A charity auction of calligraphy works and paintings in the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone (PCPZ) raised 486,580 yuan ($80,285) in 13 days to assist local needy people, the Pingtan Times reported on Feb 9.

The auction, co-organized by two local art institutions and a real estate company, drew more than 1,000 people over the whole period, according to organizers.

A total of 32 paintings and calligraphy works went under the hammer, taking in 443,000 yuan. The rest of the funds came from sales of books and shell carvings.

The funds will be donated to the Pingtan Red Cross Society and used to assist low-income families and students.

Chen Dongrong, deputy director of the PCPZ's administrative committee, said at the closing ceremony on Saturday, Feb 8, that the combination of art and charity is an innovative initiative, and that he hopes the auction will become an annual event which will play a leading role in Pingtan's philanthropic efforts.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Niva Whyman