Xiamen history

The city of Xiamen, known in the West for centuries as Amoy, boasts a rich history closely intertwined with the sea. Its development is a story of transformation from a military outpost into one of China's key trading hubs, open to the world.

Foundation and First Mentions

Although settlements existed in this area earlier, the history of the modern city began during the Ming Dynasty. In 1387, a fortress was erected here to defend the coast against pirates. It was then that the name "Xiamen" appeared, literally translating to "Gate to the Mansion" or "Gate to the Grand Edifice," highlighting the strategic importance of this location as the entrance to the Jiulong River estuary and the inland territories of Fujian Province.

Key Development Factors

The development of Xiamen was facilitated by a unique combination of several factors:

• Geographical Location: Situated on islands off the southeast coast of China, the city possessed a superb natural harbor, sheltered from winds and convenient for ship anchorage. Its proximity to the Taiwan Strait made it a natural node on maritime routes.
• Trade: Xiamen quickly became a vital port for maritime commerce, including illicit trade during periods of prohibition. Its significance rose sharply after the signing of the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, when it became one of the five treaty ports opened to international trade. Tea, porcelain, and paper were exported through Xiamen.
• Political Role: Originally created as a military outpost, Xiamen eventually evolved into an important administrative and economic center, as well as a base for the resistance against the Manchus led by Zheng Chenggong in the 17th century.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Early Xiamen was not merely a port but a melting pot of cultures and ideas. It served as the center of the unique Southern Fujian (Hokkien) culture, from where numerous emigrants departed for Southeast Asia. Following the opening of the port to foreigners, European influence began to grow here, which is particularly noticeable in the architecture of Gulangyu Island. The city became one of the main points on the "Tea Road" linking China with Europe, and for centuries remained one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities on the Chinese coast.

Chronology of Xiamen's History

• 1387 — Foundation of the Xiamen fortress during the Ming Dynasty for defense against pirates, marking the starting point in the city's history.
• 1516 — Arrival of the first Portuguese traders, marking the beginning of contacts with European powers.
• Mid-17th Century — The city becomes the main base of the military commander Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) in his struggle against the Manchu Qing Dynasty and for preparations to expel the Dutch from Taiwan.
• 1842 — Following the Treaty of Nanking after the First Opium War, Xiamen (Amoy) becomes one of the five ports opened to international trade.
• 1843 — Signing of the Treaty of the Bogue, which granted the British the right to reside in Xiamen and conduct trade, cementing its international status.
• 1902 — An international settlement is officially established on Gulangyu Island, located opposite Xiamen, contributing to the formation of its unique architectural appearance.
• 1938–1945 — Period of Japanese occupation of the city during World War II.
• 1980 — Xiamen receives the status of one of the first four Special Economic Zones in China, providing a powerful impetus to its modern economic development.
• 2001 — Launch of direct maritime transport between Xiamen and the Kinmen Islands (Taiwan), known as the "Three Mini-Links," which became an important step in relations between the two sides.
• 2017 — The historic international settlement on Gulangyu Island is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing its cultural and architectural value.

Key Stages of Xiamen's Development

The history of Xiamen is a vivid example of transformation from a coastal fortress to a thriving international metropolis. Key events in its development have defined its modern appearance and economic strength.

• Foundation in the Ming Era (1387): Initially, Xiamen was founded as a military fortress to protect the coast from pirates. This step laid the foundation for the future city, defining its strategic position as China's "gateway."
• Opening to International Trade (1842): After the First Opium War, Xiamen became one of five treaty ports opened to foreigners. This led to an influx of international trade and cultural exchange, especially on Gulangyu Island, where consulates, churches, and European-style villas were built.
• Creation of the Special Economic Zone (1980): This event became a turning point in the city's modern history. Xiamen was selected as one of the first four SEZs in China, attracting huge foreign investments, particularly from Taiwan and Hong Kong. This launched a process of rapid industrialization and economic growth.
• SEZ Expansion and Infrastructure Development (1980s – 2000s): Initially, the zone covered a small area, but over time it was expanded to the entire Xiamen Island, and then to mainland districts. During this period, major infrastructure projects were constructed, including bridges connecting the island to the mainland, an international airport, and a modern seaport that has become one of the busiest in the world.
• Resumption of Ties with Taiwan (from 2001): The launch of direct maritime and postal links with the Kinmen Islands, controlled by Taiwan (the "Three Mini-Links" program), strengthened Xiamen's role as a bridge across the Taiwan Strait and a center for economic and cultural ties.
• Recognition of Cultural Heritage (2017): The inclusion of the historic international settlement on Gulangyu Island in the UNESCO World Heritage List highlighted its unique cultural and architectural value, reinforcing the city's status as an important tourism center.
• Center for Innovation and High Tech (Present Day): Today, Xiamen is actively developing high-tech industries such as electronics, biopharmaceuticals, and software development, transforming from a manufacturing center into an innovation hub. The city has also become a venue for major international events, such as the BRICS summit in 2017, demonstrating its global significance.

