The Welsh capital of Cardiff in the United Kingdom became Xiamen's first sister city on March 31, 1983.
Located on the estuary of the River Tarff, Cardiff is an important port in the Bristol Channel. The city is home to 300,000 residents and covers 120 square kilometers.
Cardiff is the driving force of Wales' economy. Though its population only accounts for 10 percent of the country's total, its economic output accounts for approximately 20 percent of Wales' GDP, making it a big spender in the region.
Cardiff is one of Wales' key industrial and commercial centers. Its primary industries include those related to financial services, industrial development and manufacturing.
The city's musical heritage is well documented and many singers (Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey, to name a few) have gone on to international stardom after being brought up there. The city also hosts the famous biennial "Cardiff Singer of the World Competition".
Cardiff has many landmark buildings, including the Millennium Stadium, Pierhead Building, the Welsh National Museum and the Senedd - home of the National Assembly for Wales. Other attractions include Cardiff Castle, St David's Hall, Llandaff Cathedral and the Wales Millennium Centre.
The Welsh capital is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United Kingdom, receiving approximately 18.3 million visitors annually and generating more than £852 million.
China now enjoys comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 23 countries after reaching an agreement on mutual visa exemption with Thailand on Jan 28.
China and Thailand signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports and passports for public affairs on Jan 28.
