Xiamen & Gulangyu - Fujian Province

The island city of Xiamen has an old colonial charm about it due to its history as one of the treaty ports opened up by the British in the mid-19th century. Since becoming one of the first cities in China to be designated a Special Economic Zone, Xiamen has now grown into a flourishing, affluent, modern city. Its most interesting quarter is the bustling waterfront area known for its small side streets and traditional style housing. Opposite lies the island of Gulang Yu which is a worth a visit to see the colonial legacy of Western churches, post offices and schools which fill the narrow and relaxed streets.