Xiamen, on the southeastern coast of China, to the west of Taiwan Strait, covers a total area of 1,565 square kilometers and has a permanent population of 2.19 million. Under the jurisdiction of the municipality are six districts : Siming, Huli, Jimei, Haicang, Tong'an and Xiang'an.

Dubbed "China's coziest city", Xiamen has a pleasant climate, picturesque views and clean and tidy environment. In 2002, Xiamen received the Gold Medal at the "International Nations in Bloom" competition in Stuttgart, Germany. Domestic awards have included "National Sanitary City", "National Garden City", "National Model City for Environmental Protection", "National Excellence in Tourism"and "National Top 10 Most Livable Cities".

Xiamen was one of the first four special economic zones (SEZs) in China. One of the few municipalities enjoying independent status in state economic planning, Xiamen enjoys provincial level autonomy and local legislative power in economic administration.

Xiamen is one of the most competitive cities in China. It ranks the fifth on the "List of the Most Competitive Cities in China" published by the Economic Daily at the beginning of 2002.

Xiamen has become one of the most important ports in China for international trade and cross-Straits trade. Two nationwide investment promotion events are annually held in Xiamen----"China International Fair for Investment and Trade" and "China Xiamen Machinery and Electronics Exhibition".

Xiamen has been a hot destination for foreign investment. By the end of 2004, 6523 foreign-invested projects have been approved with a total contractual value of USD21.8 billion of which USD14.00 billion has been paid up.