Destination Guide

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Shanghai
Beijing
Xi'An
Guangzhou
Kunming
Hong Kong
Chengdu
Shenzhen
Qingdao
Xiamen

Shanghai

Most of Shanghai's city center can be explored on foot. This small, intimate city makes it relatively easy to find your way around, but those who come to Shanghai looking for traditional China encounter considerable disappointment. Beijing proves a better city for exploring ancient Chinese buildings and artifacts, but Shanghai's charm comes from its unique colonial past. A sense of nostalgic romanticism and faded glamour lingers in the city, especially in the Old French Concession area where remnants of European architecture face the tree-lined streets.

Beijing

The ancient heart of the People's Republic of China, Beijing literally means the northern capital. All aspects of Chinese life from commerce to culture to of course politics at some time or another must cross this rapidly modernizing city.

     Beijing has a long and tumultuous past--archaeological evidence unearthed nearby indicates that the early hominids known as "Peking Man" inhabited the area some 500,000 years ago. Since then, the city has seen imperial dynasties come and go and has been witness to wars, rebellions, foreign invasions and revolution!
     The earliest records of human settlement in Beijing date back to 1000 BC. During the Warring States Period (453-221 BC) the town of Ji arose, serving as a trade outpost for Mongols, Koreans and other ethnic groups. Ji became the capital of the Kingdom of Yan, and its strategic position led to struggles for control between Mongols and Manchurians.
     In 1215 AD, the capital fell to the Mongolian warlord Genghis Khan and his warriors, during his campaign to build a vast empire. After a seven-year siege the city was destroyed. In its place emerged Khanbaliq (Khan's Town) or Dadu (Chinese for Great Capital)--built in 1267, under the control of Genghis Khan's grandson, Kublai Khan. By 1279, Kublai had conquered all of China (together with most of Asia), becoming ruler of the largest country in history. This reign in China's history is known as the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368).
     In 1368 Zhu Yuanzhang led an uprising against the Mongol Empire and seized Khan's great city. Thus began the Ming Dynasty. Under Zhu's control, the city changed names to Beiping (Northern Peace) and was replaced as imperial capital by Nanjing (Southern Capital) in the south. The demotion did not last long, however. In the early 1400s, Zhu's fourth son, Yong Le, returned capital status to Beiping and renamed the city Beijing (Northern Capital). It was Yong Le who laid the foundations for modern-day Beijing. He built the basic city grid with the Forbidden City as its heart and center. Other famous structures such as the Temple of Heaven and the Bell Tower were built during the reign of Yong Le.
     The Manchus put an end to the Ming in 1644, establishing the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Under the Qing, Beijing was further expanded and modernized with the construction of the Old Summer Palace and the (new) Summer Palace. However, this peaceful period was to end in violent fashion. By the late 18th century, Beijing was subject to foreign invasion from the French and British, followed by anarchy, and local rebellion. The incompetence and corruption of the Qing rulers, especially Empress Dowager Cixi (1834-1908), angered many Chinese and led to the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. Many foreigners were killed and, in retaliation, foreign armies invaded Beijing.
     The Qing Dynasty finally collapsed in 1911. The Kuomintang (Nationalist Party) rose to power and the Republic of China was founded with Sun Yat-sen as president. But the situation did not improve. Warlords and foreigners battled for control, and corruption and poverty were rife. These conditions were ripe for rebellion and change, leading to the growing popularity of Marxism and the formation of the Chinese Communist Party in Shanghai in 1921. The Kuomintang, now under Chiang Kai-shek, allied with the Communists to seize control from the warlords and foreigners and to reunify China. However, a power struggle erupted between them after World War II, leading to civil war. Defeated, Chiang Kai-shek and the Nationalists fled to Taiwan, and on 1 October 1949 the People's Republic of China was formally declared by Mao Zedong from Tiananmen Gate.
     Under Mao's leadership, China struggled to erase the effects of feudalism and colonialism and build a new nation. Mao launched the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), both of which led to disastrous results for Beijing and the country. In an attempt to eradicate all capitalist or exploitative influences, the fanatical Red Guards destroyed temples, monuments and works of art, and persecuted intellectuals and writers. Political infighting and power struggles within the Party further contributed to the chaos, which remained until Mao's death in 1976.
     In 1979, Deng Xiaoping emerged as China's leader, launching a modernization program that emphasized open market reforms, greater contact with the West, and economic growth. Despite the economic reforms, Deng was determined to maintain the communist political ideology. In 1989, student pro-democracy demonstrations at Tiananmen Square turned tragically violent. Since then, Beijing has seen considerable economic change, with the growth of private businesses, rising personal incomes and a construction boom. With the prospect of World Trade Organization membership on the horizon, the future does indeed seem bright for this remarkable, ancient city.

