle and legally trade with Chinese traders. Today, the legacy of that history—the extensive concession-era villas, townhouses and consulates of Gulangyu—testify to that past. Later in the 20th century, the city became one of China's first special economic zones, leading to rapid development that continues today, though its popularity as a tourist destination only really began to realize its huge potential after the region, which is opposite the Taiwan, was opened up after years as a sensitive military center.

Today, Xiamen's salty sea breezes, sunny days and picturesque scenery draw throngs of Chinese tourists, and it is slowly gaining in popularity among foreign visitors as well. In the heat of the summer, Xiamen's beaches are popular spots to cool off, and though much of the shoreline could use intensive cleanup efforts (there's plenty to remind you that Xiamen is far more than industrial port than beach resort). 

Xiamen is probably best known for Gulangyu, an islet accessible only by ferry located off Xiamen Island's southwestern coast. Cars are forbidden on Gulangyu and foot traffic prevails, although there is a small armada of electric powered golf buggy-style vehicles on hand to whisk leg-weary or less budget conscious tourists between scenic spots.

History

Xiamen, blessed with a deep water ice and silt-free port, has a long history of foreign trade. Trade with Europe first began in the mid 15th century, with tea leaves quickly becoming the primary export.

The is also known as the point of departure for a majority of China's overseas migrant population, with a significant number of Fujianese having departed for nearby Taiwan in the turmoil-heavy years leading up to and immediately following the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

The increase in trade relations and exposure to foreign cultures over the centuries has left its mark on Xiamen—evident today in the city's unique "Sino-Mediterranean" style architecture, local attitudes and hospitality.

In the early 1980's, under the direction of Deng Xiaoping, Xiamen was designated a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and began a new wave of foreign trade and growth. Substantial tax cuts and other incentives lead to an influx of foreign companies and the establishment of a multitude of factories.

In 1999, Xiamen "lost face" on the world stage as the largest corruption scandal in Chinese history was uncovered. Some 200 government officials and members of the local Public Security Bureau were implicated, accused of running a huge smuggling operation whose proceeds were used to fund the building of a film studio and various other constructions, finance the local football team, and invested in a brothel.

Climate

There's basically no bad time to visit Xiamen, but if you plan a dip in the South China Sea, late spring to early autumn would be the best time to visit. The climate is sub-tropical monsoon, so expect summer rains. Average annual temperature is a comfortable 21 º C(70 º F) with highs peaking at just a bit over 38 º C( 100 º F) and lows at 2 º C (36 º F).

Xiamen has the usual selection of accommodation options, from the dank and grimy budget to the ultra plush. You can find hotels all over town, but tourists will probably prefer to be located closer to the downtown area around Zhongshan Lu and the Ferry Terminal. This area tends to be a little more pricey than others, but cheap rooms can be found if you spend a little time looking.

If you arrive in town via the railway station, prepare to be approached by people trying to drag you to a hotel they represent. These guys can be pretty insistent and are known to follow tourists around and even attempt to bargain on their behalf for room prices at hotels (for a small fee). Ignoring these people is well advised, even if you don't have a hotel booked.

Xiamen is a seafood aficionado's paradise. There is, however, no shortage of variety with Sichuan restaurants being quite popular with the locals. Native Fujianese cuisine (or Min cuisine) emphasises the use of fresh seafood, freshwater river fish and shrimp. Other delicacies such as sturgeon, cuttlefish and edible bird's nest are also available in many of Xiamen's seafood restaurants.

Getting Around

Taxi

Taxi fares start at 8 RMB during the day, plus 20% surcharge between 3:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. After the first 3 kilometers (about 1.7 miles), each additional kilometer is between 2 RMB. Taxi stations are often located near bus station, shopping malls or supermarkets. If you are tricked, you can call 0592-5615610 to complain.

Xiamen Kangfu Taxi Co., Ltd
Address: 109 Gugong Road, Xiamen
Tel: 0592-2286093

Xiamen Haixia Taxi Co., Ltd
Address: 4F, No 11-13 Jinhu Road, Xiamen
Tel: 0592-5773888

Bicycle

Xiamen on a bike offers a wonderful round-the-island perspective of this seaside city. Bike rental is available near Xiamen University Baicheng branch, Hulishan, Pearl Bay, International Hostel on Nanhua road, Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center. Rates range from 5-10 RMB/hour for single-seat bicycle and 15 RMB/hour for tandem bicycle, both plus refundable deposits.

