Xiamen
—   The Ancient Harbor Where Marco Polo Started His Journey Back Home to Venice

Xiamen, on the southeastern coast of China, to the west of Taiwan Strait, is a well-known, scenic port city commonly known as the "Garden on the Sea" and the "Glittering Pearl on the Sea". Dubbed "China's coziest city", Xiamen has a pleasant climate, picturesque views and clean and tidy environment. In 2002, Xiamen received the Gold Medal at the "International Nations in Bloom"（Now “The International Awards for the Most Livable City" ）competition in Stuttgart, Germany. Domestic awards have included "National Sanitary City", "National Garden City", "National Model City for Environmental Protection", "National Excellence in Tourism" and "National Top 10 Most Livable Cities". In March 2005, it was ranked 9th among 200 Chinese cities for its comprehensive strength.

Natural Geography

Xiamen is situated on the southeast coast of Fujian Province, and planted smack in the mouth of the Jiulong（Nine Dragons）River, so in ancient times she was called Xia Men（Amoi）, or "lower gate (to the sea)." Inevitably, Xiamen became a haven for pirates and merchants (roughly the same occupation). Eventually the name was amended to the present Xia Men （厦门）, or "Mansion Gate," which also means "Gate to China". It lies at 118° 04' 04'' east longitude and 24°26' 46'' north latitude. It is 695 nautical miles south of Sanghai, 287 nautical miles north of Hong Kong, 162 nautical miles from Taipei. At the back of Xiamen lies the Zhangzhou and Quanzhou Plain, and facing Xiamen across the Taiwan Strait are Taiwan Island and Penghu Islands. In the 1950’s, serious Chinese civil war between Chinese Communists and KMT once blocked daily communication between Xiamen (Amoi) Island and Jinmen (Quemoi) Island, which is only 1800 meters away from Xiamen, and is still under Chinese Taiwan’s jurisdiction today. Today’s Xiamen and Jinmen is the bridge between China Mainland and China Taiwan.

The topography of Xiamen is characterized by a gradual descent from the south to the north, with the northwestern part being relatively flat and the southern part mountainous and hilly. The Xiamen Harbor, which is a harbor of the strait type, has a coastal line that zigzags to 234 kilometers. It is a natural haven with deep water that is ice-free all the year round. The best overall weather in China, combined with one of the world’s best natural deep-water harbors, has helped rank Xiamen’s 81 berth port in China’s top ten.

Climate

Xiamen has a subtropical climate. It is generally mild and temperate. It has an average annual temperature of approximately 21°C. Winter in Xiamen is not shivery while summer is free from extreme heat. The city has an average annual rainfall of about 1200mm, mainly concentrated on the months from May to August.

Scenic Spots and Historical Sites

For its irresistible beauty Xiamen is described as Garden on the Sea whose attractiveness is comparable to the famous Hawaii. It is also called Egret Island for it provides the habitat for white egrets. Xiamen has numerous parks, hills, waters, temples and gardens that comprise a most adorable picture. Its unique folk customs, celebrities well known at home and abroad and the many historical sites are magnetic to visitors. Among the most popular tourist destinations are Gulangyu Island, Wanshi Botanic Garden, thousand-year-old Nanputuo Temple, Jimei Schools built by Mr. Tan Ka Kee (a famous overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia in the first half of the 20th century), Ciji Palace, Huli Hill Fort where the world's oldest shore cannon is displayed and the hometown of Mr. Su Song (a scientist living in the Song Dynasty)

Marco Polo’s mystical, magical port of Zaytun（Quanzhou）. Quanzhou （which Marco Polo called Zaitan）is a 70 mile drive north of Xiamen. Over 1,000 years ago, Xiamen was part of Quanzhou, the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, and prospered. Over 1,000 years before Christ, the West valued Chinese silk more highly than gold. One ship started from Zaitan could carry as much silk as 700 cantankerous camels on the Silk Road of the Desert. Marco Polo, who sailed for home from Quanzhou, claimed it rivaled Alexandria Egypt as the planet’s largest and busiest port.

Special Economic Zone

In Oct 1980, Xiamen was empowered by the State Council of P.R.C. to establish special economic zone, which is one of the first group of SEZs approved by the State. In March 1988, Xiamen was approved by the State Council as a city under independent state planning and was granted provincial-level authority in economic administration. From May 1989 to 1993, the State Council granted its approvals for Xiamen to establish Taiwanese Investment Zones respectively in Haicang, Xinglin and Jimei Districts. In March 1994, Xiamen was empowered with local legislative power by the National People's Congress of P.R.C. As one of the few municipalities enjoying independent status in state economic planning, Xiamen enjoys provincial level autonomy and local legislative power in economic administration.

Culture

Xiamen has combined the long-standing traditional Minnan (Southern Fujian) culture with modern western culture. Its friendly citizens and delightful environment make Xiamen one of the best cities in the world, whether for working, living or studying. The blend of eastern and western culture you encounter as you wander through the city is of endless fascination.

Transportation and Communication

As one of the most advanced cities in China, Xiamen has developed fast and convenient means of transportation and communication. Its railway and highway systems, together with the international airport, connect Xiamen with other major cities at home and abroad. In terms of communication, the 2.5 G b/s wide-band internet, the GSM and CDMA mobile telephone networks and the all-digital program-controlled telephone network bring the city in close touch with other cities, regions and countries around the world.