Tamil Nadu has historical links with China. The Chinese traveller Huien Tsang visited the region during the rule of the Pallava dynasty (these kings also built the famous Shore Temple, now a World Heritage Site and the backdrop for the summit). It is also said that Bodhidharma, who is credited with taking Zen Buddhism to China, travelled from the Tamil Nadu coast to Guangzhou. Most importantly, Xi was earlier governor of Fujian, a province to the south-east of China's mainland and a region that had intense cultural exchanges with Tamil Nadu.
The ancient port town had defense pact between the Pallavas and the Chinese which is 1,700 years old. It was a massive business hub and served as a gateway for the import and export of Chinese goods into the Tamil land. There was also a news in Times of India that Mahabalipuram as a summit venue was picked by China. However TOI has removed the article today. Later there was a clarification from Indian Ministry of External affairs ( MEA ) that PM Modi has chosen the venue.
A lot of preparation was done for this meeting between two world leaders. Ahead of the #ModixijinpingMeet, illegal street hawkers were removed and the temple town #mahabalipuram was spruced up. Stone pavements leading up to the monuments was also strengthened, new fences surrounding the compounds erected. Many people think that this summit will help BJP strengthen its presence Tamil Nadu Politics.