Just came back from a trip to Xiamen, Fujian. Being away from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai for a couple of days did me a lot of good. Fresher air, greener city- this is what Xiamen means to me. Let me be honest: Xiamen hasn't impressed me that much as a special economic zone. Maybe it is because I have been so used to this cosmopolitan air of Shanghai and my views about other places turn stereotypical.

We visited some temples and Xiamen University and of course Gulangyu and Jinmen Island (in a sense we didn't really visit Jinmen, we just stood at a distance and watched the war-battered island). We saw some buildings developed by Lai Changxing (there is this building which is currently the Sheraton hotel place) called Jin Lou (or golden building and such).

What impressed me most, among things I saw and heard,  are the tea-selling distributors and temples all over the city. In this digitalized world, I guess pictures speak louder than words.

This is the front gate of South Putuo Temple.  The very entrance gave you this serenity and peace inside.

This is the place where the monks and followers chant the verses and pray for good luck.

Nothing political suggest here. Don't read too much into this! Please read responsibly.

This is one part of the Xiamen University Campus.

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