Pingtan residents say their lives continue to see improvements

In September, Qilin Primary School opened. Officials said its facilities have been equipped according to provincial-level standards and it comprises seven buildings that can house some 48 classrooms and 2,160 students. The initial enrollment consisted of almost 700 students.

"The team of teachers currently numbers more than 30 and we will strive to use quality teaching resources and keep improving the quality of education," said Lin Xiaoshan, president of the school.

Pingtan has long had shortcomings in education due to a lack of teachers. Since the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone was set up in 2010, it has integrated and improved educational resources and built several public kindergartens.

Elsewhere, the Fujian Normal University Affiliated High School in Pingtan, which opened last year, is able to access quality provincial resources.

Local officials said this kind of developments not only helped local people enjoy better education resources, but also provided better education for the increasing numbers of migrants who have come to work and start a business in Pingtan.

The region is also focusing on improving its healthcare services. Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, based in Pingtan, and the Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Area Hospital have integrated their resources, allowing residents to enjoy nearby provincial-level medical services.

Representatives from the latter said Fujian Medical University Union Hospital appoints experts - according to needs of patients - from different departments to diagnose and treat difficult diseases and perform major operations in Pingtan.