Collecting a whole summer between the city and the sea

Every day in Xiamen feels like unwrapping a gift, with little delights around every corner~ ⛩️ Slow moments on Gulangyu Island Step onto the island at dawn, where old villas are draped in bougainvillea, like spilled paint palettes. Sit on a bench in Shuzhuang Garden, listening to melodies drifting from the Piano Museum—even the breeze carries tenderness. Cats curl up on stone steps in the alleys, yawning in the sun. Tiptoe past, careful not to disturb their dreams 🐱 🍜 The lively buzz of Baxi Market The aroma hooks you the moment you step in! Grandma’s freshly fried oyster fritters sizzle in the pan—bite into one hot, and the burst of umami floods your mouth. Around the corner, slippery sea worm jelly pairs perfectly with garlic sauce, refreshing with every bite. Stroll the alleys with hands full of snacks, pockets brimming with joy 🥢 🌿 The Zen of Nanputuo Temple Red walls and yellow tiles hide in the greenery, incense mingling with the scent of plants. Sit by the lotus pond, watching koi fish dart, their tails shattering sunlight on the water. The temple’s vegetarian dishes, like the Luohan stew, are rich with mushrooms and bamboo shoots. On your way out, grab a string of vegetarian cookies—their sesame aroma lingers all the way 🍘 🎨 The artsy charm of Jimei School Village Dragon Boat Pond gleams like green glass, with the striking red of Kah Kee’s architecture on the opposite shore. Sit on the stone steps, watching students pedal by, their bike bells chiming. Hunt for old picture books in a secondhand bookstore, where the owner might gift you a cup of herbal tea. At dusk, the bridge arches glow gold—hard to resist staying just a little longer 📖 🍧 Sweet must-tries ✔️ Old-school red bean popsicles—icy, creamy, a bite of childhood nostalgia ✔️ Four-fruit soup with agar jelly—bouncy and refreshing, perfect with watermelon ✔️ Mochi dusted with peanut powder—chewy, sweet, and heartwarming 💡 Wandering tips Wear comfy shoes—Xiamen’s alleys are best explored slowly. Pack a small umbrella for shade or sudden drizzles. Toss a notebook in your bag to jot down favorite spots~ Xiamen is like a cup of mellow oolong tea—sip slowly to savor its hidden sweetness. Every lane, every whiff of fragrance seems to whisper, “Stay a little longer”~ 🏮