Pingtan, a charming Fujian island renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes, is more than just a natural tourist paradise. In recent years, its booming cultural and creative sector—from bustling cultural markets to cozy DIY craft shops—has become a new highlight, further boosting the island's tourism appeal.

During the New Year's Day holiday, Pingtan's cultural and creative markets welcomed visitors from across the country. At the Pingtan Youli Public Cultural and Creative Space (Longwangtou Flagship Store), the air buzzed with the sounds of different dialects, the rustle of gift wrappers, and children's excited cries. "Every time I shop for souvenirs here, there are new discoveries," said Fu Yanting, a tourist from Zhangzhou who was on her third trip to Pingtan. Holding a product from the "Wind Farm" series, she noted that the island's cultural and creative offerings are becoming ever more refined. She has even set aside a special "Pingtan corner" at home to display souvenirs from her travels.

Li Yan, the store manager, reported a surge in customers on New Year's Eve, with holiday sales up nearly 30% year-on-year. Small souvenirs like fridge magnets and postcards were top sellers, but the "Blue Tears" themed section drew the most attention. Wang Yipeng from Henan and his friends lingered there, shaking luminous sand fridge magnets that mimic the blue glow of the natural "Blue Tears" phenomenon. "It's our first time seeing the sea, and we haven't encountered real blue tears yet," Wang smiled. "But my daughter said, 'Now we can take the blue tears home.' That's why we came straight here." His 8-year-old daughter carefully chose five magnets, excitedly showing them off: "I like this star-shaped one... and this glowing one!"

Pingtan's cultural and creative stores are more than just shops—they are intimate spaces for travelers to create memories. In a downtown store, owner Guo Xiaofeng guided a couple in making shell wind chimes, with the gentle clink of shells blending with their soft conversation. "Many tourists want a quiet place to relax and do something small after sightseeing," Guo explained. Chen Lu, a college student from Zhejiang, stamped exclusive Pingtan seals in her travel album. "Collecting stamps adds a sense of ritual to the trip; each stamp is a unique memory," she said. Her travel buddy, Zhang Xi, browsed products featuring Pingtan's scenery, noting, "Only souvenirs that hold the soul of a place are worth cherishing, as they better preserve travel memories." Meanwhile, Qi Wenmin from Shanxi painted a sunset on a stone she had picked up that afternoon. "Turning this stone into art feels like preserving the sea forever—it's very meaningful," she said.

Guo believes these hands-on experiences are the charm of cultural and creative spaces. "Compared to rushing through scenic spots, taking time to paint a stone or make a wind chime turns Pingtan from just scenery into tangible, memorable warmth, making the island truly special," she said.