A Leap into Next-Gen Tech: See the Future of Fujian-Hong Kong Collaboration in Xiamen

The Hong Kong media delegation began its first day of visits to Fujian on Monday (August 3), departing from Hong Kong and heading directly to Xiamen. In the afternoon, they visited Xiamen Sitan Semiconductor Co., Ltd. and the Xiamen Free Trade Zone to gain first-hand insight into Fujian's latest progress in third-generation semiconductors and institutional opening-up.

The delegation's first stop was Xiamen Sitan Semiconductor Co., Ltd., located in the Torch High-tech Zone in Huli District, Xiamen. Photo by Bastille Post

The delegation's first stop was Xiamen Sitan Semiconductor Co., Ltd., located in the Torch High-tech Zone in Huli District. A national-level "specialised and sophisticated" "little giant" enterprise, the company is a leading player in China's Micro LED micro-display sector, specialising in AR/XR micro-display chips and automotive optical screens. It holds more than 800 independent patents and has invested RMB 1.2 billion in a state-of-the-art Micro-LED silicon-based mass production line, one of the most advanced in Chinese Mainland.

Photo by Bastille Post

According to the company, its Phase I production base in Tong'an broke ground in 2022 and commenced production in 2023. The facility features both Class 100 and Class 1,000 cleanrooms, with hardware specifications approaching those of a professional IC wafer fabrication plant. Annual production capacity reaches tens of millions of micro-display panels, suited for applications including AR smart glasses and in-vehicle projection systems.

Sitan Technology's technical roots are closely intertwined with Hong Kong. The company was founded in 2018 by alumni and scholars of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Its core R&D team emerged from the HKUST State Key Laboratory of Display and Opto-Electronics, focusing on Micro-LED chips and display modules. A significant portion of the company's foundational Micro Display technologies was transferred from the laboratory through patent licensing agreements.

Photo by Bastille Post

Unlike most industry players that can only produce light-emitting panels independently, Sitan Semiconductor is one of only two companies in Chinese Mainland capable of both manufacturing Micro LED panels and independently designing CMOS driver chips. Operating under a fabless R&D model, the company collaborates with global foundry leaders including TSMC, CR Microelectronics, and SMIC. This enables Sitan to offer integrated "panel + driver IC" custom solutions to Tier 1 automotive suppliers in South Korea and international automakers in Europe and the US.

Photo by Bastille Post

Sitan's self-developed Micro LED technology outperforms traditional LCD and OLED screens in image quality, power consumption, and brightness. Pixel sizes can be refined to nanometre-level precision, and its self-developed single-chip full-colour panels deliver 120% NTSC colour gamut coverage, combined with infinite contrast, ultra-low power consumption, and exceptional outdoor brightness. Two mature product lines are now in mass production: a 0.13-inch micro-optical engine module for AR/XR wearable devices, embedded in the Alibaba Qianwen AR glasses and capable of projecting virtual images via a waveguide optical path; and a 0.53-inch white light module for automotive welcome projection, alongside an ADB intelligent headlight system under development. Sitan is also the first manufacturer in Chinese Mainland to have a Micro LED projection solution pass rigorous automotive-grade certification.

Compared to the widely adopted TI DLP automotive projection solutions, Sitan's proprietary technology offers a simpler optical path structure and more compact form factor. It also eliminates costly overseas patent licensing fees. The company has already begun supplying Mobis—a Tier 1 supplier for Hyundai and Kia—and is advancing projects with BMW's "Angel Wings" illumination system and Li Auto, among others.

The smart glasses on display drew significant attention from the media, with accompanying reporters trying them on. Photo by Bastille Post

The smart glasses on display drew considerable interest from reporters, many of whom tried them on. Equipped with Sitan's self-developed chip, the device can project real-time navigation overlays, making it suitable for walking and cycling. It also features instant translation and music playback functions.

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Company management revealed that while a second-phase production line had originally been planned for mobile phone and television panels, market research led to a strategic reassessment. With the traditional display market saturated and AR wearables offering thin margins, the company is now focusing entirely on the automotive smart display sector, where growth is more certain and product premiums are higher.

The smart glasses, equipped with Sitan's self-developed chip, can project real-time navigation overlays, making them suitable for walking and cycling, while also featuring instant translation and music playback functions. Photo by Bastille Post

Looking at the global Micro LED landscape, a complete manufacturing supply chain is critical. Mainland manufacturers enjoy an irreplaceable competitive advantage through scale and cost control. Overseas tech giants such as Apple and Meta focus solely on end-product development and rely on mainland suppliers for core micro-display modules. Sitan's self-developed optical engines, exported to Japan and South Korea, command prices double those in the mainland market.

Liu Yibo, Deputy Director of the R&D Centre of Sitan Semiconductor Co., Ltd., gives an interview to the media. Photo by Bastille Post

In an interview, Liu Yibo, Deputy Director of the company's R&D Centre, shared that the team initially attracted venture capital by winning a million-yuan innovation prize in the HKUST Entrepreneurship Competition. The decision to base operations in Xiamen was driven by the city's well-established LED supply chain: "Industry leaders like Sanan Optoelectronics and AU Optronics are right here, making resources readily accessible. Xiamen's policies for tech companies and engineering talent also offer comprehensive advantages over Shenzhen."

