Haitan Island of Pingtan county, Southeast China's Fujian province, is among China's most famous islands, according to an authoritative list.

The List of 2013 Chinese Treasure Islands, published on April 2, was jointly created by the National Cultural Geology Research Institute, National World Heritage Study Institution, Global Green Ribbon Action Association, China Urban Construction Design and Research Institute, and China Culture Travel Press. It singles out 100 Chinese islands based on criteria such as popularity, historical legacy, land value and resource environment.

Located in the eastern coastal area in Fujian province, Haitan Island is the largest island in Fujian and the fifth largest island in the nation. It is a distinct and multi-functional tourism resort for sightseeing, sports, expedition and amusement.

"Making the list, though not published by the National Tourism Administration of China, is a high recognition for Pingtan," said Lin Chengyin, director of the Pingtan county tourism bureau.

"It shows that Haitan Island's development prospects are valued," he added.

Besides Haitan Island, 14 other islands in Fujian province also made the list, including Meizhou Island in Putian city, Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, and Langqi Island in Fuzhou, capital city of the province.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai