Facing the Taiwan Straits, Pingtan is China's only comprehensive pilot zone for cross-Straits integration and is positioned as the country's second International Tourism Island. The island is also gaining recognition for its cultural and archaeological heritage, with a major exhibition now shortlisted for one of the nation's top museum honors.

Officials said the Keqiutou Site Austronesian Culture Exhibition, jointly presented by the Fujian Museum and the Pingtan Archaeological Site Park Protection and Development Center, has advanced to the final round of the 23rd National Top Ten Museum Exhibitions Awards.

A total of 150 exhibitions were submitted nationwide this year. Following preliminary review, 38 projects advanced to the final round, including 30 domestic exhibitions, four outbound exhibitions and four inbound exhibitions. The Pingtan project is the only entry from Fujian Province to reach the final stage.

The exhibition stands out for its academic depth, extensive archaeological collections and immersive design. Built on decades of excavations at the Keqiutou site cluster, it follows a narrative structure themed around origin, development and diversity.

The display is organized into three sections—Life by the Sea, Setting Sail, and Austronesian Cultural Expressions—tracing the origins and migration of Austronesian-speaking peoples. It highlights cultural links across the Taiwan Straits and reflects the diversity and unity of Chinese civilization.

More than 800 artifacts are on display, including pottery, stone tools, bone objects and items related to daily life and rituals. These are complemented by multimedia installations, 3D scenes, dynamic projections and multilingual interactive features, bringing to life the maritime journeys of coastal communities over the past 7,000 years.

The exhibition space also hosts regular academic forums, educational programs and public lectures, integrating research with public outreach. It has become a cultural landmark that combines heritage display, academic exchange and tourism.

Wang Yuxuan, an official with the Pingtan Archaeological Site Park Protection and Development Center, said the shortlisting highlights Pingtan's role in research on Austronesian origins and cultural connections across the Straits.

"Next, we will continue to deepen research on the origins and spread of Austronesian cultures, strengthen the academic foundation of the exhibition, and enhance digital and immersive experiences," Wang said. "We will also expand educational programs and international communication to better share stories of China's maritime culture."