Pingtan Marina Drives Marine Tourism Boom

Pingtan Marina Drives Marine Tourism Boom

Pingtan, China - A lineup of six yachts, twelve sailboats, and several jet skis rests neatly along the docks at Pingtan’s No. 22 International Yacht Marina—a sharp contrast to just one yacht berthed here last June. The marina, now taking shape as a modern maritime hub, is witnessing strong momentum and growing popularity.

With the arrival of summer, Pingtan officially launched its 2025 “Island Life Season”, drawing tourists to popular activities such as yacht tours, flyboarding, and offshore sailing. “Unless it’s rainy or otherwise unsafe to go out to sea, the marina is almost always bustling with visitors,” said General Manager Zheng Zhiliang.

As the flagship project in Pingtan’s yacht industry push, No. 22 International Yacht Marina features 49 berths and is jointly operated by Pingtan Cultural Tourism Group and Taiwan’s Kassico Yacht Group. With a water service center and other supporting facilities, the marina serves as a one-stop hub for clearance, docking, and leisure.

Supermarket of Marine Leisure

In the past, Pingtan tourists mainly enjoyed beach and coastal views, lacking accessible marine activities. The opening of No. 22 International Yacht Marina last year transformed this landscape.

Branded as a “supermarket of marine leisure,” the marina now offers a wide range of water-based experiences. “Whatever you can think of, we can offer it,” said a staff member.

Since its launch, the marina has added momentum to Pingtan’s marine tourism, attracting over 10,000 visitors and generating more than USD 193,000 in revenue through partnerships with local service providers.

As marine leisure gains popularity across China’s coastal cities, yachting is shifting from niche luxury to mainstream recreation. 

“Before launching, we took research on mature markets in Xiamen, Shenzhen, and Sanya, where diverse models have shaped robust coastal tourism,” said Zheng. “These cases have inspired us to position Pingtan as a yacht hub in close collaboration with Taiwan companies, introducing advanced management and operational systems.”

“Pingtan’s natural advantages make it ideal for ocean tourism,” Zheng added. “Yachting is not just about luxury—it’s a globally popular way to enjoy the ocean.”

Visitors can enjoy a yacht ride for just a few dozen yuan, making marine tourism more accessible. By lowering the threshold for participation, the marina is helping shift the perception of yachting from “exclusive luxury” to “affordable leisure”, positioning itself as a key driver of Pingtan’s cultural and tourism economy.

Cross-Strait Cooperation

In 2023, China’s State Council approved the Master Plan for Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone (2023–2035), promoting free yacht travels between Fujian and Taiwan.

As the mainland’s only pilot zone dedicated to promoting cross-Strait connections, Pingtan leverages its marine resources to encourage cooperation through yachting tourism.

To further support participation from Taiwan, authorities introduced a series of preferential policies, including a three-year rent exemption for Taiwan compatriots and the establishment of a dedicated yacht base with various facilities. Of the marina’s 49 currently available berths, 17 are reserved exclusively for cross-Strait operations.

In order to attract more Taiwan tourists, the marina offers duty-free shopping and benefits from tax refund and 240-hour visa-free transit policies, creating a seamless “yacht travel plus tax-free” experience.

Yachts typically tour scenic waters before heading offshore for recreation. Nearby, a terminal serving Taiwan Strait crossings features a dedicated bridge for seamless customs clearance, enabling direct access to Taiwan. The setup highlights cross-Strait integration and boosts regional exchange.

New Chapter in Marine Tourism

No. 22 International Yacht Marina’s ambitions extend well beyond the current achievement. Over 80 additional berths are under construction, set to open in the next two years. As a pilot zone for the yacht industry, the marina is positioned to drive regional growth in marine recreation.

A new Cross-Strait Fishing and Recreational Vessel Repair Center, with a planned investment of around USD 20 million, is also under construction. Spanning 8 acres, the facility will integrate yacht manufacturing and maintenance, bringing in advanced technology of Taiwan to accelerate a full industrial chain—from leasing and sales to servicing and high-end production.

“The yacht industry in China is still in its infancy, with great potential ahead,” said General Manager Zheng. “Yachting should be easy and enjoyable. Developing this sector supports Pingtan’s marine economy upgrade and drives high-quality regional development.”