Ferry

As the main vehicle for visitors to reach Gulangyu, Xia-Gu dedicated ferry runs exclusively between Xiamen Island and Gulangyu. Operating time is 6:00 a.m. - 23:00 p.m., departing every few minutes. The total route runs 8-10 minutes. One-way rate is 3 RMB plus 1 RMB for upper seats.

Xiamen has four major passengers ferry lines, which are round-the-island line, round-Gulangyu line, west sea line (including destinations like Gulangyu, Huoshaoyu, Dayu and Baozhuyu) and sightseeing line.

Xiamen Steamer Head Office Passenger Travel Co., Ltd
Address: 33 Lujiang Road, Passenger Travel Wharf, Xiamen
Tel: 0592-2125187
Inquiry hotline: 0592-2135051

Car

Xiamen has more than 30 car rental companies including Taicheng, Yingshi, Dongshunfa and Xinnan, which offer varied services according to clients' needs. Rental services include:
Self-drive: clients only need to afford fuel fee
1. Rental with driver: clients can choose experienced drivers
2. Long-term rental: clients can use the rented car for a long period by paying monthly rent plus a small amount of deposit
3. Short-term rental: daily rental, half-day rental, and hourly rental
4. Car entrust: clients can entrust the car rental company with their cars

To and from Xiamen

Air

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport lies 10 km northeast of Xiamen Island. It is the 4th entry and exit airport succeeding Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. It is a national level-2 primary route airport.

Currently there are 34 international and regional routes, covering Europe, Southeast Asia, Korea, Japan, USA, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. There are daily flights between Xiamen and Beijing, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Guangzhou, Guilin, Guiyang, Haikou, Hangzhou, Harbin, Kunming, Nanchang, Nanjing, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Wenzhou, Wuhan, Wuyishan, Xi'an, Putuo Shan, etc.

Inquiry hotline: 0592-5706017, 6028940
Ticket purchasing hotline: 0592-5738816

From airport to city are:
1. Shuttle bus: the shuttle bus station is 3-5 minutes walk west away from the arrival hall. The ticket is 6 RMB each person.
2. Public bus:
No. 27 (Airport to ferry, 1 RMB, last bus: 21:20 p.m.)
No. 37 (Airport to railway station, 1 RMB, 6:30 a.m. – 22:15 p.m.)
No. 41 (Airport to tax-free zone, 1 RMB, 6:30 a.m. – 21:40 p.m.)
No. 81 (Airport to Lotus No. 2 Village, 1 RMB, 6:45 a.m. – 22:05 p.m.)
No. 91 (Airport to conference and exhibition center, 1 RMB, 6:32 a.m. – 21:15 p.m.)
3. Taxi: Fares start at 8 RMB during the day. After the first 3 kilometers (about 1.7 miles), each additional kilomet

Zhongshan Lu is Xiamen's best known shopping area. It's a lovely area featuring Portuguese style architecture with covered sidewalks and a myriad of small stores selling the local specialties—silver and jade jewelery, antiques, calligraphy and, of course, pearls. Shop keepers are always willing to bargain, but you should, as always, beware of fakes.

Other prominent shopping areas can be found on Gulangyu, Xiahe Lu and the area adjacent to Xiamen University and Nanputuo Temple. Most of these places feature the same kinds of products, but rare finds can be made from time to time. Check out the shop on the left of the Nanputuo Temple gate for some really unique Monk-created art.

Following in the footsteps it northern neighbor Shanghai, Xiamen has its own well developed art and entertainment scenes. Local magazines, such as What's On Xiamen, are published monthly keeping the expat community and fashion conscious locals informed of all Xiamen's social events.

Clubs and bars

The nightlife in town is still emerging and many of the town's nightclubs are still typical Chinese style discos blaring the likes of the Vengaboys and vintage Aqua hits such as Barbie Girl. Some local bars and clubs cater to the tastes of the growing expat community offering live music and imported beverages. Head to The Mask or NASA if you're looking for a decent DJ.

Museums

You won't be starved for choice of museums in Xiamen. There are 17 museums in total, not all of which are likely to excite the interest of the average tourist, but you're almost guaranteed of finding something of interest. The Overseas Chinese Museum, the Piano Museum and Xiamen Museum are some of the more popular choices for the mainstream crowd, but enthusiasts might enjoy the the Jinquan Coin Museum in Gulangyu's former British Consulate or the Bridge Museum.