Xiamen becomes seaside haven for artists, cultural industries

"There are many things in common between here and my hometown," he said. "They both have a slow and tranquil lifestyle."

Now tourists from across the country come to his shop to paint porcelain cups with custom words and images with their own hands, showing love for their loved ones, he said.

The Siming district of Xiamen is not only attracting young artists but also young couples. The 13 hectares of Xitouxia village are now home to 10 wedding photography organizations and more than 70 photography workshops where about 30,000 couples from around the country come to take wedding photos every year.

As the closest village to the Jinmen Islands, Xitouxia has experienced extraordinary changes.

The first house constructed after the war in 1958 now displays antiques, including soldiers' caps and water cups, sewing machines and black-and-white television sets.

The stone houses once accommodated villagers who lost their homes during the war and has been kept in its original form. As the village closest to the sea in the city with a higher altitude, Xitouxia also has large beach areas and long coastlines.

In 2003, the first photo studio settled in the village, followed by others.

New couples love the seascapes, making it the perfect place to develop the photography industry, said the owner of Houguhuayi Studio.