The Lujiang River area in Siming district, with a good ecological environment and pleasant scenery, is home to a large number of startup enterprises. WU XIANBIN/FOR CHINA DAILY

Latest figures show impressive performance in growth and GDP in first half of the year

Siming district in Xiamen, Fujian province, achieved 138.96 billion yuan ($19.4 billion) in total GDP from January to June — a year-on-year increase of 5.6 percent — while its fiscal revenue hit 23.5 billion yuan, with a fixed asset investment growth rate of 37.9 percent, according to data released in early August by the district government.

The impressive numbers underline the government's effort to develop service industries by strengthening artificial intelligence and the gaming industry. The district is also promoting the development of commerce, trade, culture and tourism by organizing events to boost consumption.

Investment promotion

Since the start of the year, Siming has been expanding effective investment channels and tapping into consumer potential to broaden domestic demand. For example, it has pioneered large-scale equipment upgrades and trade-in programs for consumer goods by organizing about 300 activities such as car and home appliance trade-in promotions and distributing a total of 3.3 million yuan in consumer vouchers. Those efforts stimulated nearly 90 million yuan in consumption, officials said.

By planning various cultural and tourism events — including Mountain and Sea Art Season, Music in Xiamen, Joy in Siming, the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge Xiamen 2024 and the National Youth Basketball Open Finals — the district is providing a diverse consumption scenario for residents and tourists alike.

Additionally, the local government has optimized policies in the commercial circulation industry to support time-honored traditional brands as well as Black Pearl Restaurant Guild and Michelin Guild rated restaurants. There are also efforts to build the Siming Shopping Festival brand. Focusing on consumer trends like night shopping, the district launched a series of consumer promotion activities. And by implementing the Xiamen-wide "Tourism Quality Year" action, the government continues to strengthen the tourism market order.

From January to June, Siming district welcomed 28.76 million visitors — a 15.4-percent increase year-on-year — while tourism revenue reached 41.95 billion yuan, up 20.2 percent. In terms of attracting investment, after introducing several high-profile enterprises, 66 new projects were signed in the district, with a planned investment of 8.33 billion yuan over the next three years. Project quality has likewise improved, with 17 projects with investments projected to exceed 100 million yuan. Currently, 33 key projects at the provincial or city level have completed investments of 18.99 billion yuan, which has surpassed the annual plan.

Since the start of the year, Siming has carried out a series of enterprise-benefiting service special activities and established a long-term effective communication mechanism between government, enterprises and banks, with local authorities disbursing supporting funds exceeding 2.3 billion yuan to support enterprises' operation. Moreover, building on its industrial advantages, Siming district is focusing on digital economy development and has accelerated the layout of the AI field. It promoted construction of Xiamen's first district-level computing center, introduced innovative platforms from high-tech companies such as Alibaba, Baidu and Huawei and some research institutions, and has nurtured new momentum for industrial upgrades.

In February, Fujian province introduced a special policy to advance development of its gaming industry through a combination of fiscal funds and platforms. To date, 288 software information enterprises above the designated scale in the region have achieved revenues of 25.93 billion yuan — a 21.2-percent increase year-on-year.

"For a long time, Siming district has been promoting business development with an open attitude, an international perspective and service in need. Our company has received much support and encouragement from various departments of Xiamen city and Siming district," said a manager from a software and information technology enterprise in the district, adding that the company's rapid development in recent years is testament to "the vigorous development, creativity and innovation of the software and information industry in Siming district".

A view of Xiamen Shimao Strait Tower at dusk. It is a landmark building in the city. WU XIANBIN/FOR CHINA DAILY

Livelihood improvements

"The renovation of old communities connects people's well-being with urban development, embodying the aspirations and expectations of the public for a high-quality and beautiful life," a Siming official said when unveiling details of the district's renovation campaign. It aims to complete the renovation of 479 old communities this year. Additionally, efforts are ongoing to advance construction of sewage facilities, completing the renovation of 136 residential communities and 18 road drainage networks.

Adhering to a strategy of prioritizing education, a "double reduction "policy, which strictly limits subject tutoring in compulsory education, has been implemented. And a series of initiatives to benefit teachers have been introduced. There are 200 schools of all levels and types in the district, with 3,107 instructors rated at or above the district level of backbone teachers. The district is strengthening support for key groups such as college graduates and the urban unemployed via comprehensive medical and health centers. It is also increasing the supply of health services for children and the elderly. Siming currently has 683 medical and health institutions of various types, including 25 hospitals. About 30 percent of Xiamen's second level and above hospitals are located in the district.

 An elevated view of the Yundang Lake in Siming district. LIN YUYANG/FOR CHINA DAILY

Bagua Mansion is an iconic building of Gulangyu (Kulangsu) Island. MA ZHIYUAN/FOR CHINA DAILY