Founded in 1992, with an area of 270 square kilometres (100 sq mi), in 2003 it gained some territory in a reorganisation of district governments.

The famous overseas Chinese, Chen Jiageng, established the Jimei Educational Institution.

In the last ten years, economic activity has grown substantially in Jimei.

Jimei District attracted 610 foreign investment projects with value of US$2.693 billion.

[5] Xinglin Taiwan Merchants Development Zone was approved to be established on 20 May 1989 by the State Council.

The main industries encouraged in the zone are chemistry, machinery, textile and electronics.