Xiamen

The city is notable for its economic and strategic importance. It was designated one of China's original four special economic zones in the 1980s, playing a pivotal role in the country's economic reforms and opening to foreign investment. Its location on the Taiwan Strait, with the Kinmen Islands lying just six kilometers away, also gives it significant geopolitical relevance.

Recently, Xiamen has been featured in news reports concerning widespread travel disruptions. Multiple headlines from mid-November 2025 have highlighted significant flight delays and cancellations affecting airports across Asia, with Xiamen Airlines being among the carriers mentioned in these reports of air travel chaos.

Beyond transportation news, the city continues to be a hub for business and research. Recent headlines have also covered local corporate expansions in the battery materials sector and academic studies on public health, reflecting Xiamen's ongoing development as a modern commercial and scientific center.