Xi'An

     The city of Xian (population 6 million) was the first Chinese city to open up its doors to the Ancient world, not in 1980 under the "Open Door" policy but in fact during the Tang dynasty when Xian blossomed as the first stop on the Silk Road.
     Over a period of more than 2000 years, Xian was the capital for eleven dynasties. Along with Rome and Constantinople, this city was a world leader in culture and trade and played a vital role in bridging the gap between east and west.
     Many of the sites to visit are outside Xian and the surrounding countryside offers a treasure trove of historical and religious relics. The most famous site is the Terracotta Army, built to protect the Emperor Qin Shi Huang, whose Mausoleum lies close the warriors. Both these sights are to the east of Xian.
     There are other less famous but equally fascinating places worth visiting too. The Famen Temple claims to house the Buddhas fingers and still draws crowds of practicing monks (and tourists) to marvel at the fingers and the Tang dynasty treasures which are kept here. The countryside around Xian is also attractive and there are numerous mountains, including Mount Huashan which are a great break from the city.
     Aside from being a major tourist destination and historical city, today Xian is an important industrial and manufacturing center. Despite the incredible history that Xian carries, it is a modern and prosperous area. The nightlife here is pretty up to date and Xians University is considered to be one of the best in China.
     As a result, the city has a large student population who contribute to the cultural life of the city, making Xian one of the most pleasant cities in China and an ideal place to break the journey between Beijing and Shanghai.

     Xian is one of the oldest cities in the world with a vivid and rich history and culture. It is not only the birthplace of the Chinese Nation, but also the birthplace of human civilization in Asia and the cultural center of prehistoric civilization. As such, Xian has a wealth of historical sites and relics to visit and see and is a great place to introduce yourself to Chinese history.
     It all began (as the story goes) over one million years ago in a little village called Yangshao, which is now held to be one of the first matrifocal societies in the world. In the Bronze age, the Zhou dynasty made their capital near what is now Xian and the area really came to fame under the Emperor Qin Shi Huang when the empire was united with its capital at Xianyang (about 60 km west of Xian). The magnificent Terracotta Army were built during this period to protect the Emperors tomb from eastern invaders.
     The Han dynasty also based themselves here from 206-220 AD and made Xian not only three times bigger than Rome, but an important trade center as the start of the famous Silk Road. In terms of historical and religious relics, the most important age was under the Tang dynasty.
     Tang dynasty treasures are visible today in many of the museums including the great Lintong Museum . The citys role as a breeding ground for revolutionary thought continued into the twentieth century when Chang Kaisheks own troops arrested him here in 1936. Archaeologists believe that there are many more exciting discoveries still to be made in this area which will continue to bring fame and funding to this ancient city.

