Pingtan, the closest place on the mainland tothe island of Taiwan and a key hub for cross-Straits cooperation, has cemented its status as a premier international tourism destination with a record-breaking holiday season for the 2026 Chinese New Year. The island shattered previous records for visitor arrivals and tourism revenue during the 2026 Spring Festival holiday, driven by its unique "Fujian-style New Year" celebrations and diverse coastal experiences.

Visitors flock to Longwangtou Scenic Area in a steady stream.

From February 15 to 23, Pingtan welcomed a total of 746,200 visitors and generated 710 million yuan in total tourism spending. The daily average of 82,900 visitors marked a 24 percent increase compared to the 2025 Spring Festival. Tourists from outside Fujian Province accounted for 62.5 percent of the total, reaching 466,400 visitors and representing a 28.5 percent year-on-year growth. Tourists from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai formed the largest group of the non-local demographic, numbering 238,800. The island also secured the fourth position in Qunar's "small city booking rankings" and was named a top winter island getaway for university students in Tongcheng Travel's listings.

The festive atmosphere was fueled by over 50 themed events under the banner "Qi Lin Nao Chun, Fu Ju Lan Dao" (Kylin Celebrates Spring, Blessings Gather on Pingtan Island). The newly revitalized Taiwan Town emerged as the heart of the action, drawing 71,400 visitors and recording 2.654 million yuan in revenue. The "Pingtan Youli" (Pingtan Gifts) souvenir store further boosted consumption with promotions such as free gifts with purchases and souvenir stamp collection activities.

Visitors enjoyed a wide array of immersive island experiences. Local homestays launched themed programs like the "Island Village Festival," while the No.22 International Yacht Marina offered exclusive "Sea New Year Feast" packages. In a delightful surprise, the iconic "Blue Tears" bioluminescent phenomenon made an early appearance at the end of the holiday, providing tourists with a magical and unforgettable spectacle.