Xiamen, China

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Xiamen, China

Region: Fujian


Geographic Coordinates: 24.479700, 118.082000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Climate: Xiamen has a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers, experiencing typhoons from May to September.
Population: 3707090
Language: Mandarin

Xiamen is a coastal city located in the southeastern part of China, Specifically in the Fujian Province. The city is situated on an island and connected to mainland China through a series of bridges. Xiamen is known for its beautiful beaches, Rich history, And vibrant culture, Which have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. The city’s history dates back over 1, 000 years and has been influenced by various cultures such as Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and Dutch.

As a result of this influence, Xiamen boasts an eclectic mix of architectural styles ranging from traditional Chinese temples to colonial-era buildings. One of the most famous attractions in Xiamen is Gulangyu Island which can only be accessed by ferry. Visitors can explore narrow streets lined with colonial-style buildings that have been converted into cafes and boutiques or ancient temples such as Nanputuo Temple which dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Wanshi Botanical Garden also offers visitors beautiful gardens to stroll through.

For those interested in learning about Xiamen’s maritime history should visit Hulishan Fortress built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD). The fortress features several cannons that were used to protect against foreign invasions during this period. Xiamen also offers some of China’s best seafood cuisine due to its proximity to the ocean. Seafood markets are abundant throughout the city where visitors can select fresh seafood from tanks or directly from fishing boats moored alongside piers. Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street is another must-visit attraction where locals gather for shopping and entertainment activities such as street performances.

This street offers everything from high-end fashion shops to traditional handicrafts stores selling items like calligraphy brushes or tea sets. visitors should not miss out on experiencing Xiamen’s nightlife scene which includes bars serving local craft beer or live music venues featuring both local and international bands. Xiamen is a city that offers something for everyone. From its rich history and cultural attractions to its beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine, It’s no wonder why Xiamen has become one of China’s most popular tourist destinations.



Important Landmarks

  1. Gulangyu Island is a must-visit destination for those who love colonial architecture, beaches, and scenic views. This car-free island boasts of its unique charm that will surely captivate your heart.
  2. Nanputuo Temple is a Buddhist temple complex that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. It’s a place where you can find tranquility and peace while admiring the intricate details of ancient Chinese architecture.
  3. Hulishan Fortress is an impressive historic military fortress built in the late 19th century. Its strategic location overlooking Xiamen Bay made it an important defense structure during wartime.
  4. Xiamen University is one of China’s top universities known not only for its academic excellence but also for its beautiful campus and unique architecture.
  5. Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street is a popular shopping and dining area with a mix of modern and traditional buildings that offer an exciting blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair.
  6. Jimei School Village was founded by the famous Chinese educator Tan Kah Kee in the early 20th century as an educational complex that aimed to promote education in rural areas.
  7. Xiamen Botanical Garden features a variety of plants, including rare species from around the world, making it an ideal place for nature lovers to explore and appreciate biodiversity.
  8. Haiwan Park Ferris Wheel offers panoramic views of Xiamen cityscape and coastline from one of China’s largest ferris wheels located within Haiwan Park complex – perfect for those who want to see Xiamen from above!
  9. Bailuzhou Park is located on an island in the middle of a river with gardens, walking paths, water features making it perfect spot to relax amidst nature’s beauty while enjoying scenic vistas over Bailuzhou Park
  10. Wanshi Botanical Garden (Wanshi Mountain Scenic Area) has hiking trails, waterfalls & scenic vistas over Xiamen Bay, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Primary Industries

  1. Xiamen is a bustling city in China with a diverse economy that features several thriving industries and businesses.
  2. Some of the major industries in Xiamen include:
    • Electronics
    • Textiles
    • Machinery
    • Food processing
    • Chemicals
    • Tourism
    • Logistics & shipping
    • Financial services
  3. The city is home to many electronics companies like Foxconn which produces electronic components for leading brands such as Apple.
  4. The textile industry in Xiamen produces a wide range of fabrics including cotton, silk and synthetic fibers.
  5. Xiamen’s machinery industry is extensive and produces various types of equipment such as construction machinery, machine tools and agricultural machinery.
  6. The food processing industry includes seafood processing plants that export to other countries worldwide.
  7. Several chemical companies operate within Xiamen producing petrochemicals, fertilizers and pharmaceuticals among others.
  8. As a coastal city with beautiful beaches and natural scenery along with historical sites like Gulangyu Island which attracts many tourists from around the world.
  9. Xiamen’s strategic location on the coast of China’s southeastern Fujian province makes it an important hub for logistics & shipping activities within the region serving both domestic and international markets.
  10. It has also grown into a financial hub with many banks establishing their presence here offering banking services to individuals & corporates alike.

