Rui'an is a city on the eastern coast of China, in the south of Zhejiang province. It is a county-level city administrated by the nearby prefecture-level city of Wenzhou. It currently has a population of 1,125,000 people covering 1271 km2, 3037 km2 including sea.

Rui'an was recognized as the fourteenth development zone by the state department in 1987. Rui'an is also one of the top 100 cities for economic growth in china, and the people in Ruian are comparatively well-to-do. In all, there 32 towns and villages under the administration of Rui'an city. In 1988, Ruian was listed by the State Council as one of the first counties and cities opening to the outside world, as well as one of the trial counties and cities for comprehensive economic reforms. In 2001 it won the titles of “Star County” and “Advanced County in Sports”.

It has been placed on the list of National First-lot Economic Open Counties (Cities) and Comprehensive Reform Trial Counties (Cities) by the State Council in l998 and has ever successively been awarded the honourable titles of one of National One Hundred Powerful Counties (Cities) and Chinese Star Counties (Cities).

Ruian has five main pillar industries as mechanical and electronic industry, automobile and motorcycle parts industry knitting and shoe-making industry, fine chemical industry and plastic products industry, etc. and ten main block economic industrial set-ups have taken shape in the whole city.

Rui'an, also known as Meitou, has a history which goes back to about 2000 BC, when it became known for its machine production. The historic city began its trade and commerce in ancient times and saw busy streets and flourishing businesses.

In the 2nd century BC it was called the Kingdom of Dong'ou. Under the Tang Dynasty, it was promoted to prefecture status and given its current name in 675 AD.
Rui'an has been a rich and prosperous city since ancient times. However, it was not until the practice of economic reform and opening that Rui'an regained its momentum. The people of Rui'an have been pioneers in many fields, especially in the development of China's market economy in the form of joint-stock system.

They setup the household contract responsibility system which would encourage the citizens to take lead in the household industries and they tried their best to sell their products. Consequently, Rui'an experienced fast economic development. The government induced the rural entrepreneurs and shareholders to co-operate effectively. Many kinds of economic systems have been introduced in Rui'an, making regional development speedier. One such system is the famous “Wenzhou Pattern“, which became well known both in China and abroad.

In 2005, Rui'an ranked 39th place in comprehensive economic strength among the first 100 counties and cities of china. In the 20 square kilometer economic development zone at the provincial level, there is enthusiasm for capital investment in building Rui'an into a new urban area with comprehensive development of industry, trade, science and technology. Rui'an is also known for its production of plastics and auto accessories.