Opportunities thrive at Fujian's Taiwan Town

Chen Yuhan manages the Taiwan No 1 Duty-Free Mall. Her connection to Taiwan Town goes back to a decision made by her mother when the market was getting started.

Chen's family came to Pingtan in 2014, when her mother decided to invest in the new market.

"People around her raised doubts about the decision, but she nevertheless believed the island's proximity to Taiwan gave it long-term potential and she went ahead with the investment," Chen said.

With her mother managing other businesses, Chen eventually came to Pingtan to help look after the store in 2025.

The arrangement was practical, and Chen didn't plan to remain in Pingtan for long. But the longer she stayed, the more the town became part of her life.

She remembers Spring Festival in particular. It was the busiest season for Taiwan Town, and Chen felt she could not leave and let anyone else look after the business.

Locals invited her to celebrate the holiday with them and also gave her valuable knowledge about regulations and policies related to doing business on the mainland.

"I appreciated that thoughtfulness, and it made me feel comfortable living here," Chen said.

Her temporary position became a long-term commitment, and her family business now carries more than 1,300 products from several dozen suppliers from Taiwan.