Xiamen

Xiamen, historically also known as Amoy, is a sub-provincial city in Fujian Province, China. It lies on the southeast coast facing the Taiwan Strait and comprises Xiamen Island, where the city center is located, plus several surrounding mainland areas and outlying islands. The city experiences a subtropical maritime climate and serves as a major port and gateway to Fujian.

Xiamen has a long port tradition dating to ancient times and became a treaty port in the 19th century after various conflicts. In 1980 it was designated one of China's first special economic zones, a status that spurred rapid development in industry, trade, and tourism. The city is home to Xiamen Port, one of China's leading deep-water ports and logistics hubs.

Gulangyu Island, just off the coast, is renowned for its preserved colonial architecture and piano culture; it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2017. The city also hosts Xiamen University, founded in 1921 by Tan Kah Kee, and attractions such as Nanputuo Temple and Shuzhuang Garden.

Xiamen is served by Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport and is connected by road, bridge-tunnel networks, and rail links to other major cities in Fujian and the wider region. The city has a developing transport network and serves as a regional hub. The local language is Minnan (Hokkien), with Mandarin as the official language.