Guanyin Mountain Beach in Xiamen. [Photo/VCG]

Xiamen, a coastal gem with an approximately 265-kilometer coastline, boasts pristine beaches shaped by nature and preserved through dedicated restoration and management efforts. Over the past 20 years, the city has rejuvenated more than 10 beaches, restoring 14.5 km and 1.65 million square meters of coastline. These initiatives have not only beautified the area but have also boosted biodiversity, making the shores more vibrant.

A notable project on Bingzhou Island in Tong'an district transformed a 3.26 km stretch of coastline by 2025. By selecting medium-fine sand suited to local conditions, a 2,616-meter crescent-shaped beach, covering 440,000 sq m, was crafted, enhancing ecological harmony. This restoration increased biodiversity by 30 percent, allowing benthic organisms and migratory birds to flourish.

Guanyin Mountain Beach, restored in 2007 and still stable nearly two decades later, stands as a testament to innovative coastal management. As the first successfully restored large-scale beach in the Chinese mainland, it has provided valuable practical experience for beach restoration in Xiamen and across China.

Behind each successful restoration case is Xiamen's meticulous "one bay, one policy" approach, tailoring restoration plans to the unique characteristics of each marine area. Beyond restoration projects, Xiamen is also protecting its coastline through institutional innovation.

Additionally, the city pioneered a "layered" sea usage policy in 2024, allowing different projects to utilize the sea's surface, water, seabed, and subsoil without interference. This blend of ecological and institutional innovation underscores Xiamen's commitment to sustainable coastal management.