Xiamen

Strategically placed beside the Taiwan Strait, Xiamen is a sub-provincial city in southeast Fujian, People’s Republic of China. Xiamen, with a population of 5,163,970 as of 2020 and an expected 5.308 million as of December 31, 2022, has become a major metropolitan hub in the area. Comprising six separate districts—Huli, Siming, Jimei, Tong’an, Haicang, and Xiang’an—the 1,700.61 square kilometer administrative territory.

Xiamen’s urban scene has grown significantly outside of its original island boundaries to include sizable areas of all six districts. Four Zhangzhou districts—Xiangcheng, Longwen, Longhai, and Changtai—have also been merged thanks to this expansion to create a built-up region with 7,284,148 people. The urban sprawl keeps northward, linking with Quanzhou and creating a city over 10 million people. This fast urbanization emphasizes Xiamen’s importance as the major economic and cultural center in the area.

Geographically, Xiamen is somewhat close to the Kinmen Islands, under Republic of China (Taiwan). Separated just by Xiamen Bay, these islands are less than six kilometers apart. Historically, this near proximity has affected the city’s growth and now shapes its geopolitical importance in view of cross-strait connections.

Xiamen first became well-known in the early 1980s when it was named one of China’s first four special economic zones under Deng Xiaoping’s Opening Up Policy. This calculated move helped Xiamen become a vibrant hub for overseas commerce and investment. The city’s expanded port infrastructure has helped to support its economic expansion even further.

One evidence of the economic might of the city is the Port of Xiamen. Considered as a first-class trunk line port in the Asia-Pacific area, it is the 14th biggest worldwide and the 7th largest container port in China. Its position as the fourth port in China ready to accommodate huge cargo ships of the sixth generation boosts its capacity even more. On August 31, 2010, Xiamen Port reached a major turning point when it combined with the adjacent port of Zhangzhou to become the biggest port complex in China’s Southeast. This consolidation has strengthened Xiamen’s status as a major marine commerce center even further.

Xiamen’s historical value goes beyond its contemporary economic successes. For immigrants to several Southeast Asian nations, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, the city has been a main place of origin since the 12th century. Strong cultural and intellectual linkages between Xiamen and abroad Chinese populations have been preserved in great part by this diaspora. The preservation and improvement of Xiamen’s educational and cultural facilities has been greatly aided by the assistance of these groups, hence producing a special fusion of local and global influences.

Based on the Nature Index, Xiamen stands among the top 40 cities in the world for scientific research. The various big colleges in the city help to explain this success. Standing first in higher education in the area, Xiamen University is a member of the esteemed Double First Class Universities. Among other noteworthy establishments are Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen Medical College, Jimei University, and Huaqiao University. These educational institutions not only add to the intellectual capital of the city but also stimulate research and invention in several spheres.

Xiamen’s economy and cultural character are much shaped by tourism. Among the many honors the city has received are such as Top Tourist City in China, a Demonstration City of Tourism and Leisure in China, and among China’s most romantic leisure cities. These differences mirror Xiamen’s dedication to grow its tourist industry while safeguarding its natural beauty and cultural legacy. Popular among vacationers and with high rates of visitor satisfaction, the city has often ranked first in China’s travel scene. Moreover, Xiamen’s inbound travel and foreign exchange profits have helped it to rank among China’s top 10 destinations.

Especially remarkable is Xiamen’s function as a gateway to Taiwan. Ranked #1 in China for the volume of people visiting Taiwan, the city’s port emphasizes its significance in enabling cross-strait tourism and cultural interaction. This special position improves Xiamen’s cultural richness and global perspective as well as its economic possibilities.

For the city and the environs, the Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is an essential air transportation center. It is essential in linking Xiamen to the rest of China and the globe as flights to more than 90 local and foreign sites allow. The rankings of the airport show its importance: 16th by city in 2023 and 19th among Chinese airports. With handling 24 million passengers in 2023 (a 138.1% year-on-year increase) the significant rise in passenger traffic indicates the rising demand for air travel to and from Xiamen.

Xiamen is well-known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions above and beyond its infrastructure and economic growth. Celebrated for their breathtaking scenery and tree-lined beaches are the city and its environs. One shining example of the city’s dedication to conserving and presenting its natural legacy is the Xiamen Botanical Garden. Dating back to the Tang era, cultural sites such the Buddhist Nanputuo Temple provide guests with a window into the rich history and spiritual traditions of the area.

Projects like the Water Garden Expo Park help to define Xiamen’s contemporary urban design. Covering around 6.76 square kilometers with a land area of 3.03 square kilometers, this large-scale development comprises two peninsulas, four natural landscapes, and five exhibition park islands. Offering a wide spectrum of leisure and learning opportunities for both locals and guests, the park has the main pavilion, Chinese Education Park, Marine Culture Island, and Spa Island among other functional sections.