Xiamen has always been recognized as an ideal place to enjoy the quiet life. Suddenly, though, its slow pace has been given a rev-up by kite surfing, one of the world's fashionable extreme sports.

Kite-surfing, which brings together kites and surfboards, is known as one of the world's most entertaining and challenging water sports.

It started in Hawaii 12 years ago and during that time has progressed so quickly it has now become a firm favorite among beachgoers.

Despite China's long coastlines, very few are suitable, though, since the environment and facilities, plus the nature of the swells and winds, are all key elements for kite surfers. Crowded beaches are not the ideal place for newcomers to practice but isolated spots requiring a long drive home after exhausting yourself in this all-consuming sport also robs it of its fun. All things considered, Xiamen is undoubtedly the best place for kite surfing in China, with clear advantages in its environment, sea quality and location.

Xiamen's main coastline stretches more than 10 kilometers, from Xiamen University to Yefengzhai, and the strip from Haiyuntai to Huangcuo is a paradise for kite surfers, with its flat coast, wide beach, clear water, proximity to the city center and lack of tourists.

As Xiamen is an island, there are coastlines facing all directions, which ensures enthusiasts can enjoy the sport no matter what the wind direction.

Kite surfing is easier to learn than other water sports and seven to 10 hours' training is generally enough to get started. There are several clubs in Xiamen offering training course, including kite training, security operation training and self-rescue training. The course fee is about 2500 yuan (367.5 USD).

If you are obsessed with extreme sports, kite surfing is something you're sure to enjoy. And there's nowhere better to try it out than Xiamen!