Pingtan, China' s second international tourism island, is undergoing a vibrant transformation as a surge in mural commissions breathes new life into its public spaces. Local artist Guo Xiaofang, amidst her bustling work schedule, laughed to reporters, "It's been hectic. Our orders are booked solid until the end of the year. It's a happy kind of trouble, I suppose."

As the tourism season in Pingtan heats up in May, businesses are adorning the walls of their commercial establishments with colorful and creative murals. These artistic expressions not only rejuvenate the island's appearance but also infuse a fresh vitality for the island.

"From dawn to dusk, my WeChat keeps buzzing with clients scheduling and urging for their projects," said Guo, who, along with her team, is working tirelessly from morning till night to meet the demand.

The process of creating these murals is intricate, involving design sketch, wall preparation, measurement and positioning, application of acrylic paint or pigments, and finally, a protective coating. The timeline for completion can be unpredictable, with weather conditions like the southerly moist winds or rainy days potentially extending the duration of the work.

Guo mentioned that most of her current bookings are from local homestays in Pingtan. Due to limited staff, she has had to postpone projects from outside the area. "At the beginning of this year, we hired several new artists to keep up with the schedule," she added.

One happy client, Weng Bin, the person in charge of the beach market at the Changjiang'ao scenic area, shared his enthusiasm for the murals. "I've been trying to book a mural artist since last year, and now that it's finally done, we're just putting the finishing touches on it. The effect is fantastic; visitors can enjoy their food while taking pictures with the mural."

The emergence of these "instagrammable walls" has not only elevated Pingtan's profile and reputation but also sparked a sense of cultural identity and pride among its residents. Citizens have expressed that the murals beautify the urban environment and enrich their daily lives with artistic inspiration and cultural heritage.

Tourists are equally enchanted by the murals. Mr. Mei, a visitor from Heilongjiang, was captivated by the artwork during his first visit to Pingtan. "I was instantly drawn to the murals; they're perfect for photos and really stand out," he said, expressing his hope to see more exquisite wall paintings throughout Pingtan.