Lin Qingxia (left) and Chen Jie crafting cultural creations side by side  

Pingtan, a coastal island in Fujian Province and the Chinese mainland's closest point to Taiwan, has emerged as a vibrant hub for cross-Strait integration and international tourism, following in the footsteps of Hainan as China's second international tourism island. Amid its stunning landscapes—from the bioluminescent "blue tears" to stone houses and windmill fields—a local cultural creative brand, "One Islet," is making its mark. Founded by 90s local Lin Qingxia and her husband Chen Jie, "One Islet" translates the soul of their island home into tangible cherished keepsakes.  

Lin, a native of Pingtan, once worked as a guide at Fuzhou's Sanfang Qixiang (also known as Three Lanes and Seven Alleys), sharing stories of local history. In 2024, she and Chen quit their jobs to launch "One Islet," a brand rooted in Pingtan's unique charm. "We are devoted to translating Pingtan's natural wonders and cultural whispers into tangible form," Lin explained.  

"Lei Lei Zai," the starry-blue plush cutie inspired by Pingtan's magical "blue tears"—carry a piece of the island's glow with you!

Scan this AR-powered creation with your phone to reveal vibrant animations.  

Pingtan exclusive: "blue tears"film bookmark  

The brand's standout creations reflect Pingtan's soul. The bestselling "Blue Tears Painting"—a swirling resin canvas capturing starlight—freezes the bioluminescent dance of the "blue tears" into a fragment of the island's nocturnal mystery. "Lei Lei Zai," a plush doll inspired by the "blue tears," with its round, starry-blue design, has won over female tourists. "It's like carrying a piece of Pingtan's magic," one customer noted. Another hit is the AR Refrigerator Magnet of Changjiang'ao Wind Farm, which combines flowing sand, luminescent effects, and AR technology—a simple scan unlocks a quiet marvel: the vast windmill fields pirouetting gracefully on your screen.  

Lin Qingxia delicately attaching a seashell with tweezers  

For Lin and Chen, creation is sacred. "Creativity is at the heart of cultural products," Lin emphasized. They draw inspiration from travels across China, even designing products for places like Qinghai's Qarhan Salt Lake. When an early batch of products fell short of their vision, they didn't hesitate: the flawed items were set aside, and suppliers changed. "A good reputation matters more than short-term profits," Chen said.  

Visitors exploring and choosing their favorite cultural keepsakes  

Their efforts have paid off. "One Islet" has become a dark horse in Pingtan's cultural creative field, with products often selling out. It also participates in events like the Fujian Cultural and Creative Market, sharing Pingtan's whisper beyond its shores. For Lin and Chen, "One Islet" is more than a business. "We hope our products make more people fall in love with Pingtan," Lin said, as they continue to blend the island's beauty with creativity.