Pingtan, off the coast of Fujian province and the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan, is a comprehensive pilot zone focused on cross-Straits integration and a key area for international trade and logistics. As China's second international tourism island after Hainan, Pingtan is rapidly emerging as a destination of choice for maritime leisure.

On May 26, the 2025 Pingtan Sea Sightseeing Cruise New Media Launch was held in Pingtan, unveiling a new chapter for the popular "Haitan No. 1" cruise. Now officially upgraded, the cruise ship has adopted a fresh operational model that combines signature themed voyages with influencer incubation, aiming to redefine Pingtan's cruise tourism.

The launch drew more than a hundred guests, including travel influencers from both sides of the Taiwan Straits, young entrepreneurs, and tourism specialists. Attendees were treated to vibrant live performances and immersed themselves in a sunset cruise across the waters of Pingtan.

"The ocean view from the deck is spectacular and the curated entertainment facilities set a new standard. It's fantastic," noted You Caiyun, a content creator from Pingtan. "This is exactly what I would like to showcase to promote Pingtan's maritime appeal."

The upgraded "Haitan No. 1" now features two flagship themed routes: the returning fan-favorite Chasing the Sunset cruise, and the newly enhanced Comfort in the Straits Guest Lounge cruise. These voyages offer a mix of cultural storytelling, scenic viewing spots, and engaging photo opportunities.

"We've upgraded the smart ticketing system and launched a line of Pingtan-themed marine cultural products to enrich the overall visitor experience," said Yang Xiaozhi, marketing manager of Fujian Pingtan Sea Sightseeing Cruise Co., Ltd. "Guests can learn through expert-guided tours or simply enjoy capturing special moments at sea."

A highlight of the event was the official launch of the Straits Cultural Tourism Influencer Accelerator program. This cross-Straits initiative integrates tourism resources and focuses on training young influencers in content creation and IP development using AI tools and new media strategies.

"With Haitan No. 1 as a hands-on training base, we offer full guidance—from topic selection to post-production," explained Luo Guojing, who heads the program's operations. "Our goal is to cultivate a new wave of cultural tourism influencers to bring fresh momentum to cross-Strait tourism."

Since its debut in 2022, Haitan No. 1 has welcomed more than 120,000 passengers and generated over 200 million views online, establishing itself as one of the most buzzworthy tourism offerings in Pingtan.