Noteable History

  1. The Treaty of Nanjing was signed in 1842, and Xiamen was one of the five treaty ports established in China after the First Opium War. Xiamen played a significant role in the signing of this treaty.
  2. Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) is a famous Chinese national hero who expelled Dutch colonizers from Taiwan and established his own kingdom there. He was born in Xiamen and is celebrated as a local hero.
  3. During the Chinese Civil War, communist forces seized control of Xiamen from nationalist forces in what became known as the Xiamen Incident in 1927.
  4. Tan Kah Kee, a prominent businessman and philanthropist who made significant contributions to education and social welfare causes both locally and nationally, was born in Xiamen.
  5. The Battle of Xiamen occurred during the Second Sino-Japanese War when Japanese forces launched an invasion on China’s southeastern coast that included an attack on Xiamen. The battle lasted for several months before ultimately resulting in Japanese victory.
  6. Hua Guofeng served as Chairman of the Communist Party from 1976 to 1981 following Mao Zedong’s death and spent much time working early on his political career in Fujian province where Xiamen is located.
  7. Gulangyu Island off the coast of Xiaman has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique architectural style that blends Western colonialism with traditional Chinese design elements.
  8. Lin Zexu played an important role during the First Opium War by leading efforts to stop British opium imports into China through forceful means – including destroying large quantities opium stored by British merchants at Canton port (now Guangzhou) while serving as Qing Dynasty official.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Gulangyu Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s famous for its colonial architecture and stunning gardens.
  2. Nanputuo Temple is a Buddhist temple that was built during the Tang Dynasty. It boasts beautiful gardens and impressive architecture.
  3. Xiamen University is one of China’s most prestigious universities, with a gorgeous campus featuring traditional Chinese architecture and breathtaking views.
  4. Hulishan Fortress is an impressive 19th-century fortress that features ancient cannons, tunnels, and a museum showcasing the history of Xiamen’s military defenses.
  5. Xiamen Museum is a comprehensive museum that showcases the history, culture, and art of Xiamen and Fujian province.
  6. Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street is a bustling shopping district filled with local shops, restaurants, cafes, and street performers.
  7. Jimei School Village is an educational village founded by Tan Kah Kee in 1913 that features unique architecture blending Chinese and Western styles.
  8. Bailuzhou Park is a scenic park located on an island in the middle of Xiamen’s main river offering walking paths, gardens, sculptures, fountains as well as boat rides around the island.
  9. Twin Towers (Xianglu Grand Hotel) are the tallest buildings in South-Eastern China at 339 meters high offering incredible views from their observation deck.
  10. Haiwan Park is a public waterfront park located at the southern end of Huandao Road featuring beaches along with swimming areas for children & adults’ enjoyment.


Sports Teams

  1. Xiamen Blue Lions FC: Established in 2017, Xiamen Blue Lions FC is a professional football club situated in Fujian, China. They presently participate in the China League Two.
  2. Xiamen Basketball Team: Founded back in 1956, the Xiamen Basketball Team is a professional basketball team based out of Fujian province and has won numerous championships throughout its existence.
  3. Hengfeng Football Club: Hengfeng Football Club is another professional football club situated at Quanzhou, Fujian Province but plays its home games at Haixia Olympic Sports Center Stadium located at Jimei District of Xiamen City.
  4. Fuzhou University Volleyball Team: With over three decades of existence, Fuzhou University Volleyball Team has been one of the most successful volleyball teams from Fujian province with many national titles to its name.
  5. Fujian Normal University Athletics Team: This university’s athletics team has produced many national champions over time including Olympians such as Liu Qingyong who represented China during Athens Olympics 2004 for Decathlon event.

As a whole, these teams have made significant contributions to the sports culture of Xiamen and continue to attract fans from all around China today as well as internationally through various tournaments they participate across Asia-Pacific region.



Cultural Events

  1. Gulangyu Piano Festival: This festival celebrates the piano culture of Gulangyu Island, known for its numerous pianos and music schools.
  2. Xiamen International Marathon: This annual marathon attracts runners from all over the world to compete in a scenic course that winds through the city and along the coast.
  3. Xiamen International Tea Fair: This fair showcases tea from all over China and other countries, with tastings, workshops, and cultural performances.
  4. Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually in September or October), this festival features mooncakes, lanterns, and other traditional activities.
  5. Dragon Boat Festival: Held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (usually in June), this festival includes dragon boat races, zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and other customs to honor an ancient poet.
  6. Xiamen International Animation Festival: This event showcases animation films from around the world as well as workshops and exhibitions related to animation art.
  7. Xiamen Fashion Week: Held twice a year in spring and fall, this fashion week highlights local designers as well as international brands showcasing their latest collections.
  8. Xiamen International Stone Fair: One of China’s largest stone exhibitions featuring natural stones used for construction projects such as flooring or countertops.

Cuisine

  • Seafood is a popular cuisine in Xiamen due to its coastal location. Steamed oysters, braised sea cucumber, and fried squid are some of the most famous seafood dishes.
  • Minnan Cuisine, a traditional Fujianese cuisine that originated in Xiamen, features fresh ingredients and light flavors with dishes like oyster omelet, fish ball soup, and stir-fried clams.
  • Xiaochi or snacks are sold by street vendors throughout the city offering local specialties such as peanut soup and glutinous rice balls filled with sesame paste or sweet bean paste.
  • Gulangyu Island is known for its scenic beauty but also for its popular restaurants serving up traditional Chinese fare as well as Western-style cafes and bakeries.
  • Shacha noodles are another popular dish in Xiamen made with wheat noodles topped with minced meat sauce flavored by sha cha sauce consisting of soybean oil mixed with garlic, shallots, and dried shrimp paste.
  • Some well-known restaurants in Xiamen include Lujiang Hotel Restaurant, Huang Zehe Peanut Soup Store, Yefengzhai Seafood Restaurant, Sanqianli Snack Street, Wutongyuan Vegetarian Restaurant, and Gangjiuwan 1898 Wharf restaurant on Gulangyu island.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Xiamen Botanical Garden is a vast garden with a wide variety of plant species and stunning scenic views.
    2. Gulangyu Island is a car-free island that boasts colonial architecture, beaches, and museums.
    3. Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street is a bustling shopping district filled with street performers and local food vendors.
    4. Hulishan Fortress is an ancient fortress that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and city skyline.
    5. Jimei School Village is a cultural village that showcases the rich history of education in China.
    6. Wanshi Botanical Garden is another botanical garden that features rare plants from all around the world.
    7. Xiamen University has an exquisite campus adorned with traditional Chinese architecture and beautiful gardens.
    8. Huandao Road Coastal Bike Path offers stunning coastal scenery along its bike path, making it ideal for outdoor exercise or sightseeing purposes.

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