Xiamen's Culture and Tourism Sectors Flourish Amid Strategic Development Plans

Xiamen, a lively city in Fujian province, is undergoing a remarkable transformation in its culture and tourism sectors, driven by a strong commitment to enhance its integrated development of commerce, trade, culture, and tourism. This growth journey is a significant aspect of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and reflects China's broader ambition for a high-quality development environment.

A Surging Tourism Market

The current state of China's culture and tourism market is marked by a vigorous recovery. This resurgence provides an ideal backdrop to nurture and expand tourism opportunities. As articulated by Cui Yonghui, the Party Secretary of Xiamen, the city aims to evolve its tourism model from simple sightseeing to immersive experiences. This vision is set to transform Xiamen into a leading international destination for travel and leisure.

In 2024 alone, the city attracted approximately 128 million visitors and generated a whopping revenue of 191.1 billion yuan (around 27.02 billion USD), representing a commendable 15.4% upswing compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The growth isn't just in numbers—Xiamen boasts 784 large cultural enterprises, which have collectively reported revenue surpassing 260 billion yuan over the last five years. Key sites like the UNESCO-listed Gulangyu Island and Xiamen Botanical Garden are iconic A-level scenic areas, contributing significantly to the city's allure.

Moreover, Xiamen is also leveraging its picturesque landscapes to become a hotspot for filming, attracting filmmakers and fans alike. The city's collaboration with the film industry is highlighted by the annual hosting of the China Film Golden Rooster Awards, an event that has energized its culture, film, and music sectors. In mid-November of this year, Xiamen approved the launch of 177 new cultural, film, and television projects, marking continued vitality in these creative sectors.

Thriving Inbound Tourism

Inbound tourism has seen a sharp increase, with the number of overnight foreign visitors reaching approximately 2.31 million in 2024, nearly tripling the figures from the previous year. Notably, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Xiamen ranked among the top five preferred destinations for international travelers to China, thanks to its diverse offerings and high-quality experiences. As highlighted by Su Ke, the deputy director of Xiamen’s tourism bureau, the city is committed to enhancing its inbound services, introducing improved measures in entry procedures and sightseeing opportunities to attract more visitors.

Dynamic Trade Landscape

While the tourism sector flourishes, so too does Xiamen's trade industry. In light of global uncertainties, the city's strategic focus has been expanding its international trade landscape while bolstering domestic economic activity. Data reveals a surge in imported and exported goods, growing from 691.58 billion yuan in 2020 to 932.61 billion yuan in 2024, achieving an average annual growth rate of 7.8%. With trade partnerships established across 239 countries and numerous foreign commodities, Xiamen is cementing its status as a trade hub.

The annual China International Fair for Investment and Trade further emphasizes Xiamen's commitment to fostering two-way investments. Drawing entrepreneurs from 172 global regions, the fair facilitated nearly 3,500 successful projects, showcasing Xiamen's innovative approach to economic growth through trade.

Advancements in Infrastructure

All these advancements in tourism and trade are underpinned by Xiamen's modern transport infrastructure. The seamless integration of sea, land, and air transport services has been pivotal. Over the past five years, significant improvements at Xiamen Port have added new berths and shipping routes connecting to 150 ports globally. Furthermore, the recent inauguration of the Fuzhou-Xiamen high-speed railway—a milestone as China’s first cross-sea high-speed rail line—reflects Xiamen's transformative approach to connectivity.

The city is also poised to enhance its aviation capacity with Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport serving numerous global destinations. Additionally, the development of Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport is set to significantly bolster passenger and cargo capacity upon its expected completion.

Conclusion

As Xiamen continues to flourish, both culture and tourism sectors are set for a promising future, supported by innovative strategies and extensive infrastructural advancements. The city’s ambitious plans to integrate and elevate its offerings truly mark it as a standout destination on the global stage, catering to the diverse interests and experiences desired by today's travelers.