“Haitan No.1,” a cruise ship shuttling between Pingtan and Putian draws crowdsof tourists. [File Photo]

Pingtan, an island off E China's Fujian province, endeavors to become an international travel destination for music, arts, sports, and sightseeing.

Last year, Pingtan hosted an array of high-profile automobile races, like the Chinese Circuit Offroad Championship (COC), the NKCC Invitational, the China GT Championship, and the FIA China Formula 4 Championship. The events help drive the automobile industry of Pingtan and build up its status as a rising international tourism island.

Chen Shurui, chairman of Pingtan Automobile Culture Development Co., Ltd. and general manager of Pingtan Cultural Tourism Investment Development Co., Ltd., said, "Auto racing is an international sport capable of generating much local and international attention."

The Painting Journey, a hit Spring Festival Gala dance drama, staged in Pingtan [File Photo]

Pingtan welcomed the island's first performing arts center, a music lounge, and a museum for vinyl records, and brought in 60 exciting stage plays last year. 28 films, TV, and variety shows were filmed in Pingtan.

FIA China Formula 4 Championship in Pingtan [File Photo]

To foster a dynamic lifestyle, an array of sports facilities like karting tracks, race circuits, and training bases gradually take shape islandwide. Ruyi Lake Circuit, China's longest street track and first lakeside smart track, is up and operating. High-profile racing events like the Pingtan Festival of Speed take place regularly. Pingtan Island also founded its first Formula 4 race team and intercontinental cycling team.

Positioned as a travel destination for chill holidays, a boutique sightseeing marine route from Pingtan to Putian was introduced. Pingtan's island coastal drive project also received a national award for innovation. The island also initiated a "payment on account and subrogation" campaign to enhance the travel experience and protect consumer rights.

"The number of tourists in Pingtan is expected to exceed 8 million this year, surpassing 7 billion yuan in tourism income,”said Chen Jianxiang, an official from the Tourism, Culture, and Sports Bureau of Pingtan.

Lin Yuchuan, chairman of Pingtan Cultural Tourism Development Group, pointed out that Pingtan aims to build a strong image in sports, music, and tourism.

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