XIAMEN

Xiamen is a Chinese city boasting a population of 4 million people, and has recently become a destination for cruise ships. 

Chinese travelers have long been fond of Xiamen’s seaside promenade, the European architecture, and the island of Gulangyu just off the coast. Now international travelers, such as yourself, can experience the city’s charms. 

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The cruise port is centrally located, but most cruise lines will still offer a shuttle to the central downtown district based around Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street in addition to readily available taxis. 

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Sites of interest in Xiamen include the Wanshi Botanical Gardens, Shapowei Art Zone, the Hulishan Fortress, and the Nanputuo Temple. Consider a trip to Gulangyu, a small island off the coast that draws in 10 million annual visitors, one of China’s most frequented tourist attractions. Gulangyu was once a residence for westerns during Xiamen’s colonial past, which is evident in its European architecture and the odd, yet popular Piano Museum.

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Another travel opportunity for those willing to venture further is a trip to Quangzhou, which is located 58 mi/ 94 km to the northeast. Quangzhou was China’s major port for foreign trade between the 11th and 14th centuries. As a result, it has a unique blend of religious architecture ranging from Buddhist and Hindu Temples, to Islamic Mosques, to Christian Churches. 

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If Xiamen is the ship’s first Chinese port of the cruise, note that there may be a long immigration process. So we recommend having a couple travel options in mind in the event of leaving the ship later than expected.