Overall Score
On the coast of the Gulf of China, the city of Xiamen is located in the Gulf of China. It occupies an area of islands and a part of the coastline located between Jiangsu and Yiuzhengzhou.
The old part of the city occupies the southwestern part of the eastern frontier of Xiamen just outside Lake Yongdang. In the past, the small island of Gulunyuyu was home to a number of foreign missions, the residences of wealthy merchants, and a few administrative buildings. Now it is home to a heritage museum, whose exhibits can be used to trace the history of commerce in these parts.
The city began its history in the mid-14th century, during the period of the Ming dynasty. Over time, merchants from various countries settled in its territory. Among them were the Portuguese and the Spanish, followed by the Dutch and the English.
In the period of the dignity of Jánu, the quarters of the port were often hidden from the authorities by the pirate courts. In the middle of the 17th century, the city was owned by the pirate Cheonghongun for several years. Here he was preparing to invade China. In 1843 the port area was opened for trade with all countries. After that, many foreign merchants began to settle in the island. The most important commodity for trade in those days was tea.
The old town has a number of distinctive features. These include Tsimime, a small university town. Every year, the ancient tradition is to hold a boat race. They are held during the festivals Dragons Boats Festival. The temple of South Pójo, dedicated to Góóyna, the God of Mercy, has a remarkable architecture. A religious institution rises on the peak of Olallo.
South of the city is the Nanunputo Buddhist temple. It is 1,000 years old. It was built under the Tang dynasty. Not far from the church is the building of the Seymour University. The Museum of Anthropology has a unique collection of porcelain, ceramic, and nonferrite objects. There are lots of coins, ancient artists paintings, and marvelous caligraphy preserved here. All of the objects are from the period of the Chinese dynasties.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 71 US AQI Moderate. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- Tap water: No, not drinkable
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 2,100,000 people
- GDP: $8,126 / year
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 2 Mbps Internet in Xiamen is fast averaging 16 Mbps but the Great Firewall slows down speeds to foreign websites by 8x to 2 Mbps.
- Best wireless: China Mobile
- Pay without cash: No, cash only esp. for foreigners because WeChat is very hard to set up
- Tipping: Tipping in China is generally uncommon and can even be considered rude or embarrassing in some circumstances. Seriously. Leaving money on a table in an authentic restaurant may confuse a staff member or cause them stress. … Even worse, gratuity is illegal in airports and some establishments.
- Apartment listings: Ganji
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: Didi
- Best short-haul air carrier: Hainan
- Best intl air carrier: China Southern Airlines
- Monthly costs for expat: $1300
- Monthly costs for family: $3000
- Monthly costs for local: $850
- Meal: $4.5
- Small Cola: $0.6
- Beer 1 Pint: $3.5
- Coffee: $5
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