Welcome to Xiamen, 'China's Gate', a remarkable city on the country's southeast shores that has a long and illustrious history, fantastic weather, and incredible food
I went to the museum site. In 1907 the U.S. Navy visited Xiamen
In 1884 Philo McGiven graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. Even today McGiffin is famous for the pranks he pulled at the Naval Academy, like spilling flour on a formation dressed in dark blues.
At the Academy they tell stories that McGiffin became an Admiral in China’s Navy and that his classmates met him when the U.S. Navy visited China
What a reunion that would have been - there were plenty of foreigners who served in China's armed forces, or were employed by the various warlords of the inter-war years. Such as 'One-Arm' Sutton: https://simonostheimer.substack.com/p/one-armed-bandit
Yes it was. I was told the story while serving at sea with my Chinese Naval Academy classmates, but sources from the PLA and from the ROC tell different stories. It is a complex tale
I was there yesterday. Blissfully free of "digital nomads" but much more livable than Bangkok (no choking pollution or traffic), Saigon (no maddening heat or noise), or Bali (no Russians). Quite walkable if you don't mind dodging the endless electric scooters.
I really liked it - you only thing you're forsaking though is the international aspect (people and language). But if you have a bit of Chinese, easy enough to get by.
It is ironic that my current project is about history’s longest artillery battle and the lengths taken to lessen the effects on Xiamen
That's fascinating - so that was in Xiamen? There's some great info on the Hulishan Fortress here: http://www.xmhlspt.com/en/home.aspx
I went to the museum site. In 1907 the U.S. Navy visited Xiamen
In 1884 Philo McGiven graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. Even today McGiffin is famous for the pranks he pulled at the Naval Academy, like spilling flour on a formation dressed in dark blues.
At the Academy they tell stories that McGiffin became an Admiral in China’s Navy and that his classmates met him when the U.S. Navy visited China
I wonder if that happened in Xiamen.
https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2019/august/philo-mcgiffin-man-wit-and-dash
What a reunion that would have been - there were plenty of foreigners who served in China's armed forces, or were employed by the various warlords of the inter-war years. Such as 'One-Arm' Sutton: https://simonostheimer.substack.com/p/one-armed-bandit
What an interesting guy!
One of my classmates made Admiral
Another was the first American carrier pilot to enter Iraqi airspace in Desert Storm.
And I was exchanged to the Republic of China and later flew with the PLA Air Force. Not the same intensity but in a similar direction
There can't be many people who served with both the ROC and PRC armed forces. I'm sure that would be quite the tale.
Yes it was. I was told the story while serving at sea with my Chinese Naval Academy classmates, but sources from the PLA and from the ROC tell different stories. It is a complex tale
A wonderful trip! I will have to get to Xiamen as a tourist before too long. Have you tried Quanzhou? Fujian has a lot to explore. 🙏
It's a really great place, so much to offer. No, not Quanzhou yet but perhaps next time I'm in Fujian!
Sounds like a great trip to a lovely place, on all accounts, though we have yet to visit it remains on our list !
Only 4 hours on the train from HK! Would definitely recommend it.
Great. Another place on my list is Moganshan near Shanghai. Too many places !
I'm planning to head up there at some point this year - stay tuned for the story!
Can you stay overnight on Gulangyu ?
Yes, there are several old colonial buildings converted into boutique hotels: https://www.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/kulangsu-best-upscale-hotels-100200207254
I was there yesterday. Blissfully free of "digital nomads" but much more livable than Bangkok (no choking pollution or traffic), Saigon (no maddening heat or noise), or Bali (no Russians). Quite walkable if you don't mind dodging the endless electric scooters.
I really liked it - you only thing you're forsaking though is the international aspect (people and language). But if you have a bit of Chinese, easy enough to get by.