Xiamen: Urban Symphony for Cultural and Economic Integration

Situated on China’s southeast coast, Xiamen presents itself as a city with a fascinating past and a prominent present (see Fig. 11.1). With roots dating back thousands of years, Xiamen has developed into a thriving city while preserving its rich cultural legacy (Buoye, 2002; Murray, 2020). Xiamen, being a major port city and a significant player in international trade, holds strategic importance as a major economic and cultural center in Fujian Province (Chen, 2019). Xiamen, which is strategically located on the Taiwan Strait, is an important center for innovation and cross-cultural exchange in addition to its economic importance. Xiamen is well-known for its beautiful scenery, cutting-edge urban design, and vibrant business atmosphere (Guo, 2013; Lin & Gámez, 2018). It is a prime example of how tradition and advancement can coexist peacefully. This seaside city, with its mix of modern energy and historical charm (Hale, 2023), perfectly captures the vibrancy of Southeast Asian urban life.