Visitors to Pingtan and residents who remain in the island city in Fujian province this summer will be able to choose from a variety of leisure activities, as the authorities has organized several shows and festivals.

A sand sculpture festival that is a highlight of the season will continue until October and includes sand sculptures, performances in the plaza, beach entertainment, and a Taiwan food court.

The sand sculpture festival at the Longfengtou Bathing Beach includes sculptures of cartoon characters that are known all over the world. Visitors can also play live-action games of Angry Bird on the beach and watch spectacular shows at a special sand theater.

The authorities expect that many tourists will arrive this summer, and the local tourism bureau said that the Huandao (Island Ring) Road has created a special travel route that connects most of Pingtan’s tourism spots, such as General Hill, Tannan Bay, Longfengtou Bathing Beach and Immortal Well.

Pingtan travel agencies have also cooperated with villagers on a program called Yujiale, which will give visitors the opportunity to spend a day at the homes of local fishermen and gain insight into their lives.

The local tourism sector is also making efforts to promote Pingtan as a tourist destination at travel expos across China.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Niva Whyman