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. During the recent May Day holiday, the island welcomed visitors with a vibrant mix of music, food and live performances, creating an immersive seaside tourism experience that boosted both footfall and spending.

A band performs at Longwangtou Ocean Park.

Visitors take photos at Longwangtou Ocean Park.

From day to night, the island maintained a festive rhythm. At Longwangtou Ocean Park, a themed event titled "24-hour Island Pulse" brought together tides and music in a lively coastal setting. As evening fell, lights illuminated the open-air stage and melodies drifted across the shimmering sea. "Enjoying food while taking in the ocean view feels incredibly relaxing," said visitor Liu Qin, sipping a drink amid the laid-back atmosphere.

Visitors explore Tannan Bay scenic area.

A visitor tries flyboarding.

Across the island, diverse settings catered to a wide range of visitors. At Tannan Bay, the sounds of waves and laughter filled the shore as holidaymakers played in the surf. At the 68-Nautical-Mile Scenic Area, performances such as grass skirt dances added a dynamic cultural touch, blending with the coastal scenery and drawing constant attention from cameras. At Dongsha'ao Water Sports Center, jet skis raced across the waves while flyboarders soared into the air, as the roar of engines mixed with cheers from the crowd.

Visitors pose with performers in traditional three-hairpin attire.

Meanwhile, Pingtan Taiwan-themed Town offered a slower pace. Street musicians strummed guitars as visitors relaxed at outdoor cafés, where the aroma of coffee mingled with the sea breeze. "Listening to music, feeling the ocean wind and enjoying a cup of hand-brewed coffee—that's my idea of a perfect holiday," said a visitor surnamed Chen from Fuzhou.

Visitors tour the Keqiutou Site Museum.

Beyond its scenic coastline, Pingtan also highlighted its cultural depth. The Keqiutou Site Museum became a popular stop for those seeking a connection with history. As the first branch of the Chinese Archaeological Museum, it presents hundreds of artifacts under themes of origin, development and diversity, telling the story of the region's past.

Inside the museum, glasses-free 3D technology brings ancient coastal life to life, depicting early communities engaged in fishing and seafaring. The immersive displays have attracted families and study groups alike, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of China's long-standing maritime civilization.

Visitors browse cultural and creative products.

With a wide range of cultural and tourism offerings, Pingtan met diverse visitor expectations during the holiday. A tourist surnamed Wang from Jiangxi, who chose to extend his stay, said, "The coastal scenery is simply breathtaking—I didn't want to leave."

Adults and children play football together.

As the holiday drew to a close, the island continued to leave a lasting impression, combining natural beauty with thoughtful services to create memorable travel experiences for visitors from near and far.