After a few days of intense summer heat, we decided to visit the museums today to escape the heat. First up was the 厦门市博物院 (Xiamen Museum). Located in Xiamen, this museum is a cultural treasure trove, offering a deep dive into the history and heritage of the city. We were fortunate to catch a special exhibition on Wu Zetian, the first and only female emperor of China.
The exhibition on Wu Zetian was incredibly fascinating. Wu Zetian (624-705 AD) rose to power during the Tang Dynasty and ruled as the emperor from 690 to 705 AD. Her journey to the throne was marked by significant challenges and struggles in a largely patriarchal society. The exhibition highlighted her political acumen, reforms, and the controversies surrounding her reign, providing a nuanced view of her legacy. Additionally, the standard exhibition at the museum showcases the history of Xiamen, including artifacts and stories of many successful residents who have contributed to the city's development.
Next, we headed to the 华侨博物院 (Overseas Chinese Museum). This museum is dedicated to the history of Chinese emigration, particularly during the 1800s and 1900s when many left China due to war, famine, and instability. The museum offers a poignant look at the lives of these immigrants, who sought better opportunities in Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. Many of these immigrants found success and made significant contributions to their adopted countries. Some returned to China and played pivotal roles in its modernization and development. The museum features personal stories, photographs, and artifacts that illustrate the hardships and triumphs of these immigrants, highlighting their enduring connection to their homeland.
After our museum visits, we found ourselves with some spare time before dinner and decided to take a quick detour to the nearby Railway Cultural Park, known locally as 铁路文化公园. This unique walkway is a hidden gem in Xiamen, blending history with nature in a peaceful setting.
The Railway Cultural Park is built along an old railway line that once connected Xiamen to other parts of China. Today, it's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a scenic route for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll. The park's highlight is the 鸿山隧道 (Hongshan Tunnel), a historic railway tunnel that has been beautifully preserved and repurposed as a pedestrian walkway.
We had dinner at 时和利姜母鸭 (Shiheli Jiangmu Duck), a popular (to both locals and tourist) local restaurant known for its specialty dish: ginger duck. This small yet popular eatery is beloved by locals for its flavorful and aromatic ginger duck, which is slow-cooked to perfection. The restaurant’s small and unpretentious atmosphere makes it a favorite spot for a comforting and satisfying meal. The ginger duck was infused with the rich flavors of ginger and herbs, making it a memorable dining experience. Ginger plays a big part in the dish, some would say that it taste better than the duck itself.
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