The ocean is the cradle of life. As the region closest to Taiwan’s main island on the mainland, Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone has become a shining pearl embedded in the central-northern part of the Taiwan Strait. On the eve of the preparations for the 3rd Pingtan International Marine Tourism and Leisure Sports Expo, our reporters take you on an early visit to Pingtan to get a sneak peek at a grand event of marine tourism and leisure sports.
I. Rooted in the Cradle of Life, Bestowing Youth with the Most Radiant Glow
Pingtan has always regarded the development and utilization of marine resources as a cornerstone for economic growth. In 2016, the State Council issued the “State Council Reply on the Construction Plan for Pingtan International Tourism Island,” officially designating Pingtan as China’s second international tourism island. Since then, Pingtan’s marine endeavors have embarked on a new journey.
With abundant natural resources and diverse tourism offerings, Pingtan has, in recent years, pursued excellence and forged ahead toward the ambitious goal of becoming an international tourism island, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable milestones:
In September 2009, the Fuzhou (Pingtan) Comprehensive Experimental Zone was established...
In February 2012, the Fuzhou (Pingtan) Comprehensive Experimental Zone was renamed the Fujian Province Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone...
In 2014, during his inspection of Pingtan, General Secretary Xi Jinping stated that Pingtan is a window for Fujian-Taiwan cooperation and also a window for the nation’s opening up to the world...
In April 2015, the Pingtan Area of China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone was officially inaugurated...
On August 8, 2016, the construction plan for Pingtan International Tourism Island was approved by the State Council...
On June 25, 2016, the 1st “Pingtan Marine Tourism and Leisure Sports Expo” kicked off at the Pingtan · Aotou Taiwan Town Convention and Exhibition Center...
In 2017, the “Pingtan Marine Tourism Expo” incorporated more marine tourism elements closely related to marine leisure sports...
On the glorious path of economic development under the vision of “One Island, Two Windows, Three Zones,” Pingtan has been charging forward, composing a new chapter in the development of marine endeavors in the new era.
II. Embracing Beautiful Pingtan, Creating a Model for High-Quality Development
After the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China’s economy transitioned from high-speed growth to high-quality development. Amid this great transformation, Pingtan continues to raise its sails and ride the waves.
From June 22 to 24, 2018, the “Pingtan Marine Tourism Expo,” riding the momentum of the 19th National Congress, carried forward the successful experiences and inherent strengths of the 2016 and 2017 editions, and presented itself in a brand-new guise as a platform for marine tourism and leisure sports. The expo was jointly organized by the China Pacific Society, China Association for Engineering Consulting on Marine Affairs, National Marine Data and Information Service, Administrative Committee of Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone of Fujian Province, and Fujian Provincial Department of Ocean and Fisheries, and hosted by the China Pacific Society and Rural Development Bureau of Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone of Fujian Province.
In addition to retaining the strengths of the previous two editions, this year’s expo featured the following highlights:
A clear theme,Each pavilion showcasing distinct content. The Theme Pavilion is divided into the Pingtan Pavilion, Taiwan Pavilion, and International Pavilion, exhibiting featured marine products, tourism resources, and more from Pingtan, Taiwan, and abroad respectively; the Industry Pavilion will feature sections for marine tourism, leisure sports, marine cuisine, Virtual Reality (VR) + Tourism, and sports, with special invitations and organization for tourism, wooden houses, RVs, boats, outdoor gear, leisure sports, VR + Tourism, VR + Sports, and marine food. The offerings are truly diverse and dazzling.
Media support,This expo received strong support from over a hundred media outlets including CCTV-2, CCTV-4, Southeast TV, Xinhua Net, People’s Net, Tencent Travel, Today’s Headlines, Baidu, and Sina Net, which provided real-time updates on expo activities.
A variety of activities,Concurrent events such as the AR Treasure Hunt Challenge, 3D Magical Marine Art Exhibition, Jiaolong Submarine VR Marine Tech Experience, Parent-Child Painting Competition, and special gift giveaways enhanced the interactive tech experience of the expo, creating a one-stop travel carnival for travel, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment.
Gathering of industry leaders, this expo invited internationally renowned experts in marine tourism and leisure sports from France, Norway, Italy, and other countries, who joined experts and scholars from the mainland and Taiwan in Pingtan to attend the “Pingtan International Marine Tourism Forum” held concurrently, discussing international marine tourism innovation and sustainable development.
International gathering,The expo invited international tourism products from France, South Korea, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Thailand, Vietnam, Africa, and more, establishing a one-stop procurement and trading platform aligned with international standards. The wide array of unique tourism products vividly showcased distinctive international cultures and customs. A large number of distributors and buyers were also invited to attend for negotiations and connections.
Pingtan welcomes guests from all over the world, and its rise thrives on the ocean. Through the platform built by this expo, Pingtan’s marine tourism and leisure sports industries have been injected with robust development momentum. Under the bright prospects of fully practicing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, beautiful Pingtan rides the waves with vigor, striving to achieve the pinnacle of transformation.