Island of charm and challenge

Reality show seeking to boost tourism in a remote location teaches participants lessons in life, Xing Wen reports.

On a secluded island, an abandoned school, with a cement basketball court and a two-story classroom building, stands on high ground. From there, you can see the sunset coloring the distant horizon, while closer to shore, fishing boats rest on the shimmering sea, as seabirds circle overhead.

For the past 100 days or so, the abandoned building has been the base camp for a group of young outsiders determined to become the island’s developers.

Yushan Island, located in Fuding, Fujian province, is made up of 11 islets with a total area of 28.3 square kilometers. It boasts an array of different landscapes, including mountains, lakes, meadows, seas, beaches and islets, but despite its potential, tourism remains underdeveloped.

The reality show Young Island has brought together more than a dozen young people of various educational backgrounds, who are making use of their skills and fresh perspectives to vitalize the island, with the goal of enhancing its tourism sector — all within a tight 120-day deadline.

They have initial funding of just 13,000 yuan ($1,819) and their projects so far include launching a cultural and creative brand, farming fish, running a restaurant, designing a small auditorium, planning tourist routes, organizing a concert and teaching at the island’s primary school.

The reality show follows their progress, and is supplemented by short video clips and live broadcasts. Wang Jian, deputy director of Fuding’s bureau of culture, sports and tourism, says that he hopes the show highlights Yushan Island’s natural beauty, attracts more tourists and encourages investment in Fuding’s cultural and tourism sectors.