Xiamen is a truly beautiful city. Compared to other cities in China, it is very clean, open, and not crowded. There are many restaurants nearby, as well as a couple of stores that cater to the ex pat community and sell some items that are harder to come by in Chinese stores. We live across from Haiwan Park where there is an amusement park, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and a health club! The lake is also a 5 minute walk away. It is very easy to get around on foot, bike, bus or taxi. You wouldn't want to rent a car here...But you could try! We have a ton of taxi cards that give the name and addresses of a variety places that make it easier to get to where you want to go. Xiamen has a big international airport, and there are direct flights with KLM to Amsterdam. You can get to most Chinese cities from here as well.

My husband and I are teachers at Xiamen International School. David teaches in the Upper School - Humanities and Math, and I currently teach 3rd grade(class). I am from Ireland and David is from Canada (BC). We have 2 young daughters - Saoirse is almost 3 and Eabha is 19 months old. We have lived in Xiamen for 5 months, after spending 4 and a half years living in Costa Rica. China is a truly fascinating place to visit and certainly to live in.