Fujian province's Pingtan county, the host of the 2012-13 Kiteboard Tour Asia, is making preparations for the upcoming event, which will kick off on May 9.

A large blue display panel was erected at Haiyu Square on Longfengtou Bathing Beach, where an opening ceremony for the event will be held on Wednesday, May 8. Staff workers have also been busy outfitting the stage in the past few days, reported Pingtan Times on Tuesday, May 7.

"Last year was Pingtan's first KTA experience. The theme color was red to represent happiness. This time we decided to use blue, which matches the rhythm of the sea and the competition itself," said Lin Jiansheng, manager of a local media group in charge of the stage design.

"We will also include elements of waves in the background (of the stage) to echo the seascape," he added.

A referee stand on the beach has also been set up. The resting zone for players and service zone have been moved to a lounge in the service center on the beach to better accommodate the event, said the newspaper.

To enhance the event's atmosphere, 20 colored flower-decorated pillars will be raised along with flower walls on the beach, said Lin.

The event organizers have made two sets of game plans in case of bad weather, said sources from the local bureau of science, culture and sports, adding that various entertainment shows have been arranged for audiences in case of unsuitable weather.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai