Pingtan will host the 2013 Cross-Straits Beach Culture Festival, its annual sand sculpture event, from June 15 to Oct 8.

Pingtan's culture and sports bureau made the announcement on Monday, and also said a grand opening ceremony featuring a fireworks and laser show will be held at the Longfengtou Bathing Beach on the evening of June 16.

The four-month festival will consist of four programs – sand sculpture, plaza performances, beach entertainment, and a Taiwan food fair.

The sand sculpture park opened to the public on May 27 and artists have started to create sculptures in the sand.

This year is the first time the beach leisure zone is part of the event's program, and it will include areas for swimming and sunbathing.

More than 130 Taiwan entrepreneurs and chefs will attend the food fair during the festival, and bring a taste of authentic Taiwan cuisine.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Niva Whyman