Laowai, Laowai – foreigners in Xiamen

Xiamen is one of China's most attractive cities. Situated at the coast of the Fujian Strait this wonderful city with its palm trees, vast beaches and historical architecture attracts many foreigners. People from all over the world come to Xiamen to study, to work or just to spend a nice time here. Everybody experiences his stay differently. After living here for several months I wondered what other people's experience would be like, here in Xiamen.


That's why we talked to people, listened to their stories and are now presenting what we found out. We asked people what it is like for them to be a foreigner here in Xiamen, what they like and what they dislike. Interestingly the most common answer had been: great I like everything here! Most of the people mentioned the beauty of the city to be one of its many advantages. The surrounding nature was another aspect many people appreciate here a lot. Especially the beaches and the beautiful seashore seem to attract foreigners. In contrary to other Chinese cities, Xiamen is mentioned to be particularly clean and unpolluted and blessed with an extremely good climate. Especially the people who lived in other cities in China before appreciate that a lot. Xiamen's image as 'China's cleanest city' definitely seems to work. Foreigners also like the combination of modernity and historical heritage that can be found here in Xiamen. Another point mentioned by almost every single person is the great food, you can enjoy here. Seafood and Xiamen's specialities make Xiamen's cuisine unique and very delicious. All these points and of course, the friendly people turn Xiamen into an incredible attractive place.


Despite all these advantages of living here in Xiamen there are some negative aspects as well, of course. Many people complained about the noise caused by various construction sites, traffic and other things. Due to plans to rebuild and renew several areas of Xiamen, it is pretty noisy outside, above all when you are from outside of China. Others mentioned over-crowded buses and spitting cab-drivers to be negative aspects we should mention. And some people we asked were actually disappointed about Xiamen being not 'that Chinese' than other cities (they complained about the influence of Western culture).


Overall an overwhelming majority of the reactions turned out hardly negative. Most of the people who come from abroad love Xiamen. I can understand why. In my opinion it is this interesting mixture between Chinese traditions, modern Chinese culture and Western influences that make this place so special and attractive.


It is always exciting to experience life in a different culture. Cultural heritage and thousands of years of education lead to these cultural differences that make living abroad so interesting. Daily actions that you have already internalised are strange for people here and the other way around. Finding out about the cultural codes a society is based on and communicate beyond cultural boundaries is really interesting. With all the Western comfort you can profit from, here in Xiamen, this city might be one of the most easiest ones to get to know China and the Chinese. So if you like getting to know Chinese culture and still want to enjoy the luxuries you had back home every now and then (plus other comforts not known back home )– head for Xiamen (one of many reasons to come here)!


Share your experience!

You are a foreigner living in Xiamen? You are interested in exploring the city and getting know all its facets? Take a look at our forum and talk with our growing community of people from all over the world. If you are interested in contributing your own experience to our website or if you would like to write articles on various topics – please feel free to contact us (info@xiamenguide.com)! We are always happy about new ideas, new thoughts and new people to be able to show Xiamen from different point of views, in all its facets.