Abstract: Based on the materials related to overseas Chinese and sports in modern Xiamen, this paper investigates by means of document and logical analysis the practice and contribution of overseas Chinese in spreading traditional Chinese sports, introducing western sports and promoting the overall development of sports in Xiamen in modern times. This findings show that: spreading traditional Chinese sports is an important means to enhance overseas Chinese's national feeling as well as an embodiment of their national identity; the spread of modern sports in Xiamen stimulated Xiamen athletes' enthusiasm of participating in international sports games, thus constructing China's sports image in modern times; the sports events that overseas Chinese promoted were important platforms for sports communications between Xiamen and other parts of the world, thus promoting the cross-strait exchanges and cooperation.

Key words: Xiamen, overseas Chinese, modern western sports, traditional Chinese sports