Xiamen Overview
Location: located in the southern part of Fujian Province; between 118o04' east longitude and 24o26' north latitude
Neighboring Areas: Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Guangdong and Taiwan Provinces
Physical Features: mainly downland, small plain near the sea; Xiamen island and continent is connected by the sea bank; wide gulf with deep water, without freezing and silting
Population: 1.24 million
Urban Population: 1.24 million
Area: 1,565 sq km
Nationalities: Han, She, Hui, Miao, Manchu, and Gaoshan
History: the administration organizational system of Xiamen has begun since Song Dynasty, Ming built the city walls and established Xiamen as a major seaport and commercial centre; the city has significantly benefited from Taiwanese, overseas Chinese and foreign investment and its designation as a Special Economic Zone in 1980
Climatic Features: subtropical monsoon climate; the black frost period last 364 days; the average wind power is 3 to 5 level, mainly the northeast wind
Average Temperature: annual average 20.8oC, with the absolute highest temperature of 38.4oC, lowest of 2oC
Rainfall: the annual precipitation is 1,100 mm; concentrated on May, June and July
Mountains: Gulangyu Island- Wanshi Mountain
Rivers: Yongding River, a branch of the Haihe River
Local Highlights: Peanut Crisp, Spice Grapes, tea, seafood
