Take a look at the picturesque Old City of Xiamen... and you will discover that not only Gulangyu has got sites that are worth a second look. Especially after visiting other Chinese cities, it is not that hard to spot Xiamen's uniqueness. This becomes clear if you leave the usual streets with skyscrapers and business buildings and go for a walk in the remarkable Old City of Xiamen.





The small winding streets between Xiahe Lu and Siming Bei Lu with their old colonial houses are definitely worth a look. If you look above the small shops spread all over the Old City you will see Mediterranean appearing balconies, stone carvings and all sorts of things that might as well be in a small village in Andalusia. If you leave the main roads you will discover secret little passages and get to know another charming side of Xiamen.


One of the major attractions of walking around the Old City is definitely the marketplace. Crowded, narrow alleys packed with all kinds of food will present another facet of life in Xiamen to you. From fruits, vegetables over rice and incense sticks to living ducks, chicken, turtles and various other things.





It is really amazing to watch all the busy life going on the streets in the Old City. People are selling stuff, buying things, laughing, eating, and drinking... so, if you get hungry, you can choose between hundreds of little restaurants offering a broad variety of seafood and other delicacies. Somehow or other - spending some time in that part of Xiamen is worthwhile!