How to Pronounce Xiamen

Meaning and Context

Xiamen, a major port city on the southeastern coast of China's Fujian Province, is a dynamic blend of historical charm and modern economic vitality. Founded in 1394 during the Ming Dynasty as a coastal defense outpost and historically known in the West as Amoy, the city has evolved into a pivotal hub for international trade, high-tech industries, and tourism. Its most famous landmark, the car-free Gulangyu Island, renowned for its colonial-era architecture and piano museums, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017. As a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) established in 1980, Xiamen has experienced rapid development, hosting major corporations and the annual China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT). The city's well-preserved Kulangsu area, vibrant Zhongshan Road pedestrian street, prestigious Xiamen University, and the serene Nanputuo Temple all contribute to its status as one of China's most livable and visually stunning coastal cities, attracting visitors and investors alike to its prosperous Fujian province setting.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling in modern English is "Xiamen," which is the Pinyin romanization of the Mandarin Chinese name (厦门). The historical and still occasionally encountered name is "Amoy," derived from the local Southern Min (Hokkien) dialect pronunciation "Ē-mûi." This older spelling appears in many historical texts, botanical names (e.g., the "Amoy" variety of lily), and in the term "Amoy dialect." Common misspellings and typos for "Xiamen" include "Xiaman," "Xiaman," "Xiamem," and "Xianmen," often resulting from phonetic guesses or keyboard errors. When referring to the island district, "Gulangyu" is the standard Pinyin, but one may also see "Kulangsu," which is the Southern Min-derived form used by the UNESCO designation. It is important to maintain consistency, using "Xiamen" for the city and being precise with "Gulangyu" or "Kulangsu" for the specific island.

Example Sentences

Many travelers begin their exploration of Xiamen with a ferry ride to the enchanting Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO site famed for its lush gardens and European-style villas.

The city's robust economy, fueled by its status as a Special Economic Zone, makes it a leading center for semiconductor manufacturing and international finance in the Fujian region.

During our visit, we enjoyed fresh seafood at a bustling market along the island's perimeter before visiting the historic campus of Xiamen University.

The distinct Amoy dialect, a variety of Hokkien, can still be heard in the older neighborhoods, echoing the port's centuries-old maritime trade history.

Proposals for deepening cross-strait economic cooperation often highlight Xiamen's strategic location directly facing Taiwan across the strait.

Related Pronunciations

• How to pronounce Qíqíhā'ěr / Qiqihar
• How to pronounce Ulanqab
• How to pronounce Xining
• How to pronounce Yancheng
• How to pronounce Huai'an