Guangzhou

    Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong Province and the center of politics, economy, science and technology, education and culture of the Province. Under its jurisdiction are ten districts - Dongshan, Liwan, Yuexiu, Haizhu, Tianhe, Fangcun, Baiyun, Huangpu, Panyu and Huadu, and 2 county-level cities of Zengcheng and Chonghua. Guangzhou covers a land area of 7,344.4 square kilometers with the household registered population of 7,251,900 (permanent residents total 10.15 million), and a daily floating population of 3 million on the average.
     Located in the mid-south of Guangdong, Guangzhou is a regional center in south China in terms of its status as a transportation and telecommunication hub and trading port, known as the southern gateway to China. Guangzhou is a cultural city with a history of more than 2000 years.In the 9th century BC, it was called "Chu Ting" . As early as 226 A.D., Sun Quan -king of the Kingdom of Wu in the period of the Three Kingdoms (220-280) divided Jiaozhou District into two administrative regions, one was still named Jiaozhou and the other Guanghzou, hence name "Guangzhou". A legend has it that in ancient times five celestials riding on five rams holding ears of paddy rice in their months descended on to Guangzhou and gave the rice to the local residents and then they left behind the five rams that afterwards turned into stones. As a result, Guangzhou was also named the City of Ram, City of Ears. It is also called the City of Flowers as flowers can be seen all year round.
     As one of the major hometowns of overseas Chinese in the country, Guangzhou has more than 1.06 million of folks residing abroad, and 880,000 compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao. 1.59 million of returned overseas Chinese, their family members and the relatives of compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao reside in Guangzhou. Guangzhou is endowed with various natural resources and some 52 kinds of minerals can be found here. Out of the total 8.129 billion cubic meters of water reserves, 409,000 KW equivalent of water reserve can be utilized for power generation. Guangzhou has thousands of floras and 210 kinds of wildlife. Its mainstay grain crop is paddy rice with two crops a year. Flowers, vegetables and fruit are the main cash crops here. Furthermore, Guangzhou is a home of fruit yielding some 500 varieties. Litchi, banana, oranges and pineapples are known as the four kinds fine fruit in Guangdong. In addition, Guangzhou is well known for its flowers and potted landscape, such as salisb (michealia),sweet hibiscus, banana-shrub，jasmine, gladiolus, chrysanthemum, kumquat, among others. In 2003, a flower-auction with the largest size and most advanced facilities in Asia was set up in Guangzhou.
     Guangzhou is adorned with hills and streams and attractions of historical relics. It has 156 locations which are listed as units for historical and cultural relics preservation by the national and provincial and municipal governments. The site of shipyard in the Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 206 BC) excavated in the downtown and the imperial garden of Nan Yue in the West Han Dynasty (206 BC - 25) are recognized as China's Top 10 new excavations and are shortlisted in the application for being included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Favorable attractions include Chen Clan Temple, Yuntai Garden (at the foot of Mount Baiyun), Five Rams Stone Sculpture and Zhenhai Tower in Yuexiu Park, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Huanghuagang Park (Cemetery of 72 Martyrs), Hill Lianhua, the downtown bank along the Pearl River, CITIC Plaza (waterfall), Guangzhou Olympic Sports Center, Guangzhou New Gymnasium, Guangzhou Arts Museum, Guangzhou Shangxiajiu Shopping Street, Beijing Road Shopping Street, Six Banyan Temple, Hong Xiuquan's (1814-1864) Residence, Bao Mo Garden, Xiangjiang Safari Park and Chimelong Night Zoo. Out of them, Mount Baiyun, Hill Yuexiu, the Pearl River, Chen Clan Temple , Huanghuagang Park, Axis Line of New City, Olympic Sports Center and Hill Lianhua in Panyu are listed as the Top 8 Attractions in the City of Guangzhou in the new century.

    It is the center of Chinese Lingnan Culture. Cantonese Opera is a typical local opera that enjoys the name of "Nanguo Ruby". With Guangzhou as its center, it is popular in Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asian countries. Guangdong music originated from Guangzhou and the Pearl River Delta. It has absorbed and combined with ancient music from the Central China, popular tune of Jiangnan, Kun Opera, local ballads and rhymes, so it has become a special local folk music. Lingnan painting school is one of China's modern painting schools. Guangzhou's carvings, porcelains and ceramics and embroideries are fine art crafts famous both at home and abroad. Cantonese cuisine with more than 1,000 varieties is one of the major cuisines in China. "Eating in Guangzhou" is well known throughout the world.
     It is rich in popular practices such as holding Spring Flower Festival, flower fairs, dragon boat race, climbing mountain in the Double Ninth Festival, speaking Cantonese, visiting flower market and production base, displaying tangerine, Hiphop dancing, drinking morning tea and night tea, drinking herb tea, and lion playing.
     There are five religious beliefs in this city such as Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Christianity. The main sites for religious activities are Liurong Temple, Sanyuan Taoist Temple, Guangta Temple, Stone Catholic Church and Dongshan Christian Church, etc..

