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Sunday, December 23, 2012

Xiamen University - China's Beautiful and Amenable Higher Learning Institution



“Pursue Excellence, Strive for Perfection”, the driving force of Xiamen University’s over 90 years of academic prominence.  Well- known for its elegant and striking landscapes, no doubt it was dubbed as the most beautiful and interesting university in China. Comfortably lies in the foot of WulaoFeng Mountain and the sea, this perfect combination provides an amenable place for students to relax and study.
The 3 Week Diet
Lotus Lake and Kah Kee Complex at the background, Xiamen University.

Chinese and European architectural designs highlight the campus buildings as well as other structures. The university was founded in 1921 by an overseas Chinese named Tan Kah Kee who donated millions of dollars to endow Xiamen University. Originally named as “University of Amoy”, was handed to the government by 1937 due to lack of finance. Chinese Ministry of Education maintained the schools advocacy to achieve academic excellence and has now become one of the best and selective universities in China.
Inside the campus, Xiamen University

There are lot to visit in these prestigious school and a 3-4 hrs strolling is enough to get a feel of what the university has to offer. A lot of tourists are visiting during the mornings and late afternoon. You don’t need to show identification, the guards doesn't mind who is entering the campus (just keep your passport with you all the time). There are 2 major sites which are the Jiannan Hall (建南大礼堂) and Shangxian Square (上弦场) –most popular attractions.   

Zhong Linmei Square (钟林美广场)
 Let’s start our small journey by setting your position at the west gate of the campus facing east (Yanwu Road). Do not be confused, there are two major gates, the South and the West gates. The West gate (my point of preference) is located near the Qunxian Complex.  The South gate is the main entrance which should not be confused to its direction; the name was originally coined from its adjacent “South Putou” or “Nanputou” temple.

Upon entering the West gate, you’ll be greeted by a book-like bird sculpture within Zhong Linmei Square (钟林美广场). The square is a donation by a Chinese overseas in honor of their mother, Mrs. Zhong Linmei.

Statue of Tan Kah Kee and Luz Xun Memorial Hall at the background.
Adjacent to the left walking east, lays the statue of the founder Tan Kah Kee, and at the back is the Luz Xun Memorial Hall. The memorial is part of the Jimei Building and was named after a Chinese critic, essayist, and short story writer who once lived there from 1926 to 1927 named Lu Xun.
http://www.whatsonxiamen.com/travel_images/6_1280731627.jpg
Jiannan Auditorium Complex and Shangxian Square, Xiamen University

At the southern part of the campus lays Shangxian Square (上弦场) which used to be a navy drilling ground during the Sino Japanese war of 1894-1895. The sports ground faces the south coast of Xiamen City where the popular XiamenBoardwalk was located. At the top of it is the Jiannan Auditorium of Xiamen University (建南楼群) which was founded by Tan Kah Kee’s son-in-law, Mr Li Guangqian in the 1950’s.

Xiamen University's Art Center
Walking to the east at the right side facing north, you will notice a massive building which is the University’s art center which is also adjacent to the Lotus Lake. Walking around the path-walk are benches facing west where the Kah Kee building complex (嘉庚楼群) is situated. The structure was designed by student and teachers from the Architecture and Civil Department. The complex was revered as the landmark of the University due to its elegance in design and its symmetry.

A tiny bridge connecting a small island within the Lotus Lake.
Strolling around the lake’s walkway will end up on a tiny arched bridge which connects a small haven within the lake. The tiny islet houses a life-size bronze statue facing the University’s Art Center at the south.

Moving on to the north side of the campus are small restaurants and stores.  You can easily find the South Gate by finding first the University’s Library which is a bit nearer.

Adjacent to the South Gate is the Nanputou Temple which should be a part of your itinerary. I hope you enjoy reading this and have a safe trip!
South Gate (main gate) , Xiamen University

Take the Bus No. 1, 21, 48, 96, 59 and get off at the West gate of Xiamen University or in Chinese is Xia Da Xin Cun Station (厦大西村站). Bus fare cost CNY 1-2 (for longer trip). Prepare exact amount as drivers are not allowed to give change.  Entrance to the university is free. Enjoy the photos below! :)






Related Articles:

Getting Your Chinese Visa in the Philippines for Your Travel to Xiamen
Gulangyu Island - Xiamen's Main Tourist Destination Part 1/2
Gulangyu Island - Xiamen's Main Tourist Destination Part 2/2 
Hulishan Cannon Fort
Travel to Xiamen China - A Unique Asian Experience

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