The Protection Plan for the Pingtan Shell Mound Sites in Fujian Province has received official approval from the People's Government of Fujian Province, according to a press release by the Tourism, Culture, and Sports Bureau of Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone.

The Pingtan Shell Mound Sites, dating back to 6,500-5,500 BCE, have been archaeologically classified as the cradle of Fujian's maritime culture. These sites represent the earliest discovered Neolithic shell mound sites along the coast of Fujian and are recognized as a crucial region for studying the origins of the Austronesian family. Since their discovery in the 1950s, the sites have undergone numerous archaeological excavations, yielding fruitful results.

The plan aims to safeguard the sites, preserve an atmosphere for history, and ensure comprehensive preservation of historical records and value. This initiative aims to further promote the research and dissemination of the evolutionary history of the Austronesian ancestry while supporting the development of Pingtan as an international tourist destination.

"The approval demonstrates the importance attached by the national and provincial authorities to the protection and utilization of the Pingtan Shell Mound Sites. It provides us with solid support for our future endeavors," stated Yu Jianbin, an official at the Tourism, Culture, and Sports Bureau of Pingtan. He further emphasized that future efforts will be made to hatch an intellectual property (IP) rooted in the Austronesian culture and the establishment of Pingtan as a globally recognized destination for international tourism.