On cross-border collaboration, Liu noted that Sitan has established a subsidiary, Sitan International Semiconductor, at the Hong Kong Science Park. All overseas client engagement and participation in international trade shows, including CES, are conducted through the Hong Kong entity.

He also identified Hong Kong as a primary listing destination: "Our overseas client base continues to grow. Though it hasn't yet reached 50% of revenue, our South Korean client's new vehicle project is expected to enter mass production in the third or fourth quarter of next year, which will significantly boost our overseas revenue share. With clients spanning Japan, South Korea, the US, and Europe, and the global shift toward new energy vehicles, our automotive business has substantial growth potential. The Hong Kong capital market is an ideal financing platform for us."

The delegation then visited the Xiamen Free Trade Zone, Photo by Bastille Post

The delegation then visited the Xiamen Free Trade Zone (FTZ). As a strategic national platform for opening-up, the zone has cultivated emerging sectors including cross-border e-commerce, lithium battery exports, international supply chains, and offshore finance. It has introduced multiple pioneering trade and logistics policies and built an integrated sea-land-air international logistics network.

The delegation followed the guide along the route taken during President Xi's inspection visit, visiting in turn the service windows for import cosmetic registration and comprehensive business establishment. Photo by Bastille Post

The delegation first toured the FTZ Government Service Centre, following the route taken during President Xi's inspection visit. They observed service windows for import cosmetic registration and business incorporation, learning about reform measures including "one licence, one code", "35 certificates in one", "tidal window" services, and the "one-stop efficient service" initiative. They also experienced the Fujian provincial government's online service platform (now in its 9.0 iteration), witnessing the zone's streamlined business environment.

According to official data, the Xiamen FTZ has registered over 48,000 enterprises, including nearly 600 Hong Kong-invested companies, accounting for 15% of all Hong Kong-invested enterprises in Xiamen, with a focus on aircraft leasing, finance leasing, and cross-border supply chains. More than 1,000 Taiwan-invested enterprises are also based in the zone, leveraging its bridging role in cross-strait trade and the development of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan businesses.

Dongdu Customs Comprehensive Service Hall, Photo by Bastille Post

At the Dongdu Customs Comprehensive Service Hall, the delegation observed the full process for Certificate of Origin applications, from online submission and over-the-counter filing to SMS pickup reminders and express delivery. The hall is equipped with self-service terminals, AI-powered consultation kiosks, and 24-hour self-service document collection lockers, significantly reducing processing times.

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The self-service Certificate of Origin printing machines, Photo by Bastille Post

24-hour self-service document collection lockers, Photo by Bastille Post

Customs officials noted that Xiamen has deployed 450 self-service Certificate of Origin printing points across the city, including at subway stations and convenience stores. The zone has also introduced the "Cross-Border One-Lock" customs clearance mechanism connecting Fujian, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, streamlining regional logistics and reducing cross-border trade costs. The zone's Industry Exhibition Centre showcased cross-border digital trade, advanced manufacturing exports, and Fujian-Hong Kong collaborative projects.

AI smart consultation machine, Photo by Bastille Post

The Hong Kong media delegation visiting Fujian continued its itinerary on the evening of August 3, arriving at Time Meets Island, a Minnan-themed immersive cultural attraction.

As China's first immersive cultural park dedicated to Minnan (southern Fujian) culture, the attraction has been transformed from a former cruise terminal space. It brings together 83 living intangible cultural heritage items from Xiamen, Zhangzhou and Quanzhou, and features eight Minnan-style streets and alleys alongside 116 distinctive historical buildings. The park also hosts over 100 daily performances of Nanyin music, Gaojia opera and puppet shows.

Time Meets Island: Minnan Cultural Theme Park, Photo by Bastille Post

Positioned as a “Window to Minnan Culture,” the park follows the principles of “tracing origins without being conservative, innovating without simply replicating, and being both authentic and dreamlike.” From nearly a thousand intangible cultural heritage items across the three cities, it has selected 83 to create a five‑sensory experience, one that can be tasted, touched, worn, heard, and seen.

At the heart of the park's experience lies the history of “going to Southeast Asia.” “Qiaopi” — overseas Chinese remittance letters — serve as a vital cultural carrier of this history, bearing witness to the struggles and homesickness of Minnan ancestors. These were letters that combined family news with remittances, sent home by Chinese emigrants to support their loved ones.

The park transforms this history into an immersive experience. In the “Time Post Office,” visitors can take part in a fun quiz about Qiaopi, unlock the “Thousand-Mile Delivery” mission, and experience the unwavering commitment of the “water carriers” who once delivered these precious letters.

Time Post Office, Photo by Bastille Post

Time Post Office, Photo by Bastille Post

A collection of Qiaopi displayed at the Time Post Office, Photo by Bastille Post

Visitors can write messages to their families on retro Qiaopi paper with a brush or fountain pen. Photo by Bastille Post

Members of the media delegation also experienced this firsthand: writing messages to their families on retro Qiaopi paper with a brush or fountain pen. The activity proved especially popular among families with children, with many parents and little ones writing down their feelings on‑site and turning them into a cherished keepsake. Visitors can also redeem free handicrafts with their “silver notes,” and the park offers Minnan specialities and snacks for purchase, along with plenty of photo‑worthy moments.