Kunming

Previously known as the Paris of the East, Shanghai was the most vibrant and cosmopolitan city in China. Today, this international metropolis is undergoing an urban revival, quickly regaining its status as a sophisticated and fashionable cultural center.
Most of Shanghai's city center can be explored on foot. This small, intimate city makes it relatively easy to find your way around, but those who come to Shanghai looking for traditional China encounter considerable disappointment. Beijing proves a better city for exploring ancient Chinese buildings and artifacts, but Shanghai's charm comes from its unique colonial past. A sense of nostalgic romanticism and faded glamour lingers in the city, especially in the Old French Concession area where remnants of European architecture face the tree-lined streets.

Hong Kong

    City of the future, boasting an astonishing blend of beautiful mountain parks and vibrant modern architecture. Crowded, chaotic, but always charismatic, Hong Kong remains Asia's ultimate city sensation.
    Nearly seven million people are crammed into the mere 1,100 square kilometres that make up the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). Not just a city of skyscrapers, there is also lush countryside and small rural communities.
    For Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak is the highest point on the island with world-famous views north over the city as well as over the greener southern slopes down to the South China Sea. Clinging onto the northern slopes of the Peak are the prestigious Mid-levels, full of tightly packed, towering blocks of flats. The Mid-levels' steep slopes are best negotiated using the Peak Tram or the Mid-levels Escalator.
    Colonial history and modern architecture vie for attention in Central, the city's vibrant financial hub. At the end of the business day, offices empty as the multitude of international eateries and bars in Lan Kwai Fong and Soho fill with revellers. Almost an extension of Central, Admiralty plays host to the glitzy Pacific Place shopping and hotel complex. For a little rest, Hong Kong Park is a must.
    The old districts of Western and Sheung Wan, with Des Voeux Road West and Western Market in their midst, portray a more traditional scene with shops selling anything and everything Chinese.
    Wanchai is still busy, even after the demise of Suzie Wong. The restaurant and club scene centres around Lockhart Road and the Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts caters for more cerebral entertainment, while the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, the site of the 1997 handover ceremony of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China, sees many trade fairs and rock concerts.
    Happy Valley is home to the Happy Valley Racecourse, with the Queen Elizabeth Stadium nearby. Just across Leighton Hill there is the Hong Kong Stadium, venue of the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens and other sporting events. Causeway Bay is where Hong Kongers go to shop. Beyond the shopping malls there is Victoria Park, the Tin Hau Temple, Aw Boon Haw Gardens and the daily boom of the Noon Day Gun. Further along the coast is the Eastern District. Although largely residential, it still holds a few surprises.
    The south side of Hong Kong Island is a complete contrast to the concrete jungle of the northern shores. Country parks, fishing villages, markets and beaches offer an altogether more relaxed atmosphere.
    Kowloon is flanked to the north by verdant hills forming nine peaks, hence the name which literally means "nine dragons". At the very tip of the Kowloon peninsula lies Tsim Sha Tsui, a tourist magnet with Nathan Road as its focal point. Running between the Clock Tower and Tsim Sha Tsui East is the Waterfront Promenade, with views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island that are every photographer's dream.
    Yaumatei's rural heritage is still evident in its name, which means "place of sesame plants." Although sesame plants are scarce here these days, Yaumatei with its old Tin Hau Temple and Jade Market, is still steeped in tradition. Famous for being one of the world's most densely populated urban areas, Mongkok is also the place for markets of all sorts. The streets are packed with locals and tourists alike, buying anything from clothes and computer goods to flowers and birds.
    Beyond these districts Kowloon becomes more residential. Still noteworthy though are the Kowloon Walled City, the Festival Walk mega-shopping complex, the equally mega Wong Tai Sin Temple and the fishing village at Lei Yue Mun.
    Although the New Territories actually account for almost 3/4 of the Hong Kong SAR region, only about a third of the population lives here, mainly in high-rise new-towns.
    Once a small village famous for incense cultivation, Shatin is now a prime example of such a new-town. Aside from rather dull architecture, Shatin is home to the Shatin Racecourse. The Tsang Tai Uk walled village, Che Kung Temple and Man Fat Monastery also ensure that Shatin is far from becoming a cultural desert. Lion Rock provides panoramic views over both Shatin and Kowloon, whilst Amah Rock is a popular picnicking spot. Tai Po still has a thriving market area with the much-loved Man Mo Temple in its midst. Not far away in Lam Tsuen is the Wishing Tree, its branches heavy with wishes written on colourful paper. Fanling is where the last governor of Hong Kong had his country residence and also where the last tiger of Hong Kong was sighted in the 1950s. Still there is the Fung Ying Sin Koon Temple. Also in the area are the ancestral halls of Tang Chung Ling and Liu Man Shek Tong, as well as the Lok Ma Chau Lookout Point with its views across into mainland China.
    Yuen Long is close to the Tai Fu Tai Mansion, the walled villages of Kat Hing Wai and Shui Tau, and the Mai Po Marshes. At the foot of Tai Mo Shan lies Tsuen Wan, the springboard to the western New Territories.
    More than 200 outlying islands belong to the Hong Kong SAR, but only a small number are inhabited. Amongst the forested hills and hiking trails of Lantau, the territory's biggest island, there is the Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery. Lamma, Hong Kong's third largest island, is home to a large western population. The two main villages are filled with cafes and seafood restaurants. Cheung Chau still has a lively Chinese community with many traditions. Trails cover the island and seafood restaurants line the pier. Peng Chau is small and peaceful. Dining at one of the Western-style open-air restaurants with views over to Lantau is very popular, especially among tourists.

