Xiamen's Warm Winter | Double the Romance Hidden in Lingling Zoo

December in Xiamen felt like springtime, a welcome change from winter. My boyfriend and I checked into the Lingling Hotel under the 20°C sunshine, and the Zebra City View Room immediately captivated us – the black and white striped cushions on the bed echoed the theme, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city skyline. In the evening, the sunset cast a soft glow, even the shadows seemed gentle. Let me start with the heartwarming details: Upon arrival at the lobby, staff proactively helped with our luggage, and during check-in, they offered warm ginger tea, dispelling the morning chill. The Zebra Room was more spacious than I expected, and the double mattress had just the right firmness – not too soft, but supportive enough, and great for the lower back. The bathroom had a separate shower and toilet area, and the vanity had disposable toiletries for couples – a detail-oriented touch I loved. The biggest surprise was the minibar, with complimentary Coke, Sprite, and local snacks – perfect for snuggling up on the sofa late at night watching TV, instantly bringing me immense happiness. After dropping off our luggage, we headed straight to the hotel's animal kingdom, where the animals were especially lively in winter. Our first stop was to see the parrots. The colorful little creatures perched on the branches, fluttering their wings and swarming around us when they saw the birdseed in our hands. My boyfriend held up the feed to tease them, and one cockatiel even perched on his shoulder, its claws gently gripping his clothes—the soft touch made him laugh non-stop. The zookeeper said that parrots have a better appetite in winter and are more affectionate, and even taught us to communicate with them using "hello" and "goodbye." Although the little guys could only cackle in response, their lively antics were incredibly soothing. Feeding the otters was definitely the highlight of the trip! We bought special feed beforehand at the service desk, and through the transparent glass, we could see several otters tumbling around in the water. When we handed the feed to the feeding trough, a round otter immediately swam over, its little paws gripping the glass, its bright black eyes fixed on the food—it was so cute it made us squeal with delight. It took the feed very gently, and after eating, it would wipe its face with its paws. My boyfriend recorded a video on his phone, constantly exclaiming "Wow!"—saying it was a more vivid and adorable spectacle than watching a movie. The macaque enclosure presented a different, more lively scene. A group of small monkeys chased and played on the artificial hill, some swinging on branches, others watching the visitors from the fence. The zookeeper reminded us not to feed them our own food, as it would burden their digestive systems. We stood outside the safety line watching them frolic. Suddenly, a little macaque jumped onto the fence, making a funny face at my boyfriend's camera; its mischievousness made us laugh for a long time. The winter afternoon sun shone on the monkeys, their fluffy fur gleaming—a warm and comforting sight. The afternoon circus performance brought the romantic atmosphere to its peak. We arrived half an hour early and chose seats near the front. The opening light show instantly ignited the entire venue. The gasps of surprise from the aerial acrobats, the laughter from the clowns' interactions—my boyfriend would hold my hand tightly at the most exciting moments, turning to share his awe with me. The equestrian performance was the most memorable. Riders in magnificent costumes performed high-difficulty maneuvers on horseback, the powerful, rhythmic hooves on the stage, accompanied by breathtaking music, creating an exhilarating experience. As the performance ended, confetti rained down, and my boyfriend whispered in my ear, "Let's come again next winter," which melted my heart. In short, this was the most comfortable couple's trip we've ever experienced—cozy accommodations, adorable animals, and the company of our loved ones. If you're also looking for a place to escape the winter chill and enjoy a leisurely time with your partner, the Lingling Hotel in Xiamen is definitely worth checking out. No need to travel all over the city; you can experience a one-stop romantic experience of "accommodation + animal viewing + circus performance" right here at the hotel. This winter warmth will become your most precious memory.