Visitors can also redeem free handicrafts with their “silver notes." Photo by Bastille Post

The park offers Minnan specialities and snacks for purchase, along with plenty of photo‑worthy moments. Photo by Bastille Post

The park offers Minnan specialities and snacks for purchase, along with plenty of photo‑worthy moments. Photo by Bastille Post

The park showcases an innovative fusion of tradition and modernity. At Nanyin Square, eight folk Nanyin teachers from Kinmen regularly perform. The park plans to add Chinese subtitles in the future and bring classic plays such as Chen San and Wu Niang to the stage, allowing more young tourists to understand this ancient music.

Photo by Bastille Post

The “Electronic Music Prince” parade, combining traditional intangible cultural heritage costumes with electronic music, became a sensation in Chinese Mainland as early as 2016 and is now one of the most popular interactive attractions for young visitors at the park.

Photo by Bastille Post

Hong Tao, Deputy General Manager of the park, said that during the summer, peak daily visitor flow increased by approximately 75% compared to weekdays, with visitors spending an average of five hours per day. The proportion of families with children and overseas tourists has risen significantly. So far this year, the park has received over 40,000 overseas visitors, with Taiwanese visitors accounting for about half. The number of Hong Kong tourists and student groups continues to grow, making them an important source of visitors.

Hong Tao, Deputy General Manager of the park, Photo by Bastille Post

He noted that the park's location at the cruise terminal was carefully planned, adjacent to the Dongdu Passenger Terminal and the International Cruise Terminal. Visitors can experience intangible cultural heritage after arriving from Gulangyu Island. Since the second half of last year, Star Cruises has been calling at Xiamen, with many Hong Kong tourists disembarking and visiting the park. “The park’s costume changes, food and interactive performances have all received high praise.”

This summer, the park launched a brand‑new, nationally first‑ever aerial piano music interactive show under the theme “Encountering a Century of Gulangyu Island, Journeying Through a Thousand Years of Minnan.” Inspired by the romance of Gulangyu Island, known as the “Piano Island," the performance features a high‑altitude piano concerto on a retro stage, incorporating interactive elements such as song recognition and duets of classic hits. The carefully selected repertoire includes popular songs like “Waves of Gulangyu,” “The Moon Represents My Heart,” and “Hometown Clouds,” using familiar melodies as “letters home” to invite travellers from home and abroad to visit and experience the charm of Minnan.

A singer performed a Teresa Teng classic on stage. Photo by Bastille Post

Chen Tao, the director in the park, explained that the selection of Teresa Teng’s songs was intended to evoke childhood memories for visitors of all ages and to resonate with the feeling of kinship between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through classic melodies. He shared a touching detail: “When ‘Hometown Clouds' reached its climax, a Taiwanese tourist stood on the bridgehead, watching the sails of returning travellers rise, and took out a tissue to wipe away tears. At first, I thought he was unwell, but upon looking more closely through the lens, I realised he was indeed crying, and his family gently patted him to comfort him.”

A banner bearing the words “Come Home” was displayed at the finale. Photo by Bastille Post

Chen Tao said the Taiwanese audience was particularly enthusiastic during the photo sessions after each performance. Some elderly people even said, “We are one family, and Kinmen will soon have a road connection," which was especially moving. “The Taiwanese audience's feelings towards these performances are even deeper than those of mainland audiences; this is a real occurrence.”

The “Jun Jun” character in the aerial piano show aims to evoke emotional resonance across different age groups through familiar music. Whether it's tourists from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, or mainland families and middle‑aged and elderly tourists, everyone is very familiar with Teresa Teng and her classic songs. The park uses these musical elements to connect everyone with shared emotions.

Chen Tao, the director in the park, Photo by Bastille Post

Chen Tao said this summer’s Nanyin performance invited 12 Nanyin performance groups from Hong Kong, Xiamen, Quanzhou and other places to perform together. Plans include inviting more teams from Taiwan, overseas Chinese communities and the Mainland to collaborate. He pointed out that the park is not only geared towards Taiwanese compatriots, but also towards all overseas Chinese worldwide. “We use these works to welcome overseas Chinese and Taiwanese compatriots, allowing people on both sides of the strait to connect through music.”

Regarding expansion into the Hong Kong and Macau markets, the park has already established deep partnerships with local study tour and travel agencies. It will subsequently collaborate with universities such as Xiamen University to connect with institutions from Hong Kong and Macau, creating customised study tours and team‑building experiences for students.

The first phase of the park‘s themed street is already operational. The second phase, a large‑scale moving performance drama titled Echoes of Ancient Waves, is planned for release next Spring Festival, and the third phase is also in the planning stages.

“We warmly welcome young people, families and student groups from Hong Kong and Macau to visit,” Hong Tao said. “The park’s indoor areas are cool and offer rich interactive experiences, making it perfect for summer family outings.”