In the midst of winter, devoid of bustling tourists, the beautiful Pingtan Island regains its tranquil charm. However, at Matui Village of Pingtan, a lively scene unfolds. Workers seize the off-season period, vigorously advancing the new phase of the project—the construction of a health and wellness cluster.

"Matui Village was a small fishing village, with residents mainly engaged in clam aquaculture. In recent years, as young people ventured out for a livelihood, the village gradually saw a population decline, leading to the disrepair of many stone houses," explained Shi Minghao, the person in charge of the Matui Village Integrated Cultural Tourism Development Project. "But now, these stone houses have become our 'treasures.' After renovation, these unique holiday homes from humble origins have regained vitality."

In the village's "family tribe," a courtyard catered for family stays, one will be welcomed by refreshing wall colors, Mediterranean-style greenery, and a unique island atmosphere. "The family-friendly living space consists of 26 rooms with public amenities such as a coffee house, an outdoor pool, KTV, and each family room comes with seawater hot springs," Shi Minghao stated. "Additionally, we have collaborated with the Fujian Provincial Library to establish a library, further enriching the visitor experience."

To further drive rural revitalization in Matui Village, the local community, leveraging village resources, adopted a model of "government-led + village-enterprise cooperation + community participation." This approach facilitated the implementation of the Matui Village Integrated Cultural Tourism Development Project, encompassing high-end inns, leisure businesses, and island resorts. Since commencing in 2021, the project has leased 53 stone houses in the village, completing the construction and operation of public facilities, seaside accommodation, and parent-child clusters. This tourism village experienced high demand with fully booked reservations during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays last year.

"We utilized local resources, including the unique marine clay in the village, to stimulate villagers to produce items such as pottery flutes as souvenirs, enhancing the tourist experience and boosting villagers' income," Shi Minghao told reporters. The project has generated nearly 5 million yuan in income since its opening, providing tangible benefits to the villagers.

Currently, construction has begun on the 12 newly signed buildings for the third phase of the project, planned to be developed into a health and wellness cluster. "The health and wellness cluster will feature 50 guest rooms and include facilities such as therapy rooms, traditional Chinese medicine clinics, and a dedicated building for therapy sessions, expected to be operational next year," Shi Minghao said.

                                                                                                                                                            (Source: Fujian Daily)