Pingtan, a coastal gem in Fujian Province with strong cross-Straits ties and a burgeoning sports tourism scene, has become a go-to winter training destination for international baseball teams. Its mild climate and world-class facilities have attracted teams from abroad, fostering sports and cultural exchanges.

On January 14, 2026, Kim Ok-seon, principal of Cheonan Bukil High School from South Korea, led a delegation to Pingtan for baseball training and a cultural visit. The school's baseball team started a one-month winter training camp at Pingtan Baseball Park, which will include high-intensity specialized training and friendly matches with local youth baseball teams to enhance cultural interaction.

Pingtan Baseball Park, built to international standards, has hosted premier events like the 31st Asian Baseball Championship, impressing the visiting team. "This is exactly the kind of high-caliber winter training facility we need," said Lim Jae-cheol, head coach of Cheonan Bukil High School's baseball team. Project director Gao Qiang highlighted the synergy between Fujian's mild winter climate—which addresses a key demand for South Korean teams seeking warm-weather training sites—and the park's complete suite of support services, including transportation, accommodation, catering, and medical rehab.

During the visit, the South Korean delegation also visited Pingtan No.1 High School, a nationally recognized feeder school for baseball and softball talent that blends academics and athletics. The visit culminated in the two schools formalizing a sister-school partnership. The agreement will enable a range of collaborative programs, from exchanging coaches and designing joint training curricula to hosting cross-border camps for students. It also opens the door for sharing resources in science education and school culture. "We look forward to deepening exchanges in baseball and promoting transnational cooperation in science and engineering disciplines," Kim Ok-seon said.

Cheonan Bukil High School, founded by Hanwha Group in 1976, has won more than 20 championships with its distinctive baseball program. Pingtan No.1 High School, established in 1912, claimed the U15 group title at the 2024 National Five-a-Side Baseball Club Championship.