Culture
09:11, 31-Aug-2017
Enchanting Xiamen: Back to school for you
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Going to university probably doesn’t make it under “urgent” on your things-to-do list. But maybe it should, because it sure tops the places-to-visit catalog in Xiamen, Fujian Province.
Xiamen University, colloquially known as “Xiada”, is reputed as one of China’s top tertiary institutions, and one of its most beautiful campuses. It comes as no surprise that a queue begins to form at its gates prior to 5:00 p.m. every day when it opens to the public.
Auditorium of Xiamen University, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in China. /CGTN Photo
Auditorium of Xiamen University, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in China. /CGTN Photo
The Xiada story
Xiada was established in 1921 by the rubber magnate and philanthropist Tan Kah Kee, who was known to live frugally, but over his lifetime gave more than 100 million US dollars to education.
Xiada was the first university in the country to be founded by an Overseas Chinese. Today, it boasts a total enrollment of nearly 40,000 full-time students.
One of China’s most beautiful campuses
The 167-hectare precincts are located at the luxuriant foothills of emerald mountains, and its main auditorium – impressive and imposing; indeed, believed to be China’s largest – faces the East China Sea.
Xiamen University is located on the shores of the East China Sea. /CGTN Photo
Xiamen University is located on the shores of the East China Sea. /CGTN Photo
Parts of Xiada resemble botanical gardens – weeping willows caress the surface of the Lotus Lake, its banks painted with petals. Paved paths are lined with meticulously manicured hedges and peppered with palm trees. It’s green – very green – and it’s very, very grand.
The buildings are an exceptional amalgam of East and West – many have European structures with distinctly Oriental roofs, symbolizing both modern international education and traditional Chinese values.
No one said you have to stay for lectures or tutorials, so once you’ve made it to the front of the line, take your time and surrender to this “Strength of the South.”
CGTN's Live broadcasts of a tour to Xiamen University:
1729km