The China Calligraphy Academy for Generals was founded in August 2005 in Beijing for Chinese generals who love calligraphy. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Five calligraphers from the China Calligraphy Academy for Generals visited Pingtan Island in Fujian province to create calligraphy pieces, Pingtan Times reported March 1.

The China Calligraphy Academy for Generals was founded in August 2005 in Beijing for Chinese generals who love calligraphy. It has attracted many serving and retired Chinese generals, including Ma Shukuan, deputy principal of the academy.

"I am impressed with Pingtan's transformation in recent years," Ma said. He came to Pingtan in the early 1990s when Pingtan Island was no more than a fishing village with narrow and bumpy dirt roads.

He noted that Pingtan has witnessed great changes since the establishment of the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone thanks to preferential policies from the central government. He believed the island will make greater contributions for economic and social development on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

"Pingtan has so many sightseeing spots, such as General Mountain and East Sea Fairyland, and by making good use of these tourism resources Pingtan can enhance its cultural development," Ma said.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai