Xiamen

Walking out of the plane in Xiamen airport we got another reminder why we actually moving back to Greece after this holiday.

China, weather-wise, is very much like Europe. It is cold and moody in the north but sunny and happy in the south. The nice warm breeze from the sea as we arrived in Xiamen put a smile in our faces.

Xiamen is one of the first cities that open its boundaries to the west and although it is not completely westernised like Hong Kong, it has strong influences from outside China.

This island is officially the model city for the rest of China for the future and from what we have seen so far, the future looks bright.

People here seem happier which makes them more polite. We were shocked to see people actually waiting in traffic lights and drivers stop on pedestrian crossings.

Here, except from one temple and a big garden there is not much touristy things to do but it is perfect for relaxing for a few days which is what we are looking for right now.

We had booked in a hotel in the middle of the old centre near the port where we relaxed for a couple of days walking around the waterfront enjoying the weather, the see and the food.

Guide books and local people here say that a visit to Xiamen is not complete without a trip to a small island nearby called Gulangyu.

This is a 2 square Km island; 5 minutes away from Xiamen, a perfect break from the city’s noise (there are no cars or motorbikes allowed on the island).

As you walk around you can actually hear the birds and sound of the sea with the occasional sound of someone spiting his guts out (well we are still in China after all).

One day was enough to recharge our batteries and empty our wallet (this escape does not come cheap as it is a trap for tourists and locals and also we happen to be there on Valentines’ day). We are taking an overnight bus to Shenzhen. China’s manufacturing hub which is on the boarders with Hong Kong. Our circle in China is almost complete…