Pingtan, located off the coast of Fujian province and the closest point on the mainland to the island of Taiwan, is a comprehensive pilot zone focused on cross-Straits integration and a key hub for international trade and logistics. As China's second international tourism island after Hainan, Pingtan is currently hosting one of the country's premier aquatic sports events: the 2025 National Wingfoil/Kitefoil Championships, which also serve as qualifiers for the sailing events of the 15th National Games.

On June 11, the competition entered its third day in the open waters off the Pingtan International Sailing Base. A total of 178 elite athletes from 23 provinces are battling it out in various divisions, including men's and women's wingfoil, kitefoil, and youth groups (U21, U19), as well as team competitions. Racing formats include course races, long-distance challenges, and slaloms, requiring both precision and tactical skill.

Leading the standings so far are Bi Kun of Guangdong (Men's Wingfoil), Yan Zheng of Zhejiang (Women's Wingfoil), Zhang Haoran of Shandong (Men's Kitefoil), and Li Wan of Shanghai (Women's Kitefoil).

"I started my kitefoil career right here in Pingtan, so I know these waters like the back of my hand. This is where I feel most confident," said Zhang Haoran. "My goal this time is nothing short of winning the kitefoil course race."

Thanks to its reliable wind, clear waters, and broad sandy beaches, Pingtan has become a favored location for kiteboarding. It is also the first venue in China to host both wingfoil and kitefoil National Games qualifiers concurrently.

In recent years, Pingtan has positioned itself as a vibrant international destination offering youth-oriented island sports with a strong focus on sailing, kiteboarding, and other ocean-based competitions. This edition marks the debut of wingfoil racing in Pingtan at a national level, with a record number of participants. The event runs through June 15.