Over the Christmas and New Year break of 2007/08, I took the opportunity to visit China. The first few days were spent visiting the Fujian province. There was a short visit to Nanjing, and the rest of my time was spent in Shanghai. China always has so much to offer, and this time was no exception.
Huan ying!
First lunch
23.12.2007 Xiamen, Fujian 福建 廈門
Our first lunch in Xiamen was very cheap. But I can't say that the taste was to my liking… at all.
Overseas Chinese Museum
華僑博物館
Many Chinese who ventured overseas to make a new life have come from Fujian. This museum celebrates their history, their struggles and achievements.
"I am one of your green leaves / my roots are in your soil"
Nanputuo Temple
南普陀寺
Originally built over 1000 years ago in the Tang dynasty, the temple was destroyed in battle during the Ming dynasty, and rebuilt during the Qing dynasty.
Cheap labour: chiselling those little non-slip patterns into stone tiles by hand.
Downtown Xiamen
Zhongshan Road area 中山路附近
OMG, these freshly hand-made snacks called 'maluo' are sweet and savoury at the same time, and incredibly delicious!
Off to Gulang Island
24.12.2007 Gulang-yu, Xiamen, Fujian 福建 廈門 鼓浪嶼
Just across the channel is Gulang-yu, an international foreign settlement from the late 19th century. Today the island still exudes an European character. The old colonial style buildings are either crumbling or have been turned into museums and cafés. 
Sunlight Rock Temple 日光岩寺.
Strollin' on Gulang-yu
No vehicles or even bicycles are allowed on the island. So the only way to enjoy it is on foot.
View from Sunlight Rock 日光岩.
There is an art college on the island, and beautiful sculptures by the staff and students populate the island.
Café Babycat is famous for their hot cakes with various fillings.
And to the tulou!
25.12.2007 Huanxing-Lou, Yongding, Fujian 福建 永定 環興樓
Tulou are earthern buildings constructed by the Hakka people. They resemble fortresses with central enclosures, and vary in shape from rectangular, pentagonal, oval to circular. Each tulou accommodates an entire clan or village of people; they may well be the original apartment building. The newest tulou was built 29 years ago, whereas the oldest is more than 1000 years old. Huanxing-Lou is where we'll be staying tonight.
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