Working toward a good environment, not economy

Zhang Yuxia, who owns an elderly care home in Xiamen, Fujian province, talks to one of her residents. She believes quality of life is more important than being wealthy. [China Daily]

Known for its blue waters and clear skies, the city of Xiamen in Fujian province is rather different from China's other four special economic zones (SEZs).

It may not have an economy as developed as Shenzhen or have the reputation for vibrant industrial innovation like Shantou, yet what it has in spades is quality of life, say residents.

"What we are proud of is the relaxing lifestyle and high level of happiness in the city," said Zhang Yuxia, who has lived in the city for more than two decades.

Ranked sixth in terms of environmental protection and 10th in infrastructure, according to official studies, Xiamen is a city where the residents "realize what needs to be cherished after seeing what damage blind development can do", said the 40-year-old, who owns the Aixin Elderly Apartments.

"Had it not been for the comfortable lifestyle here, I wouldn't have achieved accomplishments in my care home business," she added.

Aixin Elderly Apartments were opened in 2002 and is about to celebrate the 100th birthday of Lan Jingyu, its fourth resident to reach the landmark age. Located in a modern six-story building in the city's Jimei district, close to a sandy beach lined with palm trees, it is home to about 67 elderly people.

"Many people from across the nation and even abroad choose to spend their later years in this heavenly island," said Zhang.

Like many who flocked to the SEZ in the 1980s, Zhang wanted to take advantage of the boom times. Yet things changed dramatically in 1995 when her mother, who suffered with a mental illness, came to stay with her.

At the time she was working as a salesperson for a fishery and did not have the time or money to care for her.

"I searched the island but there was no suitable place for her to live, except for a mental hospital," she said, explaining that she was forced to send her mother back home to Yunxiao, a county in southern Fujian province. A few months later, her mother went missing.

"I've been searching for her for a decade," said the elderly care home boss, crying. "As hope faded, I realized it was time for my generation to give something back to the elderly."

Aixin Elderly Apartments has 17 nurses, while volunteers from nearby colleges also visit regularly to help care for the residents.

"It's good to know the next generation cares about others, especially the elderly," said Zhang. "For Xiamen, that's something even more important than a healthy economy and livable environment."