Xiamen: A Rendezvous with Mountains, Sea, and Art

“The city is on the sea, and the sea is in the city,” Xiamen is like a dazzling pearl embedded on the coast of the East China Sea. This summer, I embarked on a memorable seaside journey to this land full of poetry and romance. 🌅 Gulangyu Island: A Symphony of Time The first stop was Gulangyu Island. Taking a boat to the island, the sea breeze caressed my face, carrying a salty, damp scent. Stepping onto this artistic island felt like entering a painting from a bygone era. From Sunlight Rock, I overlooked Xiamen's entire coastline. The boundless sea merged with the blue sky, and at that moment, all worries were cast aside. Wandering through Gulangyu's streets and alleys, European, Chinese, and Nanyang-style buildings were scattered harmoniously, each carrying a unique history. The aroma of coffee and melodious music wafted from the roadside shops, as if time itself had slowed down. 🌳 Xiamen Botanical Garden: The City's Emerald City On the second day, I visited Xiamen Botanical Garden. In the rainforest world, mist swirled, as if I were in a fairyland. Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, forming golden beams, like a dreamlike stage. The succulent plant area presented another marvelous sight, with giant cacti and succulents of various shapes, making one marvel at the wonders of nature. Strolling through it, I felt like I was exploring a green world, with every view captivating me. 🏝️ Island Ring Road: A Romantic Coastal Journey Cycling along the Island Ring Road was my most enjoyable time in Xiamen. The sea breeze blew gently, the coconut groves by the road swayed gracefully, sunlight spilled onto the golden sand, and waves gently lapped the shore, playing a beautiful melody. I sometimes stopped to leave footprints on the sand, and sometimes paused to admire the beautiful sea view, feeling the vastness and inclusiveness of the ocean. The sunrise at Huangcuo Beach was even more unforgettable. The sky turned a fish-belly white, and gradually, the sun slowly rose from the horizon, painting the entire sky orange-red. At that moment, I was awestruck by the grandeur of nature. 🍜 Food Journey: Xiamen on the Tip of My Tongue Xiamen's cuisine was an indispensable part of this trip. At the Eighth Market (Bashi), I tasted authentic Minnan snacks. Satay noodles, with their rich satay broth, smooth noodles, and abundant seafood and meatballs, made every bite delightful; Sea worm jelly (Tusundong), crystal clear with a chewy texture, paired with a special sauce, offered a unique flavor; And oyster omelet (Hailijian), where fresh oysters perfectly blended with eggs and sweet potato flour, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with an overflowing aroma. Every dish was filled with Xiamen's local charm, leaving me with endless aftertastes. On this trip to Xiamen, I not only enjoyed the beautiful natural scenery and felt the strong artistic atmosphere but also tasted authentic local delicacies. Every moment became a precious memory in my heart. Xiamen is like an endless book; every time I open it, there's a new surprise. I look forward to my next reunion with it.