Xiamen, Harbor city in Fujian, China
Xiamen is a harbor city in Fujian Province in southeastern China, spread over six districts and several offshore islands. The Taiwan Strait lies directly opposite, and the urban area includes both mainland sections and numerous smaller coastal stretches with bays and peninsulas.
The city began in 1387 as a Ming Dynasty fortress to protect the coast from pirate attacks. After the First Opium War, it was opened in 1842 as one of China's first five treaty ports and grew into an important trading center.
The city is considered one of the cleanest in China and attracts many residents who appreciate the relaxed coastal lifestyle. Locals maintain their public parks and waterfronts with great care, so visitors find well-kept green spaces and shoreline paths.
A rapid bus system and a metro link the different districts together, while Gaoqi Airport offers domestic and international connections. Most sights lie along the coast or on the islands, so it helps to know the public ferry routes.
The harbor ranks among China's seven largest container hubs and handles several million freight units each year. Its deep-water berths allow large ocean vessels to dock directly without relying on lighters or transshipment.
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