Xiamen

In 1841, during the First Opium War, British forces occupied the city of Xiamen, known then as Amoy, as part of their military campaign against the Qing Dynasty. The occupation was a strategic move by the British to control important trade routes and ports in the region. Xiamen's location was crucial due to its proximity to the rich interior markets and its role as a key port in mainland China's sea trade. The British used the occupation to negotiate more favorable terms in their dealings with China, eventually leading to the Treaty of Nanking. This treaty ended the First Opium War and opened several Chinese ports, including Xiamen, to British trade.

Xiamen University was founded in 1921 by Tan Kah Kee, a Chinese business magnate in Southeast Asia. It is the first university founded by overseas Chinese in modern Chinese history. Situated in the city of Xiamen, the university has since developed into a comprehensive institution offering undergraduate and graduate education in a variety of fields such as the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The university's establishment was significant for the promotion of higher education in southern China and has had a lasting impact on the region's intellectual development.

The Japanese occupation of Xiamen took place during the Second Sino-Japanese War. On May 10, 1938, the Japanese Imperial Army landed on the island and took control of it from Chinese forces. Xiamen was considered a strategic location due to its port and naval facilities, which the Japanese aimed to control as part of their broader military strategy in the southeast of China. The occupation lasted until the end of World War II, affecting the lives of the local population and the development of the city during this period. This occupation was part of Japan's wider campaign in China, which aimed to extend Japanese influence and control over the Asia-Pacific region.

The Xiamen Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was officially established in 1980 as one of China's original four SEZs aimed at promoting economic growth through market liberalization and attracting foreign investment. However, it was expanded in 1988 to cover the entire island of Xiamen. The establishment of the SEZ marked a significant shift in China's economic policy, moving towards open-market reforms. It helped in transforming Xiamen into a modern port city with improved infrastructure, attracting numerous multinational enterprises and enhancing international trade links. The SEZ played a crucial role in the economic development of Fujian Province and the overall reform and opening-up policy of China.

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport opened in October 1983 on Xiamen Island in Fujian Province, China. However, significant developments and expansions were completed by December 1997, making it a major hub for air transport in the region. The airport provides both domestic and international flights, supporting Xiamen's status as a major trading and tourist destination. Its establishment and subsequent expansions have been instrumental in facilitating Xiamen's economic growth, connecting it to major cities worldwide, and boosting tourism and commerce.

The Haicang Bridge in Xiamen was completed on December 31, 2000. It is one of the longest highway bridges in China, stretching over 5.9 kilometers and linking Xiamen Island with the Haicang District on the mainland. The bridge significantly improved transportation and logistics within the region, facilitating economic integration and development. Prior to the bridge's completion, ferry services were the main means of transportation to and from Xiamen Island. The bridge has not only reduced travel time but also supported the city's rapid urban expansion and economic growth in the early 21st century.

In 2008, the Tongan District in Xiamen saw remarkable industrial and economic growth when it was transformed as part of plans to boost the city's overall development. The Xiamen authorities focused on developing high-tech industries, logistics, and manufacturing capabilities in the region. By implementing favorable policies for businesses and improving infrastructure, the district attracted significant domestic and foreign investment, establishing itself as a key area for Xiamen’s economic strategy. This growth has contributed significantly to Xiamen’s GDP and positioned the city as a leading economic hub in southeastern China.

Xiamen Metro Line 1 was opened on December 31, 2017, but planning and construction significantly impacted Xiamen's urban development throughout the decade starting in 2010. It was the first metro line in the city, and its introduction marked a new era in urban public transportation. It connects major districts and provides commuters with a fast, efficient alternative to road transportation, reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable urban living. The metro line has been crucial to the city's expanding public transport network, improving accessibility for both locals and tourists.

The 2017 BRICS Summit was hosted in Xiamen, China, from September 3 to 5. It was the ninth annual summit of the BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Held at the Xiamen International Conference Center, the summit focused on fostering global economic dialogue and cooperation among the member countries. It featured discussions on trade, investment, and ways to strengthen political and economic ties. The event brought international attention to Xiamen, showcasing the city's modern infrastructure and its role as a center for international diplomacy and business.

Xiamen Torch High-tech Zone was officially recognized as a national high-tech industrial development zone in the 1990s, but its significance grew with ongoing developments by November 2020. The zone is a hub for innovation and technological advancement in Xiamen, fostering startups and high-tech enterprises. It provides a supportive environment for industries such as electronics, biotechnology, and software development. This initiative has helped establish Xiamen as a center for innovation and research, contributing to the growth of high-value industries in the region.