Hong Leong Group’s grand dame in China: Located at the lobby of Millennium Harbourview Xiamen is a stunning themed photo wall and cultural centre dedicated to the hotel’s heritage. It showcases Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) strategic presence and transformation across China. The luxury property is located on Zhenhai Road in Siming District, at the heart of Xiamen city’s commercial and cultural scene.
Digging Into
The Past:
Millennium
Harbourview
Xiamen
A testament to Hong Leong Group’s early roots in the Mainland.
As Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) celebrates its 30th anniversary, Hi Life turns its spotlight on a treasured piece of legacy – the pioneering Millennium Harbourview Xiamen. Few may know that the 352-room luxury property (originally built with 367 rooms) stands as a testament to Hong Leong Group’s maiden foray into China, and a breakthrough for international hotel brands to enter Xiamen city. From its early origins in 1985 to its rebranding under MHR in 2007, the hotel’s journey reflects a unique blend of business foresight, cultural pride, and global ambition.
We present this article with contributions from the hotel’s General Manager, Mr Simon Jim and his team.
Early Roots: Forged by Sino-foreign investment and overseas Chinese patriotism
Long before it bore the Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) brand, the hotel was already making history as a pioneering force in Xiamen city’s hospitality industry. Its establishment reflects a unique blend of Sino-foreign collaboration, patriotic overseas Chinese investment, and global hospitality leadership.
In the mid-1980s as China opened to the world, bold steps were taken in Xiamen to establish modern hospitality and infrastructure that could serve the city’s growing international importance.
A patriotic overseas Chinese, the late Hong Leong Group founder Mr Kwek Hong Png’s hotel investment was not just driven by business prospects, but by a profound commitment to his ancestral homeland. A native of Tong’an District in Xiamen, he made numerous enduring contributions to his hometown’s infrastructure and community developments, including bridges, temples, a community centre, and a primary school (left photo). A commemorative monument to his legacy stands today (right photo).
Led by the late Hong Leong Group founder Mr Kwek Hong Png, the hotel was borne from a partnership between the former Xiamen Tourism Corporation (now known as Xiamen Tourism Group) and Hong Leong Group in 1985. This model of international partnership was unprecedented in China’s hotel sector at that time. The partnership was not only economic, but cultural and strategic, creating one of the first foreign-invested hotel projects in the region.
Shaky Start: Confronting Crisis and Building Resilience
Getting the Xiamen hotel off the ground was no easy task. The deal was struck in 1985 to build the 22 storey, 367-room hotel, and the ground was broken in 1986. But huge technical headaches soon arose, including the removal of a civil defence tunnel beneath the proposed building.
From stumbling blocks to fruition: The early 1990s finally saw the hotel structure take shape, laying the foundation for one of the city's first international hotels. 
A game-changer in Xiamen's hospitality industry: The 1992 signing between Hong Leong and IHG with the late CDL Deputy Chairman Mr Kwek Leng Joo (2nd from left) and Hong Leong International (HK) Managing Director Mr Gan Khai Choon (2nd from right).
But the teams persevered. Finally, the hotel officially opened on 5 June 1992 as Holiday Inn Harbourview Hotel Xiamen (later rebranded as Crowne Plaza Harbourview), managed by the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).
It became a trailblazer in the local hospitality industry, the first international five-star hotel in Xiamen city, and established itself as the preferred destination for dignitaries, business travellers, and events of distinction.
Opening to great fanfare in 1992: Among the VIPs were the late Mr Kwek (centre) and Mr Gan (2nd from right).
Marking its 10th anniversary in 2002: Mr Gan (far left); next to him is former Hong Leong Holdings (HLH) director and Hong Leong Foundation governor Mr Ong Pang Boon; HLH Assistant Managing Director Mr Kwek Leng Kee and the late Mr Kwek (3rd and 5th from right respectively).
The Turning Point: Embracing a New Era with Millennium Hotels and Resorts in 2007
When the management contract with IHG ended in 2007, the hotel entered a new era and joined the MHR group of hotels helmed by Hong Leong Group Executive Chairman Mr Kwek Leng Beng. It was rebranded Millennium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen.
This transition was more than a name change. It brought a complete brand refresh, new positioning as a luxury five-star hotel, modernisation of facilities and alignment of service standards with MHR’s global portfolio. Under MHR’s guidance, the hotel evolved while retaining its loyal guests and expanded its reach to more international visitors.
At the hotel's 20 years in 2012: Mr Gan, Mr Ong, CDL Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Sherman Kwek and guests from Xiamen's distinguished communities.
Today, the hotel has established itself as a benchmark for luxury properties in Xiamen city, distinguished by its refined services and facilities.
Over the decades, Millennium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen has become more than a place to stay. It has established itself as a symbol of the city’s transformation and occupies an important position in shaping its local tourism industry.
As one of the first international-standard hotels in the city, it helped shift local tourism from traditional sightseeing to a more sophisticated, experience-based model centred on business travel, leisure, and cultural immersion.
Today in 2025: Millennium Harbourview Xiamen's present management team led by General Manager Mr Simon Jim (centre).
