A Magical Trip to Xiamen with My Daughter
In 2020, my daughter, a 6 – year – old girl full of curiosity about the world, often asked me questions that made me think deeply. She wondered if toys had life, and was concerned that her old toys might feel sad when new ones came. She also showed great care for the life of grass. Her innocent and sensitive thoughts really touched me.
As her birthday in May and the new school term in September were approaching, I wanted to find a special gift for her. She loves the sea, with its vastness and freedom, and she is also fond of playing house and all things related to the princess dream, like Disney castles and spinning carousels.
After careful consideration, I chose Xiamen. This city, which combines romance, culture, and science, seemed to be the perfect place for her to explore and have fun.
Itinerary
- Day 1: From Chongqing to Haiti Memorial Park, Shapowei, and Bay Park
- Haiti Memorial Park: This place is a hidden gem. It’s a free – entry location that perfectly recreates the seaside railway scene from the Japanese anime Spirited Away. To get there, you need to navigate to Haiti Memorial Park and get off at the Haiti Monument. After passing through the security booth (just tell the guard you’re there for a quick photo – shoot), you’ll find this amazing spot. There are not only the seaside railway but also other great photo – taking locations nearby. For example, there is a small gap that leads to a beach. The old fishing boats on the shore and the small holes made by hermit crabs add a lot of fun. It’s best to go around 5 pm when the light is softer.
- Shapowei: It’s a place where the old Xiamen meets the new trend. Here, you can feel the nostalgia of the old fishing village while experiencing the fresh and artistic atmosphere. The Art West Area in Shapowei is a paradise for taking photos. Graffiti walls, advertising walls, and the vintage cars used as food trucks are all great backdrops. My daughter was so excited that she didn’t want to leave. We also visited Oneday Jolly, a four – story aesthetic space. The minimalist decoration with cabin and cave – like designs offers a great view of the fishing port. Each floor has its own charm, from the design – oriented shops on the second floor to the restaurant and coffee shop on the third floor, and the large rooftop terrace on the top. Don’t forget to buy a freshly – made burger downstairs.
- Bay Park: It’s a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy the night view. The sunset over the sea is really beautiful, and as the night falls, the lights on the opposite side of the sea and the Haicang Bridge create a charming scene. You can sit on the stone piers by the shore and feel the gentle sea breeze.
- Day 2: Xiamen Science and Technology Museum and Bashi Night Market
- Xiamen Science and Technology Museum: It has five main theme exhibition halls. In the “Exploration and Discovery” hall, complex scientific principles are presented in an intuitive way. The mirror maze and the time – space tunnel are really interesting. The “Tree and Its Friends” exhibition shows the ecological system in the forest through specimens. The magic ball in the shape of a princess is also very attractive. The “Magnetoelectric Stage” demonstrates the magic of electricity and magnetism. In the “Creation and Civilization” hall, the light and shadow area is a must – visit, with flowers changing on the projection wall and various interactive displays. The “Ocean and Cradle” hall answers many questions about the sea. You can see a 1:1 model of the Jiaolong submersible and experience the “Deep – Sea Elevator”. The “Harmony and Development” hall explores the human body, and the temporary “Mammoth Era” exhibition is a wonderful surprise, allowing you to interact with the pre – historic world.
- Bashi Night Market: Bashi is the oldest market in Xiamen, full of the city’s authentic flavors. The old buildings with the combination of business on the ground floor and residence on the upper floors are very photogenic. The Jizhi Department Store at one of the entrances of Bashi brings new vitality to the old street. Inside, it’s a place full of retro and elegant atmosphere. The seafood in Bashi is fresh and affordable, and there are many seafood processing shops. Seafood congee and pan – fried crabs are highly recommended.
- Day 3: Bashi and Gulangyu Island
- Bashi: We revisited Bashi to buy some souvenirs and enjoy more delicious food.
- Gulangyu Island: As a famous attraction in Xiamen, Gulangyu Island is a place full of history and culture. Although we had some trouble getting off at the right pier at first, as the day went on, we gradually discovered its charm. The old Western consulates and private mansions hidden in the alleys tell the story of modern Chinese history. The sunset on the beach of Gulangyu is really beautiful, and the lighthouse by the sea is a great place for taking photos.
- Day 4: Zhenhaijiao and the Seaview Carousel B&B
- Zhenhaijiao: It’s about an hour’s drive from Xiamen. This place, known as the “Little Kenting”, has a primitive and romantic scenery. The green grass, the black reefs from volcanic eruptions, and the red – and – white lighthouse create a very beautiful picture. There are some photo – taking spots set up by local residents. You can take photos while enjoying some snacks. The swing facing the sea and the old cars are very suitable for taking pictures.
- Seaview Carousel B&B: Near Zhenhaijiao, there are some special B&Bs. The one we stayed in had a 270 – degree sea view room with a pink – and – blue modern decoration style. The rooftop carousel at dusk is incredibly dreamy, and you can also buy fairy wands at the front desk to add more fun to the night.
- Day 5: Return from Zhenhaijiao to Chongqing
This trip to Xiamen was not only a journey for sightseeing but also an opportunity for my daughter to explore the world, ask questions, and find answers. It was a precious memory for both of us, and I hope she can always keep her curiosity and enthusiasm for life.
Xiamen, with its unique charm, offers a wide range of experiences, from the scientific exploration in the museum to the cultural immersion in the old streets, and from the romantic seaside views to the delicious local cuisine. It’s really a place worth visiting.
