Xiamen: Beautiful, Coastal… and Expensive

Editor’s note: This December, we are finishing our year of prayer for Chinese cities by praying for Xiamen, a beautiful (and expensive!) coastal city in eastern China. Xiamen has a population of about 4 million, and has a long history as an important port city for China. It sits just across the strait from Taiwan, and is known within China as a famous tourist destination. Although it is a lovely city with an enjoyable atmosphere, Xiamen’s high cost of living makes it difficult for young people to settle down and build their lives there. Today, four Xiamen pastors introduce us to their home.


China Partnership: What makes Xiamen unique among Chinese cities?

Famous Island City

Wei Yan: Hi, my name is Wei Yan. I’m in my mid-30s, and have been in full-time ministry since my late-20s. Our church is small and mainly young people, mostly singles and newly married couples.

As for Xiamen, the city is a coastal, island city. You often hear the slogan, “The city is in the sea, and the sea is in the city.” There aren’t many cities in China on islands – maybe just Xiamen and Hong Kong. On the mainland, Xiamen is quite a famous tourist city. It is a top tourist destination by the sea, with a pleasant climate and beautiful environment. The city draws many tourists from all over China.

Because of its comfortable and beautiful environment by the sea, Xiamen is a good place to retire. In recent years, though – maybe always – Xiamen has not been a good place for young people to build a career. It seems people in Xiamen are more laidback or less ambitious, especially compared to the neighboring city of Quanzhou, which has many large enterprises.

Xiamen is quite a famous tourist city. It is a top tourist destination by the sea, with a pleasant climate and beautiful environment. The city draws many tourists from all over China.

This connects to the third point: why is it so difficult for young people to build a career here? Because of another characteristic: extremely high housing prices! In the past few years, Xiamen has ranked fourth nationwide in high prices, just behind Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. At one point, it even surpassed Guangzhou.

Rich in Spiritual Resources

Huang Minzhu: I pastor a church in a district just outside of Xiamen Island. My congregation has people of all ages, and we have about 150 members.

The housing prices here are not proportional to income, and the cost of living is relatively high.

I think Xiamen has many spiritual resources. Outside the city, we have a good spiritual reputation. When people in our province talk about Xiamen, they think of it as a good place with many resources and much theological depth. But within Xiamen itself, it feels like everyone is just living their own lives, attending services and gatherings, and that’s it. The spiritual environment is obviously relaxed, and it does not live up to the city’s reputation.

Although ministries in Xiamen are flourishing, right now the ministries are weak due to lack of stamina and depth. Believers in Xiamen have high theological literacy, but their lives are inconsistent with the truth they have received. They know more than they do.

Xiamen has been the center of a lot of persecution, and churches often have to change the location of their meeting place. But Xiamen is not truly spiritually strong, and the persecution outpaces its true spiritual life.

Christian History

Jin Dajun: I’m a local, born and raised here in Xiamen. I’ve been married over a decade, and have two children. I’ve been in full-time ministry for more than 15 years. My church began with mostly young people, but now we have members ranging from people in their 80s to newborns. We have a wide range of ages and social backgrounds: from the very poor to people living in mansions; from illiterate aunties to former university professors. Our church has about a hundred members.

In the past decade, our church has seen quite a few young people leave because they felt they couldn’t settle down, afford a house, and make a living here.

One thing that’s unique about Xiamen is that it is a famous tourist city. When I was in elementary school, I remember that my English textbook even had a passage about a place in Xiamen! Early on, when China was being invaded and colonized, Xiamen was an open port. Many different countries came into China through Xiamen, making it a very important port.

Xiamen has the first church which was built in China for Chinese worshipers. This building is known as the “First Holy Church in China.” That church was built in 1849 by an American Reformed pastor named Abdeel, and has quite a history. In Xiamen church history, there was also a wonderful movement of unity among Presbyterian churches around the world. Although the churches came from different nations and various Presbyterian denominations, in Xiamen, they united and established a system to support the local Presbyterian church.

As for the city, in addition to having China’s fourth-highest housing prices, the cost of living is also around seventh or eighth nationwide. If you want to spend money, Xiamen is a very comfortable place. However, it’s not a place to make money. The pressure of living here is pretty high, and there aren’t many opportunities, especially for young people.

In the past decade, our church has seen quite a few young people leave because they felt they couldn’t settle down, afford a house, and make a living here.

Warm People

Zu Dong: I’ve lived here 10 years, and have been pastoring for about five years. Our church is mostly made up of young people, millennials and Gen Z. About half are married and half are single. I’ve been married for 10 years, the same time I came to Xiamen.

Xiamen gives people of being a refined and beautiful small town. Of course, as the other brothers mentioned, housing prices and the cost of living are very high.

Because of its artistic atmosphere, many young people still like Xiamen. It’s small, not like other first- and second-tier Chinese cities. It is convenient to get around Xiamen, and you can quickly reach any destination. Xiamen gives people of being a refined and beautiful small town. Of course, as the other brothers mentioned, housing prices and the cost of living are very high.

Still, I think Xiamen has a unique atmosphere. I live in a community where many of the people moved here from Gulangyu Island. When I go to the market in Xiamen, I still feel like the people have a certain warmth in how they treat others. Whether its elderly in the community or vendors at the market, you can have a conversation with others, and they are very willing to share with you.

Preacher Yang: Historically, Xiamen was one of the first cities in China to be exposed to the gospel. In 1842, foreign missionaries landed to preach in Xiamen. At the end of the 19th century, Xiamen had the earliest Chinese autonomous church alliance in China, with Minnan Presbyterian Church.

