40 Years of Reform and Opening Up: Xiamen develops from a small city to center of high-tech manufacturing

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The south-eastern coastal city of Xiamen was one of the first four special economic zones established in China. Now decades into the country's ambitious reform and opening up program, the beautiful ocean-front city has developed into a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

A natural harbor city, Xiamen became one of the first Chinese towns to open to foreign trade and investment in the early 1980s. Known for its mild climate, it has played host to many national conferences, especially in the areas of technology and innovation. And it has transformed from a base for traditional manufacturing into a high-tech and IT services hub.

LI XIAOYAN DEPUTY DIRECTOR XIAMEN MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT AND REFORM COMMISSION "One of Xiamen's most distinctive differences, is that it not only focuses on the economy, but also promotes balanced development in society, culture, environment, and people's welfare."

Paying special attention to environmental protection, the city has established special platforms which improve energy efficiency. In so doing, attracting more green and high-tech industries, as well as education and medical institutes. It has all brought so much more convenience for the locals.

CHEN JIYU VILLAGER "Years ago, we needed to go to the main island to do everything, as resources were concentrated there. Now, we don't need to go there because we can get access to facilities we need here in the suburbs."

LI XIAOYAN DEPUTY DIRECTOR XIAMEN MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT AND REFORM COMMISSION "We plan to build more community parks, up from 100 now to over 300 in 2020. We need to make those parks available to our people, right at their door-step; to improve their sense of gain, to have them live happier lives."