Siming strides onto global stage as BRICS summit host

The Siming district of Xiamen, in eastern Fujian province, is striding onto the global stage in a big way.

As the central area of Xiamen, the district, playing host to the ninth BRICS Summit between Sept 3 and 5, is naturally where most of the giant event's multi-cultural communications play out.

In the run-up to the summit, there were preparations taking place on the streets affecting people from all walks of life. Take Shi Meng, a 5 year old. Recently he and his grandmother were walking about the district, when the boy spotted a paper box lying on the ground. Without hesitating, he immediately handed it to his grandma.

Shi Meng knows having a clean town is important. To welcome the guests coming from around the world, the district organized voluntary events in July to encourage people to care more about the little things that matter. Like never throwing litter away carelessly, not smoking, as well as protecting public property.

To improve the environment, the district tore down illegal buildings and unauthorized advertising boards, restored old residential communities and constructed scenic night spots.

Statistics showed that the average air quality in the district this year was measured as good 97.5 percent of the time.

The adjacent 1.87-square-kilometer beautiful and tranquil Gulangyu Island, known locally as the garden in the sea, joined the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in July.

Siming district also offers its visitors a sweep of buildings in the European, Gothic, traditional Chinese and local styles.

Many international activities, including piano festivals, beach volleyball games and marathons are held there.