The shoe city used to be the pride of Putian people. Later, because of the mass production of counterfeit brand-name sports shoes, it was dubbed "the capital of fake shoes". Many families in Beigao Town, Putian started their gold rush career through their stepfather's business and mentoring relationship. And in the early 1980 s, they went to all parts of the country one after another, and slowly accumulated their first wealth by craft. Some businessmen in Xianyou county regard gas stations as their main investment projects. From buying oil to selling oil, from infrastructure to decoration, they are very professional in every link. Private gas stations established all over the country have developed rapidly, and most of them are Xianyou people.

1990, the GDP of Putian county was 3.479 billion yuan, the fiscal revenue was 87.79 million yuan, and the county financial settlement was188.79 million yuan.