He also explained that, starting from this year, the game will be held in the city for five years in a row, further improving Pingtan’s visibility across China as the city builds itself into an international tourism island.

The event, jointly sponsored by the China Volleyball Association and Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone Administrative Committee, also serves as the qualifiers for the 13th National Games of China in North China's Tianjin later this year.

Athletes compete in China's National Beach Volleyball Tournament held in Pingtan, Fujian province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]