A show featuring wearable fishbone art takes place at Tangtou village in Zhoushan. [Photo provided to Tide News]

An immersive art event held at Tangtou village in Donggang subdistrict, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, on July 18 showcased how artists and young entrepreneurs are helping transform island communities through cultural and creative projects.

The event included marine-themed art installations, wearable fishbone art, and AI-assisted exhibitions on marine ecology.

This year, Donggang subdistrict has continued to bring together university scholars, young creative professionals, and local communities to support rural development through art, cultural tourism, and public engagement.

Hu Yijia, an associate professor at the China Academy of Art, has led projects inspired by the village's coastal landscape and maritime culture. She is also working with local authorities to develop a 190-square-meter "Floating Library" that will combine reading spaces, exhibitions, cafes, markets, and artist residency programs.

Young entrepreneur Li Jie, who operates a cafe in the village, has helped organize public lectures, art markets, beach activities, and environmental education programs. She has also worked with Hu and university students on community art projects exploring marine ecology and sustainable development.

The collaboration between professional artists and young entrepreneurs has helped breathe new life into the village, enrich cultural tourism offerings, and encourage greater public participation in environmental protection and community development.