Chengdu

    Chengdu is the capital of "Heavenly State" (Tian Fu Zhi Guo), habitat of giant pandas and city of cotton-rose hibiscus.
    Located in the west of Sichuan Basin and in the center of Chengdu Plain, Chengdu covers a total area of 12.3 thousand square kilometres (4,749 square miles) with a population of over 11 million.
    Benefiting from Dujiangyan Irrigation Project which was constructed in 256 B.C., Sichuan Province is reputed as "Tian Fu Zhi Guo", literally a place richly endowed with natural resources. Chengdu, as the capital, is extremely productive. The Min and Tuo Rivers, two branches of the Yangtze River, connected to forty other rivers, supply an irrigation area of more than 700 square kilometres (270.27 square miles) with 150-180 million kilowatts of water. Consisting of abundant mineral resources, the land is extremely fertile.
    The history of Chengdu can be traced back 2,400 when the first emperor built his capital here and named the city. Through thousands of years its original name has been kept and its position as the capital and as the significant center of politics, commerce and military of the Sichuan area (once called Shu) has remained unchanged. Since the Han (206B.C.-220) and Tang (618-907) Dynasties when its handicraft industry flourished, Chengdu has been famous for its brocades and embroideries. Shu embroideries still enjoy a high reputation for their bright colors and delicate designs, ranking among the four main embroideries in China. Chengdu was the place where the bronze culture, an indispensable part of ancient Chinese culture, originated, the place where the Southern Silk Road started, and the place where the earliest paper currency, Jiaozi (not the dumpling!), was first printed. It is listed among the first 24 state-approved historical and cultural cities and owns 23 state and provincial cultural relic units.
    In addition to its profound historical and cultural background featuring historic places of interest such as the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu , Wuhou Memorial Temple and Wenshu Monastery , etc, natural beauty abounds in surrounding areas such as in the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huang Long Valley (Yellow Dragon Valley) . The natural habitat of giant pandas, Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center , supports the world's only giant panda breeding and research base.
    Sampling the famous Sichuan cuisine is a must on a trip to Chengdu. Enjoying the food as well as the culture, shopping and having tea at a teahouse afford a deeper understanding of Chengdu.
    Improved land and airlines extending nationwide provide greater convenience. Chengdu is also the main inland access city to Tibet.

