Xiamen

Famous as one of the earliest International Port opened to foreign trade in the Chinese history, Xiamen nowadays is a top tourist destination city in Fujian Province. Xiamen (also known as Amoy) is located on the southeast coast of Fujian province and facing Taiwan Straits. As one the first special economic zones of China, Xiamen comprises of Xiamen Island, Gulangyu Island, and a larger region along the mouth of Dragon (Jiulong) River on the mainland. Gulangyu Island is one of top Xiamen destinations, and major scenc resort in China with rate as 4A level scenic zone. Xiamen is connected with the China mainland by the Xiamen Bridge and Gaoji Seawall.

Xiamen is an island city with a rich and dramatic history, with abundant tourist attractions such as wonderful islands, mountains, historical and cultural buildings, ancient temples, parks, etc. Xiamen also the second largest city in Fujian Province, and one of the most attractive city and trading centre in China.

Xiamen was established in 1394 at the beginning of the Ming dynasty as a center of defense against coastal pirates. Its prosperity was due to its deepwater sheltered harbor, that supplanted nearby Quanzhou, the port that had been the center of the maritime trade with the Indies. The word "Xiamen" has the meaning "A Gate of China" refer to its role as major trading port with other nations.

During the 1661, the Dutch attempted to incorporate Xiamen into their fattening colonial empire, but were rebuffed by the legendary Zheng Chenggong (known in the West as Koxinga). Koxinga is a local warrior whose military heroics are immortalized with statues and museums throughout the Xiamen area.

As the effect of "Isolationist Trade Policy" of Qing Dynasty, western countries were allowed trade only in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, until early of 19 century. Later, following China's defeat in the Great Opium Wars, Britain took over Hongkong and China was forced to open five "Treaty Ports", and Xiamen was one of them. Since then Xiamen act as an international port, and became one of most prosperous city in China after designated as Special Economic Zones in early 1980.

Xiamen is renowned for its beautiful scenery, beach attractions, and pleasant climate, with both ancient and modern buildings contribute to its rich culture. Luxurious hotels of Xiamen, Xiamen Restaurants, and trendy nightclubs share the streets with ancient temples and classic colonial style buildings, serving a extraordinary view of synchronic vision for the past and present. An aura of white beaches and green mountains complement its urban offerings, lending it the kind of fabulous vacation, deliver Xiamen as one of China’s most attractive and best-maintained resort cities.