Xiamen, a fascinating city

Xiamenis a modern metropolis by the beautifulXiamenBay, a city with the homiest ambience in southeastChina. The city is one of the five Special Economic Zones inChina, facingTaiwanacross the sea.Xiamen, an island of green hills and beautiful gardens, enjoys a mild, pleasant subtropical climate characterized by warm winter and cool summer.Xiamenhas been awarded a string of honours, including the “UN Habitat Scroll of Honour” award and the “Nations in Bloom” award. Former US President Richard Nixon described Xiamen “Hawaii of the East”. The integration of the indigenousSouthern Fujian(Minnan) culture with Western culture has resulted in a unique cityscape.

Ten Draw Cards ofXiamen

1.    Gulangyu Islet

Gulangyu is reputed as a “Garden on the Sea”. With its varied architecture, the islet enjoys a reputation as an “international exposition of architecture”. Gulangyu hostsChina’s only piano museum and its habitants are passionate about music. The high piano penetration rate among its residents has earned the islet the nickname of a “PianoIsland”.

2.    China International Fair for Investment and Trade

The China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) is currently the only international investment promotion event inChinaaimed at promoting two-way investment. The fair is also the largest global investment event approved by Union des Foires Internationales (UFI), the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

3.    Xiamen InternationalMarathon

Xiamen International Marathon has been held annually for eleven consecutive years since 2003 and currently ranks among the most influential marathon events inChina. It is believed to have the most beautiful marathon course in the world.

4.    Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra

Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra, consisting of a number of top-notch professional musicians, is not only immensely popular among local residents, but also acts as a goodwill ambassador for the nation. It ranks amongChina’s top nine philharmonic orchestras.

5.    Little White Egret Folk Dance Troupe

Founded in October 1993, the troupe is the first professional folk dance troupe inChina. Featuring the exotic folk dance art and characterized by the uniqueSouthern Fujian(Minnan) culture, the troupe has won great fame and honours from all walks of life. 

6.    Gezai Opera

Gezai Opera is a form of traditional opera in Southern China, which is very popular in Southern Fujian (Minnan) andTaiwanand among ethnic Chinese in Southeast Asian countries. 

7.    Tan Kah Kee

Mr. Tan Kah Kee devoted his whole life to the revival of the national through enterprise and to the educational cause. He was praised by Mr. Mao Zedong as the “Flag of Overseas Chinese and Glory of the Nation”.

8.    Xiamen University

XiamenUniversitywas founded in 1921 by Mr. Tan Kah Kee, a well-known patriotic overseas Chinese leader. It is the only university inChina’s Special Economic Zones, enjoying privileged support from both the national “211 Project” and the “985 Project”.

9.    Island Ring Road

The Island Ring Road boasts great scenery with Huli Ancient Fortress on its western end and Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Centre on its eastern end. It is not only a thoroughfare, but also a popular spot for recreation and leisure.

10.  WuyuanBay

It is the only scenic spot which includes water scenery, hot springs, grassland, and other delights of nature in suburbanXiamen. Major attractions around the bay include the Ancient Culture and Art Museum, theWuyuanBayWetlandPark, the International Yacht Marina, and theWuyuanBayMusicIsland.