The peak tourism season in Pingtan is continuing this month as the island county basks in breezes and cooler weather - in contrast to its scorched adjacent areas, the Pingtan Times said on Wednesday, July 31.

Tourism in Pingtan in the first half was basically flat compared with last year –before suddenly peaking in July, as thousands of people swarmed to the beaches.

More than half of the visitors are reportedly driving to Pingtan, but this has not prevented local travel agencies from witnessing a steep jump in business.

The local tourism bureau said that students, who are in the middle of their summer break, are now one of the county's main sources of tourism income.

Pingtan is holding a variety of leisure activities - such as a sand festival, marathon and Taiwan food court - with the aim of attracting more tourists.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Niva Whyman