Thirty-two sand sculptors from both sides of the Taiwan Straits created 51 sculptures. These sand artworks will be exhibited for 3 months, during which millions of visitors are expected to visit the beach carnival. Photos by Wu En'er / Provided to China Daily

2012 Cross-Straits Beach Culture Festival was held in Pingtan, Fujian province, on June 17. Thirty-two sand sculptors from both sides of the Taiwan Straits created 51 sculptures. These sand artworks will be exhibited for three months, during which millions of visitors are expected to visit the beach carnival.

Sponsored by the Administrative Committee of the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone,, this year's event falls into three parts, the Cross-Straits Sand Sculpture Festival, Cross-Straits Gourmet Festival and other cultural activities.

The Cross-Straits Sand Sculpture was held at Fengtou Beach on the evening of June 17. As many as 51 sand sculptures were presented on the beach for visitors, such as the artwork of the Sun-moon Lake, Taipei 101 Building, Pingtan Transoceanic Bridge, and a Mazu statue.

One of the most attractive works is a Treasure-Carrying Kylin, a 15-meter animal sculpture in the center of the beach garden. It is divided into three layers with an observation deck where visitors can have a panoramic view of sculptures nearby and in the distance.

According to Gao Yun, director of the local culture department, it is the first festival of its sort held in name of the Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone since its establishment, and the sculpture was especially designed for the new image of the island.

In addition, many authentic Taiwan foods will be available at the Cross-Straits Gourmet Festival and popular snacks will be offered at the Taiwan's Shilin Night Market, said Tang Xi, the official in charge of the administrative committee of the festival. "Pingtan has become an important channel of cross-Straits exchanges since Haixia's first direct trip to Taiwan. This summer's event is expected to give a boost to Pingtan's tourism industry," Tang added.

The committee expects the daily passenger flow volume to reach about 30,000 person-times every day during the event, and the total volume for three months will reach up to millions.