Shenzhen

Shenzhen is located on the south coast of China, at cast longitude 113° 46’ - 114° 37' and north latitude 22° 27'22°52', facing Daya Bay on the east, bordering the mount of Pearl River on the west, adjacent to Dongguan Urban and Huiyang Urban on the north and connecting Hong Kong, on the south; it has an area of 2020 square kilometers and a population of 3,790,000 people
Shenzhen has subtropical maritime climate and average temperature is 22.4°C (the average temperature in November is 20.9 °C). Its coast line stretches 230 kilometers Shenzhen is a major port urban in China for foreign trade and international contact as well as the special economic zone which firstly carried out reform and open policy in China. Its tourist industry grows very fast, and a tourist network has been formed with the main resorts of Xili Lake Holiday Village, Honey Lake Holiday Village, Shiyan Lake Hot Spring Holiday Village, Silver Lake Tourist Center, East Lake Tourist Zone, Shekou Basy, Daya Bav, Shenzhen Bay and Xiaomeisha Seaside Tourist Center. The world largest mini scenic zone "Splendid China", "China Folk Cultural Village" and "Windows of the World" are situated in Shenzhen Bay. Leechee Park, Honnghu Park, Reservoir Park, Fairly Lake Rare Plant Garden and Wild Animal Park each has its unique attractiveness. To further simplify the procedure and make it convenient for world-wide tourists to come to Shenzhen for sightseeing, Shenzhen Special Economic Zone has officially given preferential measures for foreign tourists to get into Shenzhen through Hong Kong and stay here up to 72 hours in form of organised touring groups.

Qingdao

    Ensconced on the southern tip of the Shandong peninsula along the Yellow Sea, this city of almost seven million towers as the largest trading port in northern China. Yet, despite such an urban bulk it behaves in the confident manner of a tourist resort. Its rare mesh of mountains and sea combine with a fairytale beachfront setting of Bavarian architecture to conjure strange expectations of finding women dressed in bikinis and men in lederhosen while snacking on hot apple strudel with chopsticks. Regardless of how impossibly odd it sounds and seems, the bottom-line is that it cohesively works. Qingdao now averages more than 15 million tourists a year. Major four and five star hotel chains are now the norm rather than the exception. The 16 day International Beer Festival enjoys world recognition, and come 2008 Qingdao will serve as the host Summer Olympic city for the sailing and beach volleyball competitions. Yet, amazingly, all of this dazzle is new to the city.
    Qingdao's first splash of fame occurred in 600 BC when the Chinese scholar, Lao-Tzu, parented Taoism in the nearby Laoshan Mountains. The area instantly became a great source of religious mystique, attracting scholars and monks, and people with money who built countless temples and pavilions on the mountain's steep, forested slopes. Meanwhile, 20 miles away in Qingdao, the city continued to innocuously expand from a small fishing village into a major shipping and manufacturing center.
    In 1897, it jumped on the proverbial world map for all the wrong reasons when Germany moved in and claimed it as a concession area. Buildings were razed and replaced with Bavarian style architecture giving Qingdao the look of a ski village in the Black Forest. Despite local loathing, these buildings would eventually ripen from being symbols of occupation into landmark structures that would form the backbone of Qingdao's now booming tourist market.
    After World War I, Japan moved in to Qingdao in 1919 only to be evicted in 1922. In 1938, they returned but finally received the boot once and for all in 1945 following defeat in World War II.
    Qingdao would not springboard into its current "giant" status until 1984 when it was named by the Chinese government as one of 14 coastal cities to be declared open to foreign investors. It has since vaulted into the same international rank normally only enjoyed by Beijing and Shanghai.

Xiamen

    Deemed as China's "cleanest city," this island community off the northeast coast in the Fujian province continues to rocket to the top of vacation destination lists. It possesses all of the manifestations of a major city while still maintaining the alluring charisma of a vacation resort. Towering four-star hotels with highbrow international restaurants and trendy nightclubs share the streets with ancient temples and classic colonial style buildings, exhibiting a rare display of synchronic vision for the past and present. An aura of white beaches and green mountains complement its urban offerings lending it the kind of vacation options normally only associated with small South Pacific islands.
    Like most of China's other coastal cities Xiamen shares a similar past of endless control struggles. During the 1600s, the Dutch attempted to incorporate it into its fattening colonial empire, but were rebuffed by the legendary Zheng Chenggong, a local warrior whose military heroics are immortalised with statues and museums throughout the Xiamen area. Following China's defeat in the Great Opium Wars the British took up residency and opened Xiamen's harbor to other nations such as France, Germany and Portugal. The resulting architecture of that time initially symbolised humiliation with the locals, but is now fully embraced as the foundation of Xiamen's character and burgeoning tourism industry.
    Xiamen, itself, comprises of seven different districts, including neighboring Gulangyu Island.