Tourists visit the Pingtan International Austronesian Archaeological Research Base. [Photo/IC]

The Pingtan Keqiutou Archaeological Site Park, located in Pingtan county in Fujian province, has been selected in the fifth batch of national archaeological site park projects following a recent evaluation meeting by the National Cultural Heritage Administration.

As such, it now stands as the sole archaeological site park in Fujian province to secure a spot on the prestigious list.

National Archaeological Site Parks serve as designated public spaces. They focus on important archaeological sites, offering functions such as research, education and recreation, while setting a national example in heritage preservation and exhibitions.

The approval of Pingtan Keqiutou Archaeological Site Park is said to signify a significant step forwards in the exploration of Fujian's prehistoric coastal civilization and the integration of cultural tourism, providing a national platform for studying the origins and spread of the Austronesian peoples.

Dating back 5,000 to 6,500 years, the Keqiutou site on Pingtan is a crucial location for Austronesian research. Discovered in 1958, it has yielded a wealth of relics through multiple excavations and was recognized as being one of China's top 10 archaeological findings in 2023.

Since 2017, Pingtan has been actively advancing various projects, including site conservation and exhibition facilities, to meet national standards.

Following its recognition as one of Fujian's initial provincial-level archaeological parks in 2019, Pingtan embarked on comprehensive planning, proposing development of a 93.79-hectare park with a 1.5-billion-yuan ($209.14 million) investment. The park will feature core protection zones, archaeological displays and recreational areas, aiming to become a fully integrated cultural space.

Key projects such as the Pingtan International Austronesian Archaeological Research Base and the Keqiutou Site Museum have been completed, with the museum opening its doors in December 2023.

Future endeavors will focus on developing themed tourism experiences and homestays, further enhancing Pingtan's global cultural influence.