Opportunities thrive at Fujian's Taiwan Town

Makeover of Pingtan market attracts cross-Strait business operators, restaurants offering hometown flavors.

A railway sign outside a restaurant in Pingtan, an island county in East China's Fujian province, points toward Taipei. For restaurant owner Wang Fayu, it is not just a decoration.

Originally from Taiwan, he built the menu around dishes he grew up eating including beef noodles, railway bento and various snacks.

Wang came to Pingtan in 2016. He established two import and export companies, hoping to take commercial advantage of Pingtan's proximity to Taiwan and its role as a platform for cross-Strait trade.

The businesses did not work out. During the pandemic, Wang lost about 5 million yuan ($740,000). He left Pingtan and went to Haikou, capital of Hainan province, where he started over again in catering. He eventually opened four restaurants on the island.

When Taiwan Town, a commercial complex in Pingtan, reopened in February after a major makeover, Wang decided to return. He closed the businesses in Haikou and came back, opening three restaurants in the complex and bringing his experienced chef Liu Senmu with him. Wang's wife and children later joined him there.

"I fell here, and I want to get back up here," Wang said of his initial failed business venture.