About Xiamen - BRICS PartNIR Innovation Center

“Xiamen welcomes visitors from every corner of the globe, with its doors wide open to the vast and roaring seas.”
Xiamen is located in the southeastern part of Fujian Province, bordered by Zhangzhou to the west and Quanzhou to the north. To the southeast, it faces the Kinmen Islands and Taiwan Island across the sea. The city encompasses Xiamen Island, Gulangyu Islet, and the mainland areas surrounding Xiamen Bay. Renowned for its breathtaking coastal scenery, Xiamen is often described as “a city embraced by the sea, with the sea residing in the city.”
Historically known as Jiahe Isle, Xiamen Island has long served as a haven for egrets, which has inspired several of its nicknames, including Egret Island, Egret Gate, and Egret Isle. In 1935, Xiamen was officially designated as a city, making it the first city in Fujian Province. It was listed as “a city specifically designated in the state plan” in 1988 and elevated to a sub-provincial city in 1994. In October 1980, Xiamen was approved by the State Council to establish a Special Economic Zone, making it one of the first four such zones in the country. By 1985, the Special Economic Zone was expanded to encompass the entire island, and in 2010, it was further extended to include the whole city.
Xiamen is currently leveraging its strategic position as a Pilot Free Trade Zone, a core area of the Maritime Silk Road, a National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone, and a site for both the BPIC and the Maritime Silk Road Central Legal District, as well as a Comprehensive Reform Pilot Zone. The city is actively promoting the development of a modern industrial system and implementing crucial initiatives, including the Science and Technology Innovation Leadership Project, the Market Entity Cultivation Project, and the Advanced Manufacturing Doubling Plan. Xiamen aims to establish itself as a central hub for integrated development across the Taiwan Strait, accelerating its transformation into a pivotal city in China’s new development paradigm and facilitating the seamless integration of domestic and international dual circulation.

Economic Strength

Preliminary figures indicate that Xiamen’s GDP for 2023 has reached RMB 806.649 billion, marking a 3.1% increase from the previous year. The contribution of the primary sector to total added value was RMB 2.773 billion, reflecting a contraction of 4.0%. The secondary sector’s added value accounted for RMB 286.794 billion, representing a decline of 2.8%. In contrast, the tertiary sector experienced robust growth, with its added value soaring to RMB 517.081 billion, an increase of 7.0%. The contributions of the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors to the GDP were in the ratio of 0.3:35.6:64.1. Furthermore, electricity consumption per RMB 10,000 of the city’s GDP stands at 447.20 kilowatt-hours, while water consumption per RMB 10,000 of GDP has decreased by 0.1 tons to 5.98 tons.

"4+4+6" Modern Industrial System

Xiamen is focused on strengthening four pillar industry clusters: electronic information, machinery and equipment, commercial logistics, and financial services. The city aims to cultivate four strategic emerging industries—biomedicine, new materials, new energy, and cultural tourism and creativity. Additionally, it is proactively developing six future industries, which include third-generation semiconductors, future networks, cutting-edge strategic materials, hydrogen energy and storage, genetics and biotechnology, as well as deep-sea and aerospace development. The overarching goal is to establish a modern industrial system characterized by sustained momentum and tiered development, encapsulated in the “4+4+6” framework.

Cultural Characteristics

Historical Heritage

With its storied history, Xiamen is affectionately known as “Egret Island,” a name that reflects its long-standing role as a habitat for egrets since ancient times. During the Western Jin Dynasty (266-317 CE), Tong’an County was established in this area, and in 1394, during the 27th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, Xiamen Town was founded. In 1935, Xiamen was officially designated as a city. It is one of the earliest cities in modern Chinese history to open up to the outside world, rich in historical and cultural heritage.

As a significant birthplace of Minnan culture, Xiamen is home to the widely spoken Minnan dialect and boasts vibrant traditional cultural activities, such as Minnan opera and folk crafts.
Fusion of Multiculturalism

Historically, Xiamen was a colony of several countries and an international concession, which infused its culture with diversity and inclusiveness. The international architectural ensemble on Gulangyu Islet stands as a testament to this cultural fusion, showcasing a variety of architectural styles that highlight the unique charm of different cultures.

Similarly, Xiamen’s culinary landscape embodies this multiculturalism, featuring local specialties such as Satay Noodles and Oyster Omelets that blend elements from various culinary traditions.
Culture & Arts

Xiamen is a prominent center for culture and the arts, home to many renowned artists and artistic groups. The city has preserved and nurtured its folk arts, including Nanyin music and Gezai opera, which continue to thrive and evolve in this vibrant cultural landscape.

The city hosts a range of cultural and artistic events, including the Xiamen International Fashion Week and the Xiamen International Animation Festival, providing rich cultural experiences for both residents and visitors.

Ecological Environment

Natural Environment

Xiamen is blessed with a distinctive natural landscape, where the terrain gently slopes from northwest to southeast. The northwest is adorned with medium and low mountains, while the southeast unfolds into marine alluvial plains and tidal flats. Here, Xiamen Island and Gulangyu Islet grace the southeastern coast, where shimmering waves dance in harmony with the azure sky. The city basks in a South Asian tropical maritime monsoon climate, marked by mild, rainy weather—free from the harshness of winter’s chill and the extremes of summer’s heat. With an annual average temperature of 20.7°C, Xiamen enjoys a pleasantly temperate climate throughout the year.
Ecological Protection

The Xiamen municipal government places a strong emphasis on ecological and environmental protection, passionately championing the development of an ecological civilization. In recent years, the city has embarked on comprehensive initiatives for ecological protection and restoration, reaching from rivers and lakes to the vast ocean, with marine restoration efforts underpinning high-quality development. Over time, Xiamen has accumulated an impressive collection of 28 accolades, including the “UN Habitat Scroll of Honour Award,” the “Nations in Bloom” Award, the title of “National Model City for Environmental Protection,” and recognition as a “National Wooded City.” These honors underscore Xiamen’s remarkable achievements in the pursuit of ecological conservation.
Green Living

Residents of Xiamen are enthusiastic proponents of a green lifestyle, emphasizing energy conservation, emission reduction, and eco-friendly transportation options. The government supports this ethos by promoting the development of green transportation, sustainable buildings, and other environmentally friendly industries, thereby creating a healthier and more sustainable living environment for its citizens. Moreover, Xiamen is home to a wealth of parks and green spaces, such as the Xiamen Botanical Garden and Tianzhu Mountain Forest Park, which offer excellent venues for leisure and nature appreciation.

Integration and Symbiosis of Culture and Ecology

Urban Planning

Xiamen’s urban planning prioritizes the protection and sustainable use of the ecological environment. By thoughtfully designing urban green spaces, water networks, and ecological corridors, the city fosters a harmonious coexistence with nature. Additionally, Xiamen actively promotes low-carbon urban development, implementing strategies such as energy conservation, emission reduction, and the adoption of renewable energy sources to minimize its environmental impact.
Ecological Cultural Activities

Xiamen regularly organizes a diverse array of ecological cultural activities, including environmental protection lectures and ecological photography exhibitions. These events serve to enhance residents’ awareness of environmental conservation and foster the concept of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

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