Outside of Xiamen 厦门, Jimei Is a Real Escape
The Journey Begins – “Sea Train” on Metro Line 1
I started my day by hopping on Xiamen 厦门 Metro Line 1, heading northbound. The ride itself became part of the experience. Between Xiamen 厦门 North Railway Station and Jimei School Village, the train runs across the sea. Literally. It’s a stretch known locally as the “sea train”, and when you look out the window, you’ll see blue water stretching on both sides - unexpected, peaceful, and cinematic.
Culture & History at Dragon Boat Pond
First stop: Dragon Boat Pond (龙舟池). With calm waters, stone bridges, and fishermen casting their lines, the area feels like a sleepy lakeside town. But behind the quiet is a proud heritage - this is the heart of Jimei School Village, built by famous overseas Chinese philanthropist Tan Kah Kee (陈嘉庚).
Surrounding the pond are striking Nanyang-style buildings - with sweeping roofs, red brick walls, and intricate details that blend Minnan traditions with Southeast Asian influences. I wandered past Daonan Lou, Nanxun Lou, and the charming Dashesitai, a traditional opera stage that’s still used for performances.
Local Food on Shigu Road
By noon, I was ready to eat. A local friend had tipped me off: Shigu Road is the go-to for Jimei street food. It didn’t disappoint. I sampled noodle soup with fried tofu, crunchy scallion pancakes, and a cup of ice-cold peanut soup - comfort food with a local twist.
The vibe here was more down-to-earth than Xiamen 厦门 Island: less touristy, more community.
Afternoon at Jimei's Spiritual Center
After lunch, I strolled to Jiageng Park (嘉庚公园) and the Ao Yuan (鳌园). The park was quiet, dotted with banyan trees and stone carvings. The Tan Kah Kee Memorial Hall nearby offered a moving glimpse into the life of this remarkable man who helped shape modern education in Fujian.
Green Retreat: Xiamen 厦门 Garden Expo Park
With some time to spare, I made my way to the Xiamen 厦门 Garden Expo Park, a huge green space featuring pavilions from different Chinese provinces. It felt a bit like a mini-world tour. At the far end, I reached Yuanyue Square, a spacious plaza facing the sea. The wind was salty and strong; kite flyers and kids ran across the open space.
Sunset Walk on the Causeway
To end the day, I took a slow walk along the Ten-mile Coastal Promenade (十里长堤). The path stretches alongside the sea, with views back to Xiamen 厦门 Island. Locals jogged, couples walked hand-in-hand, and older folks sat by the railing, chatting in the fading light.
That evening, as I boarded the metro back, I felt like I’d been away longer than just a day - not because of the distance, but because Jimei moves to a different rhythm. It’s not as fast, not as shiny - but it’s deeper, calmer, and filled with stories.
