Xiamen is a bustling port city and a major tourist destination on the southeastern coast of China. It’s also one of China’s five Special Economic Zones. With a permanent resident population of 3.92 million as of end 2016, the city covers a land area of 1699.39 square kilometers, of which Xiamen Island (including Gulangyu Island) accounts for 157.76 square kilometers. Reputed as the “Garden on the Sea”, Xiamen is blessed with unique natural landscape and lasting appeal, featuring pleasant coastal view, distinctive local flora and well-preserved ecological environment. Legend has it that in ancient times it was the habitat of egrets, and therefore Xiamen is also known as the “Egret Island”.