Malaysian expat Chong Kok Chiang knows Xiamen's natural charms inside out. As an outdoor lover, he frequently explores the city's hills and waters with friends, saying that "living here is relaxing and spiritually rewarding".
Chong, a fourth-generation Malaysian Chinese, grew up in Penang, Malaysia, moving from one island to another as a child. He was drawn to Xiamen by its breathtaking landscapes, arriving in the city in 2005 to continue his career as an aircraft maintenance engineer.
Tong'an district is a favorite destination for Chong and his friends, with their footprints dotting trails like Shanji'nei, Baguai Valley, and Baishui Waterfall. The city's new Mountain-Sea Health Trail has given him another place to run, alongside his long-time favorite, Xinglin Bay.
After more than 20 years in Xiamen, Chong has a deep appreciation for its rapid growth. "Xiamen is much more international now," he notes, "Wuyuan Bay, for instance, attracts runners from all over the world."
China has decided to extend its visa waiver policy to ordinary passport holders from Canada and the United Kingdom starting from Feb 17.
Forty-one new port-of-entry duty-free shops have been established nationwide, with Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport, Xiamen Wutong Passenger Wharf, and Xiamen International Cruise Center included on the list.