This inheritance of faith over the years also enabled Xiamen elders to bravely persist in their faith after the persecution which was everywhere in China after 1949. After the 1980s, Xiamen house churches were the first to resume gathering. This testimony of the faith of the elders has influenced house churches in Fujian Province. Long-term pastoral care has enabled the current house churches in Xiamen to interact with each other and pass on from generation to generation. It is all God’s grace.


Wei Yan, Huang Minzhu, Jin Dajun, Zu Dong, and Preacher Yang are all pseudonyms for house church pastors in Xiamen.

Pray that the beautiful coastal city of Xiamen will be a place from which God’s name and goodness is proclaimed to all the earth.

Share This Story

Further Reading

yiran-ding-Pdkafw_SPgY-unsplash
Xiamen: Longing for Depth
Read More
chromatograph-1M30xgA3DNo-unsplash(1)
Xiamen: Sharing the Gospel with Pragmatic People
Read More
chong-wei-7YHcpRtBD_8-unsplash
Church and the War Between the Sexes
Read More

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA

With rising pressure and persecution in China, there are two challenges imperative for church leaders. The first challenge is for current leaders to love Christ above all else, and not to stray into legalism or love of the world. The second challenge is to raise up the next generation of leaders, who will humbly model Jesus even if current leaders are arrested.

WILL YOU JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA? PRAY FOR:

  1. Current leaders to grow in their daily walks with Christ
  2. Current leaders to shepherd and raise up new leaders
  3. New leaders who love Christ and will model him to the world
  4. New leaders to love and care for the church

Videos

ABOUT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

About Shenyang

Shenyang is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Liaoning Province. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shenyang is also a hub for China’s heavy industry, with companies such as the China First Automobile Group and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation having their headquarters in the city.

Videos

Stories from Shenyang

About Qingdao

Qingdao is a city located in eastern China and is famous for its beaches, beer, and seafood. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Zhanqiao Pier and the Badaguan Scenic Area. Qingdao is also a major port and has a thriving economy, with industries such as electronics, petrochemicals, and machinery.

Videos

Stories from Qingdao

About Xiamen

Xiamen is a city located in southeastern China and is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastal scenery, including Gulangyu Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also a hub for China’s high-tech industry, with companies such as Huawei and ZTE having research and development centers in Xiamen.

Videos

Stories from Xiamen

About Chongqing

Chongqing is a city located in southwestern China and is a major economic center in the region. The city is known for its spicy cuisine, especially its hot pot dishes, and is also famous for the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. Chongqing is also home to several historic sites, including the Dazu Rock Carvings, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Videos

Stories from Chongqing

About Nanjing

Nanjing is a city located in eastern China and is the capital of Jiangsu Province. It is one of China’s ancient capitals and has a rich cultural history, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Nanjing City Wall, and the Confucius Temple. Nanjing is also a modern city with a thriving economy and is home to several universities, including Nanjing University and Southeast University.

Videos

Stories from Nanjing

About Changchun

Changchun is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Jilin Province. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several historical landmarks such as the Puppet Emperor’s Palace and the Jingyuetan National Forest Park. Changchun is also a hub for China’s automotive industry, with several major automobile manufacturers having their headquarters in the city.

Videos

Stories from Changchun

About Guangzhou

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is a city located in southern China and is the capital of Guangdong Province. It is one of the country’s largest and most prosperous cities, serving as a major transportation and trading hub for the region. Guangzhou is renowned for its modern architecture, including the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House, as well as its Cantonese cuisine, which is famous for its variety and bold flavors. The city also has a rich history, with landmarks such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Additionally, Guangzhou hosts the annual Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China.

Videos

Stories from Guangzhou

About Kunming

Kunming is a city located in southwest China and is the capital of Yunnan Province. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, Kunming is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The city is home to several scenic spots, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stone Forest, Dian Lake, and the Western Hills. Kunming is also famous for its unique cuisine, which features a mix of Han, Yi, and Bai ethnic flavors. The city has a rich cultural history, with ancient temples and shrines like the Yuantong Temple and the Golden Temple, and it’s also a hub for Yunnan’s ethnic minority cultures, such as the Yi and Bai peoples.

Videos

Stories from Kunming

About Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a city located in southeastern China and is one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolises. The city is renowned for its thriving tech industry, with companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and DJI having their headquarters in Shenzhen. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and parks. Shenzhen is also known for its modern architecture, such as the Ping An Finance Center and the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. Despite its modernization, Shenzhen also has a rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Dapeng Fortress and the Chiwan Tin Hau Temple.

Videos

Stories from Shenzhen

About Chengdu

Chengdu is a city located in the southwestern region of China, and the capital of Sichuan province. It has a population of over 18 million people, and it is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and its cute and cuddly residents – the giant pandas. Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, museums, and historical sites scattered throughout its boundaries. Chengdu is a city of contrasts, with ancient traditions coexisting alongside modern developments, making it an intriguing and fascinating destination for visitors to China. 

Videos

Stories from Chengdu

About Beijing

Beijing is the capital city of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people. The city has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, and it has served as the capital of various dynasties throughout China’s history. Beijing is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in China, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The city is also a hub for political, cultural, and educational activities, with numerous universities and research institutions located within its boundaries. Beijing is renowned for its traditional architecture, rich cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to China.

Videos

Stories from Beijing

About Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the eastern coast of China. It is the largest city in China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 24 million people. Shanghai is a global financial hub and a major center for international trade, with a rich history and culture that spans over 1,000 years. The city is famous for its iconic skyline, which features towering skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower. Shanghai is also home to a diverse culinary scene, world-class museums and art galleries, and numerous shopping districts. It is a city that is constantly evolving and reinventing itself, making it a fascinating destination for visitors from around the world.

Videos

Stories from Shanghai

give

A short message about partnering with us.