Xiamen (11 July 2024) - 中山路步行街 (Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street)

中山路步行街 (Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street) has been a central part of Xiamen since the early 20th century and has witnessed the city's transformation over the decades. Today, it stands as a symbol of Xiamen's blend of old and new, with traditional architecture side by side with modern stores. This bustling street, the city's main shopping hub, is lined with an array of shops, old-style buildings, and neon lights, creating a lively atmosphere that's perfect for a night out.

As we wandered through the vibrant crowd, we stumbled upon a small, unassuming stall with a modest line of people queuing up. This was how we chanced upon 啊柳春卷 (A Liu Spring Rolls), a hidden gem popular for its spring rolls. These spring rolls were different from what we were used to in Singapore—stuffed with a mix of fresh, crunchy vegetables and savory fillings, then fried to a perfect golden brown. The first bite was a burst of flavors and textures that left us craving more. Each roll was a little parcel of goodness, crispy on the outside and packed with deliciousness on the inside.

Next, we came across 豪香里脊肉串 (Hao Xiang Li Ji Rou Chuan), where we indulged in some of the best meat skewers we've ever tasted. This street food favorite serves up juicy, tender pork skewers that are grilled to perfection. The meat was marinated just right, with a balance of sweet and savory flavors that made it impossible to stop at just one.

Our final stop was 黄则和 (Huang Ze He), a historic eatery that has been a staple in Xiamen since 1945. This place is renowned for its peanut soup, and we were eager to find out why. As soon as we took our first sip of the warm, creamy soup, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The taste was comforting, bringing back memories of the homemade soup my mum used to make (Except that it's savory instead of sweet). In addition to peanut soup, Huang Ze He now offers a variety of street foods such as dumplings and oyster omelets, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Xiamen flavors.

As our night ended, we have enjoyed some unforgettable street food and our visit left us full and satisfied, with a true taste of Xiamen's culinary charm.

Xiamen (10 July 2024) - 八市 (Ba Shi Market) / 胡里山炮台 (Hulishan Fortress)

We intended to visit the botanical garden for the day, but on the way, we noticed patches of dark clouds forming in the sky. Fearing that it might rain, we decided to cancel and postpone our trip. Instead, we made our way to the famous local market, 八市 (Ba Shi / No.8 Market). This bustling market is a vibrant hub in Xiamen, offering a wide variety of goods ranging from fresh seafood to local fried snacks. We tried the famous 阿杰五香 (Ah-jie Wuxiang), a fried roll with pork fillings, which was delicious. We also sampled buns from 蕙源面包店 (Huiyuan Bakery), which had an old-school taste reminiscent of traditional Singaporean buns.

After exploring the market, we took a bus to 胡里山炮台 (Hulishan Cannon Fort), an old coastal fortress built during the Qing Dynasty that once protected the city of Xiamen. The fortress visit was fascinating as we learned about Xiamen's history as an important port city. The fort features historical exhibits, including ancient cannons, and offers panoramic views of the coastline.

From the fort, we could take a coastal walk to 曾厝安 (Zeng Cuo An). The walk along the coast was pleasant, offering beautiful sea views. Zeng Cuo An is a popular tourist attraction with narrow lanes filled with shops and eateries. It is known for its charming mix of traditional and modern elements, featuring quaint houses, vibrant street art, and a variety of food stalls and boutique shops. Unfortunately, I felt it was overly touristy, with many shops selling similar items. Despite this, the place has much potential and could be developed into a trendy café area similar to Ikseon-dong in Seoul.

After dinner, we walked along the beach and saw many visitors exploring the low tide sands as the sun was setting, probably looking for crabs (赶海 / Chasing the sea). We chanced upon a musical section of the beach known as 音乐广场 (Music Square). This area is famous for providing a space for budding singers to perform, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. The square, with its live performances and beautiful seaside views, was a perfect end to our day.

We made it to the fort!!

Xiamen (9 July 2024) - 南普陀寺 (Nanputuo Temple) / 顶奥仔猫街 (Ding'aozai Cat Street)

Our flight was at 07:50. We arrived at the airport around 5:45 AM. Check-in was smooth and easy, and we proceeded to the SATS Lounge for an early breakfast. The quality and selection of the food were good.

Boarding was also smooth. The flight was a bit bumpy at times, but there were no major incidents. We landed at the scheduled time of 12:15 PM at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport. From the airport, we went to the public bus stop outside to take a local bus to our hotel.

Our hotel is conveniently located next to the 连扳 (Lianban) Metro station in the 思明 (Siming) district. The Lianban area is a bustling and dynamic part of the city, known for its modern infrastructure and vibrant lifestyle. It is a key commercial hub in Xiamen, with a couple of shopping centers, upscale boutiques, and a variety of dining options ranging from local street food to international cuisines. The neighborhood is always buzzing with activity, making it a lively place to stay. The presence of the metro station makes it incredibly convenient to access other parts of the city, adding to the appeal of this centrally located area.

After a short rest, we decided to take a bus to 南普陀寺 (Nanputuo Temple). Nanputuo Temple is a renowned Buddhist temple with a rich history dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It is known for its grand architecture, serene atmosphere, and beautiful gardens. The temple complex includes several halls, each with intricate carvings and statues. In the main hall, the three principal deities worshipped are the Buddhas of the Three Ages: Sakyamuni (the Present Buddha), Amitabha (the Buddha of Infinite Light), and Bhaisajyaguru (the Medicine Buddha). The temple also features a library with ancient Buddhist texts and a peaceful pond filled with lotus flowers. It was about a 1-hour journey, and we saw many sights of the city along the way. We had a simple vegetarian lunch at the temple and then visited the main halls. There was a small hill at the back of the temple, but unfortunately, it was closed during our visit.

We then made our way to the famous local street, 顶澳仔猫街 (Ding'aozai Cat Street). Ding'aozai Cat Street is a unique and charming area in Xiamen known for its cat-themed shops, cafes, and numerous colorful murals. This quirky street is a must-visit for cat lovers, offering a variety of cat-themed souvenirs, accessories, and artwork. The street is lined with cozy cat cafes where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while playing with resident cats.