The upgraded Research Base for Austronesian Archaeology became a cultural destination featuring "international qualities" and "profound history and heritage" in Pingtan, the closest place on the Chinese mainland to Taiwan.

A new statue in the shape of a canoe riding the winds and waves welcomes visitors at the entrance.

"Designated as one of the stops of the 44^th session of the World Heritage Committee, the research base has recently completed its upgrade.  Themed "Route of the Wind", a series of new exhibits have been added." Hou Ronggui, vice-president of the Research Base for Austronesian Archaeology said, " Austronesian forefathers took canoes to migrate thousands of years ago, and they relied on the stars and the wind to navigate. Hence we erected a sailboat-themed sculpture at the entrance."

Eye-catching Easter Island statues by the curb

Walking along into the complex, you will see the icons like the Easter Island statues, Hawaiian straw shack, and sculptures from Tahiti and Guam from the Austronesian family during the migration.

A stone wall showing the migration route of the Austronesian ancestry

"The stone wall narrates in a flashback the migration route from the southeast Fujian to Taiwan, Philippines, Borneo, etc., and exhibits the distinctive symbols and totems of various regions." Hou added, "In addition, we have set up a Taiwan Plaza, and we will set up a wall for displaying the traditional culture of the ethnic Gaoshan living in Taiwan province."

The prehistoric sites in Pingtan are the city’s treasure. Among them, Keqiutou Ruins is the earliest Neolithic site discovered in Fujian Province so far, dating back to 6000-6500 years ago.

The exhibition hall adopts immersive 3D holographic projection technology.

To give visitors a better understanding of the construction and development of the Keqiutou Ruins Park, the Research Base for Austronesian Archaeology also renovated an exhibition hall. Hou Ronggui said, "The exhibition hall delivers an immersive 3D holographic projection technology, allowing visitors to learn of the detailed planning of the Keqiutou Ruins Park in all directions."

A new setting where models of Hawaiian Hula dancers and the straw shacks are on display makes people feel like they are in Hawaii.

The newly added "Gate of Home" designed as an arch made of tree roots and golden palm bark

The viewing platform full of greenery, and the canoe-shaped seats available for tourists to rest

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