The convention and exhibition (C&E) industry in Xiamen, Southeast China's Fujian Province, is thriving, becoming a key force in integrating urban consumption with industrial growth. In the first quarter of 2025, Xiamen hosted a total of 26 exhibitions, which covered an area of approximately 330,000 square meters.

The vibrant, diverse conventions and exhibitions not only attracted a large number of domestic and international exhibitors and professional visitors, but also significantly boosted consumption in related sectors such as exhibition setup, curation, catering, accommodation, and tourism.

The 20th West-Taiwan-Strait Auto Expo will be held from June 27th to 30th at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center. It is set to offer 30 highly influential events aimed at attracting potential car buyers and enthusiasts from various sectors, precisely connecting exhibitors with customers.

The recently concluded 25th China Xiamen International Stone Fair welcomed over 150,000 visits, with an exhibition area spanning 191,000 square meters. It brought together more than 2,000 exhibitors from 40 countries, with many of them securing substantial orders during the event.

Curators and exhibition setup businesses have also reaped significant profits from the flourishing C&E industry. In good market conditions, organizing a large-scale exhibition can generate revenue of 20 to 30 million yuan ($2.74-4.11 million) solely from booth fees, according to a senior curator based in Xiamen. "Some exhibitors with strong financial capabilities are willing to pay as much as 400,000 to 500,000 yuan for a single booth." According to the curator, exhibition setup companies charge fees ranging from tens of thousands to several million yuan based on exhibitors' requirements.

The prosperous C&E industry has brought a substantial influx of guests to hotels and other accommodations. "Whenever major conferences or expos are held, there's a clear boost in demand for lodging and dining," said Zhang Xiaoling, deputy general manager of the Peony International Hotel in Xiamen. As large-scale conferences and exhibitions take place, hotel occupancy rates often climb to 80-90 percent, sometimes even full capacity, Zhang said.

Conferences and exhibitions have also propelled the development of Xiamen's cultural and tourism sector. "With a large conference, we typically host 300 to 500 guests, managing their conference, accommodation, dining, and travel arrangements, which yields substantial income," said a representative from Xiamen Hualv Travel Agency. Many out-of-town exhibitors and guests who come to Xiamen for conferences or exhibitions enjoy experiencing local local intangible cultural heritage and immersing themselves in Minnan culture, said the manager, adding that the travel agency often customizes the travel itineraries based on their business needs.