A brochure named Xiamen Hand-drawn Map has selected 50 ancient classic buildings in Xiamen, Fujian province, after one-year’s investigation from its compliers. They are large and have exquisite designs, and are mainly old private residences with a history going back over 60 years. Xiamen’s traditional architecture is always located in the old urban areas and far away from the modern and busy streets. Some of them lack of repairs but still retain their historical and cultural charms. The best way to get into the Xiamen memories is to walk down the old streets and lanes.

Zhongshan Area

Qingrangtang Building at No 21, Tianyilou Lane

The building, also named “Tianyilou Building” was built by two brothers surnamed Wu in 1921. The original appearance was splendid with a carved granite base, red-brick walls, western-style windows and half-rounded extended balconies. It had an exquisite layout, structure, color and engravings. Now the building accommodates many residents, and has undergone many reconstructions.

No 41, Nanjiao Lane

The three-floor building was completed in 1949. The European style appearance adds southern Fujian elements -- red bricks and granite. Gardens and artificial hills are in the yard. Every stair has a leisure hall and an outdoor corridor. It was built by the Japanese and served as a residence for a Chinese general. After several ownership changes over the decades, the building is now a family hotel.

No 10, Tianyilou Lane

The three-floor building is of western style. It is hidden in the alley behind busy streets and is a private residence now.

Sidong Area

Siming Cinema at No 2 – 14, Siming North Road

Siming Cinema, originally called Siming Opera Theatre, got its current name in 1952. It was initiated by Zeng Guoban and Zeng Guocong, two overseas Chinese, in 1927. It was the first place in Xiamen where both films and Chinese traditional opera plays are available. Overseas Chinese liked to gather there, which gave it a new name – “Overseas Chinese Club”.

The site was reclaimed from a river in the 1920s. Now it is a crossing of Singming East, West, South and North roads. Siming Cinema is the only existing 1930s’ building in Xiamen and a landmark of Xiamen’s old urban area.

Taiwan Union at No 40, Xinhua Road

Xiamen Taiwan Union was founded in 1906 and was the first Taiwan society on the Chinese Mainland. Taiwan Union in Beijing and Xiamen are the only two remaining Taiwan civil offices in the Chinese mainland. Now the building in Xiamen has been transferred into a Taiwan-Xiamen archive, which has held many picture exhibitions to popularize bilateral historical relationships to Xiamen residents. It was included in Xiamen’s second batch of Taiwan-related relic sites.

Ji’antang Building at No 37, Nantian Lane

Ji’antang building is an old site for Xiamen Nanyin (a local music) troupe. Ji’antang Nanyin troupe was founded in 1883, and moved its venue several times. The troupe set its site in Nantian Lane in 1910 and converted the bungalow into a three-floor building with a stone plaque saying “Ji’antang” in 1930.

No 46, Dingjing Lane and No 139, Gucheng West Road

The red-brick twin buildings are well-preserved and exquisite, which are notable in Xiamen’s old urban area. No 139, Gucheng West Road was once used as an office for Xiamen Women and Children Care Center after 1949. Now they are both personal residences.

No 65, Siming East Road

The old building, which was built during the Republic of China (1912-1949), is decorated with delicate carvings. Now it is on lease for commercial use.