Xiamen Overseas Immersion Programme 2017' (Day 4)

December 15, 2017

Xiamen Overseas Immersion Programme 2017' (Day 4)

Today's itinerary was packed with many things. In the morning we'll be visiting Xiamen University, whilst in the afternoon after lunch, we'll be heading to the Xiamen Science and Technology Museum. Immediately after the visit to the Museum comes dinner, but with a twist. The dinner will be at an early time of 1630 to make time for the journey to and fro the Taiwanese Legend Show, which is touted as the world's first 360-degree large-scale indoor reality show.

Xiamen University: A gloomy visit

Unfortunately, the heavy downpour was observed as we were en-route to Xiamen University, resulting in a drenched and chilly morning for all of us.

Despite the heavy downpour, there were huge numbers of people trying to visit the university, thus forming a long line outside the entrance. As security was the university's utmost priority due to the rise in terrorist activities these days, the waiting time of entering the campus grounds was lengthened significantly due to the checks required.

After about 15 minutes standing in line, we proceeded on and finally entered the university. We went around the campus and explored the different buildings and the lake within the campus, which was relatively scenic and rather serene.

Here shows the south gate of Xiamen University, where we entered the campus through

(adapted from https://goo.gl/EP596u)

The tour concluded and while some of us preferred to stay in the gathering area and do their own thing, most of us went to the university bookshop where we purchased books and souvenirs like musical box and apparels. Coincidentally, there was a cafe located in it, and since they were promoting their special milk tea, a few of us decided to purchase it and try it out while the others just bought coffee.

Lunch

Concluding the visit to the university, we went on to have lunch at the same restaurant as the previous day, though the place was the same, the menu for today differed a little so as to not make the meals boring and unappetizing.

Xiamen Science and Technology Museum

Finishing lunch, as it was still raining, the tour guide brought us to the Xiamen Science and Technology Museum where we were fascinated by all those interesting areas, especially the earthquake simulator.

While we all split up into groups of our own to discover such fascinating wonderland infusing the different aspects of science and technology, these were the top three spots that caught our eye.

1. Driving Simulator

Okay, this might sound childish to you but it was great fun and thrill to be able to be in a real car and driving with real instruments. Though the roads and scenery might be on a screen, it wasn't a deal breaker because first, you get to be in a real car and use real instruments, second, you need to pay attention to how to use the instruments and thirdly the car moves on its own to simulate and contribute to the driving experience.

Oh, you can have passengers too. Just ask a friend or three to join you on the back and front to accompany you through this blazingly fun experience.

2. Earthquake Simulator

This is the most popular spot amongst all of us. As you know, Singapore is so safe and had never experienced any major natural disasters in its history, getting to feel and experience an earthquake sounded exciting to all. Even though the simulated one will never be that intense or dangerous as in reality, but it gives us a glimpse into what's like during the different magnitudes (intensity) of the earthquake.

3. Gravity Room

Inside this little room, which might seem normal to you until you experienced it is actually quite fun. Just stepping into the room, just as you think you are standing normally, the forces of gravity pulls you towards the front of the room. Though the floors are straight and not slanted, the mirror and the patterning of the walls and ceiling gives you the illusion that you're standing on a slope and naturally, you will be pulled downwards in regards to this illusion.

Dinner

Today's dinner will be at the same place we dined on the first day we arrived in Xiamen, the place where we ate lunch. Because we need to be punctual for the legend show, and also needed somewhere to eat there's a close proximity away from the show's actual location, this restaurant was chosen, but luckily we got a selection of different meals to choose from, from mutton to beef accompanied with rice or noodles.

Oh, and we got free drinks too, cheers!

Taiwanese Legend Show

Immediately after dinner, we boarded the bus and headed for the show, because we weren't sure about the traffic conditions on the road and cannot miss the showtime. So, we went there ahead of schedule and took some photos before getting ready to watch the show.

According to the sources, this is the world's first 360-degree large-scale indoor reality show.