Island of charm and challenge

The reality show follows their progress, and is supplemented by short video clips and live broadcasts. Wang Jian, deputy director of Fuding's bureau of culture, sports and tourism, says that he hopes the show highlights Yushan Island's natural beauty, attracts more tourists and encourages investment in Fuding's cultural and tourism sectors.

Wu Yuxuan, a 26-year-old visitor from Yibin in Sichuan province, was enticed to the island by the show.

"It has a relaxing feel, with its pristine fishing village and minimal commercialization," she says, adding that she was inspired by the determination of participants to effect change.

A college teacher, Laly, from Shanghai, who requested anonymity, and who frequently travels to islands both in China and abroad, visited Yushan on July 9 after watching the show. "It's the scenery that initially draws me in, but an island's cultural aspects are what make me want to stay," she says, adding that she hopes to see a museum or exhibitions during her visit.

In fact, putting on an exhibition was on the participants' to-do list, and they recently brought this initiative to life.

Sailing on the Earth, an exhibition organized by 24-year-old actor and curator Xu Fei, who is also known as Figo, is running until Aug 18 at a gallery in a renovated home, which had its roof torn off by a typhoon. It features art by the late painter Guan Shanyue, artist Bai Lingfei and Hong Kong actor and painter Elvis Tsui, along with many pieces on the theme of ocean conservation sourced from the public.