A Pioneer in China's Reform & Opening-Up
As one of China's first four Special Economic Zones (established in 1980), Xiamen has served as a critical "window" for foreign exchange and innovation. Its strategic location facing Taiwan, deep-rooted port culture, and inclusive spirit have made it a vibrant hub connecting the Chinese mainland with global markets, especially Southeast Asia.
- National Strategic Role: A key node in the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and the Fujian Pilot Free Trade Zone
- Industrial Diversity: Thriving clusters in electronics, machinery, biomedicine, and modern logistics
- Economic Growth: Transformed from a coastal town into a modern city with a GDP exceeding 700 billion RMB, ranking among China's highest in per capita GDP
A Dynamic Port City
Xiamen is a vital economic hub and a classic example of China's "Garden City," where modern development harmonizes with natural beauty. Its deep-water port has been a cornerstone of trade for centuries.
- The city is actively promoting the integrated development of its port, shipping, and trade, with policies offering significant incentives for new international shipping routes.
- This historic port was once the starting point for the "Tea" trade, with the very word in English deriving from the Xiamen dialect.
TFT Industry Benchmark: Tianma's Display
Xiamen's Tianma Panel Factory stands as a cornerstone of the city's high-tech ecosystem, reinforcing its position as a global display industry base.
- Core Technologies: Specializes in TFT-LCD and AMOLED R&D, producing high-end small/medium-sized display panels
- Applications: Panels power smartphones, wearables, automotive displays, and industrial controls
- Global Reach: Supplies domestic and international brands, driving China's shift from "catching up" to "leading" in display innovation
- Ecosystem Impact: Attracts upstream and downstream firms, creating a full industrial chain in Xiamen
Garden City & Natural Symbols
Xiamen's commitment to being a garden city is evident in its green spaces and urban ecology.
- The city's symbols are deeply embedded in its landscape: the Egret is the city bird, the Phoenix Tree (with its vibrant crimson blooms) is the city tree, and the Bougainvillea is the city flower.
- Parks like the Malian Bay Ecological Three-Islet Park are dedicated to these symbols, offering habitats for egrets and spectacular displays of bougainvillea.
A Cup of Tea That Shaped History
Xiamen's history is steeped in tea, which had a surprising impact on world events.
- In the 18th century, Xiamen was a key port for the tea trade. The famous Boston Tea Party of 1773, a pivotal event in American history, involved the dumping of hundreds of chests of Chinese tea, much of which originated from Fujian province via Xiamen.
- Thus, the tea traded through Xiamen played a role in the movements that led to the rise of Boston and the American Revolution.
The Xiamen Marathon
The Xiamen Marathon is an internationally recognized event, known for its scenic coastal route and has earned a prestigious label in the world of athletics.
- A wonderful feature of your conference venue, the Portman Seven Stars Bay Hotel, is its proximity to a marathon running pathway.
- This offers a perfect opportunity for conference attendees to enjoy a morning jog or an evening stroll along this track.
A Legacy of Education
Xiamen has a strong commitment to education, exemplified by its renowned Xiamen University (XMU).
- The university was founded in 1921 by Tan Kah Kee (Chen Jiageng), a patriotic entrepreneur who invested heavily in education.
- His legacy highlights how the spirit of supporting and valuing education is deeply ingrained in the city's character.