Like so many cities in China, Xiamen has boomed in recent years, and its dining options have expanded along with its international business. The restaurants in the Sheraton Xiamen itself are a microcosm of this trend: alongside the Cantonese and pan-Asian restaurants (pictured), there's a coffeeshop instead of a tea house, a cigar bar and a Mediterranean-influenced steak and seafood restaurant. The trend is possibly best exemplified by The House. Nominally specializing in California cuisine, you'll find French and Asian influences as well — the California-style pizzas are what usually get talked about, though. Try to get a table on the rooftop terrace of this former private residence if you can.

Part of the reason the pizza at The House gets the attention, though, is that Xiamen is a bit pizza crazy. There are Pizza Huts all over the place, and Poppa John's is moving in. AFD Western Bakery, a pastry shop and restaurant run by a Hungarian-Australian, is praised for its pizzas over almost anything else. For a great view with your pie, look no further than the posh Pizza Hut on the 24th floor of a tower near the harbor (here's a map from the hotel). The view is great, and the food and ambiance are better than you're probably imagining.