The architectural appearance of Xiamen is a fascinating kaleidoscope where traditions, a colonial past, and future aspirations are harmoniously interwoven. A walk through the city is comparable to a journey through time: from ancient temples with curved roofs to elegant European villas and gleaming skyscrapers that form one of China's most dynamic urban landscapes.

The heart and soul of historic Xiamen is the Minnan architectural style, characteristic of the southern part of Fujian Province. Its main features are red brick buildings and elegantly curved roof eaves, resembling swallowtails. These structures, imbued with the spirit of maritime traditions and trade, can be seen in old city quarters and temple complexes. A prime example is the famous Nanputuo Temple, founded during the Tang Dynasty and preserving its authenticity through the ages.

The most picturesque page of Xiamen's architectural history is connected with Gulangyu Island. After the city became an open port in the mid-19th century, an international settlement formed on the island. Today, Gulangyu, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, represents a true open-air museum. Here, Victorian mansions neighbor buildings in the Neoclassical style, while Gothic elements intertwine with Baroque decorations. As a result of this cultural blending, a unique local style known as Amoy Deco was born—an elegant synthesis of European modernism and Chinese traditions.

A new stage in the development of the city's architecture began in the 1980s when Xiamen received Special Economic Zone status. This kickstarted rapid urbanization and the emergence of a futuristic silhouette that defines the city's modern look. Impressive bridges were erected connecting the island part with the mainland, along with ultra-modern business centers. Structures like the twin towers of the Xiamen Cross Strait Financial Centre have become symbols of Xiamen's economic power and ambitions, turning it into one of the country's most advanced and attractive metropolises.

Notable Figures in the History of Xiamen

Throughout the centuries, Xiamen has been the home and base of operations for many iconic figures who left a significant mark on the history, culture, and politics of China. Their destinies are closely intertwined with this coastal city, defining its unique character.

• Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga)

  A Chinese national hero of the 17th century who used Xiamen and nearby islands as his primary military base to fight against the Manchu Qing Dynasty. It was from Xiamen that he launched his successful campaign to expel Dutch colonizers from Taiwan in 1661. His activities turned the city into a key center of resistance and a naval outpost.

• Chen Jiageng (Tan Kah Kee)

  A prominent businessman, philanthropist, and public figure of the first half of the 20th century, born in Xiamen. He invested immense funds into the development of education both in his hometown and across China and Southeast Asia. His most famous legacy in Xiamen is the founding of the Jimei School Village and Xiamen University, which remain leading educational institutions in the country today.

• Lu Xun

  The founder of modern Chinese literature, whose creative biography is linked to Xiamen. In 1926-1927, he taught at Xiamen University. This period, though brief, was productive for the writer and left a mark on the city's cultural life, strengthening its status as one of the country's intellectual centers.

• Lin Qiaozhi

  One of the most respected figures in the history of Chinese medicine, the "guardian angel" of Chinese women. She was born on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen and became a pioneer in the fields of gynecology and obstetrics in China. During her life, she helped deliver more than 50,000 babies and made an invaluable contribution to the development of women's healthcare in the country.

• Xi Jinping

  The current leader of China, whose political career is also connected with Xiamen. In 1985, he was appointed to the position of Vice Mayor of the city. His work in Xiamen coincided with the period of the city's active establishment as one of the first special economic zones, and he directly participated in its rapid economic development and modernization.