Bird's eye view of Yuyu Village of Pingtan

What happens when the digital age meets a sleepy fishing hamlet? In Yuyu Village of Pingtan International Tourism Island, a new chapter has just begun as a group of creative digital nomads settled into the island's first "Digital Nomad Village." These individuals—freelancers, content creators, artists—are reshaping rural life by bringing fresh energy to the local culture and economy, all while embracing a lifestyle of flexibility and freedom.

Launching Pingtan's first "Digital Nomad Village" marks a milestone in rural revitalization efforts. The project kicked off with an event titled "Digital Empowerment for Rural Revitalization: Co-Living, Co-Creating Ideal Lifestyles," welcoming an inaugural group of creatives:  contemporary artist Santu Song, travel influencer Fan Xiaoyi, and independent filmmaker Zhang Chengyi, who have since become "Public Good Ambassadors" for the village's renaissance.

Santu Song: Contemporary Artist Exploring the Soul of Nature

Santu Song

Trained at the University of the Arts London, Santu Song is known for her poetic work centered on plants and light. Her pieces have been shown from London to Miami and now, to the shores of Pingtan. In her latest project, "Wandering Blossoms," she integrates local elements like Pingtan's narcissus flowers and traditional shell carving to explore the emotional connections between land, sea, and memory.

"Wonder Blossoms" by Santu Song at the Yuyu Village fishing harbor

"When I look across the sea toward Taiwan from Yuyu Village, there's a deep, unspeakable resonance," she said. "It's about more than geography—it's about culture, and the emotional bonds we carry inside."

She aims to create immersive works blending local intangible heritage, marine landscapes, and blue-toned light art, all rooted in the village's visual language. "There's something profoundly healing about Pingtan's blue skies and seas," she added. "It's the perfect environment for creative renewal."

Fan Xiaoyi: Travel Blogger Sharing China's Story with the World

Fan Xiaoyi

With over a million followers, Fan Xiaoyi is known for donning traditional Hanfu attire around the globe, sharing Chinese culture through her travels. Now, she's found a new muse in Yuyu Village.

"This place is wild yet peaceful—it's everything a content creator could ask for," she said. "The ocean, the stone houses, the locals' warmth—it all feels like home."

Running toward the sea where windmills stand in grandeur

From filming on local fishing boats to capturing quiet smiles from village elders, Fan is documenting daily life in a way that resonates online. "A single glance or a small interaction can tell a story stronger than any slogan," she explained.

She envisions Yuyu Village not just as a location but as a community. "It's not about just having a place to stay—it's about building a sense of belonging." She recommends regular salons, pop-up markets, and community events to turn visiting creators into long-term contributors.

Zhang Chengyi: Independent Director Searching for Real Stories

Zhang Chengyi

Filmmaker Zhang Chengyi, also known as "Asi," brings his lens to every corner of Yuyu Village, drawn by the raw life energy he finds there.

"This village breathes," he said. "It's not curated, not artificial—it has real textures and real people, which is exactly what a storyteller needs."

Zhang has created documentaries for major platforms like Tencent and filmed public welfare stories across China. In Yuyu, he collaborates with Santu Song and captures the subtleties of island life—waves crashing, sea breezes, and silent sunrises.

"The island isn't just a place. It represents escape, healing, and creativity," he reflected. "We need to move beyond overproduced content and find what's real—moments that truly stir the soul."

He believes visual storytelling can bridge communities, suggesting collaborations with brands, musicians, and artists, or even hosting local film and art festivals to create a cultural identity unique to Pingtan.

Scenic coastal drive of Pingtan

From coastal blooms to cinematic storytelling, Yuyu Village is evolving into more than a postcard-worthy destination—it's becoming a living lab for new lifestyles. In the words of its newest residents, it's not about working remotely, it's about finding a new kind of home.