[Pingtan Island: The Closest "Blue Tears" Wonderland to Taiwan, a Flavorful Journey Across Mountains and Seas]
If you were to compile a list of Fujian's islands, Pingtan Island would undoubtedly earn its place as "special." Not only is it the closest mainland island to Taiwan (just 68 nautical miles), it's also a hidden gem that blends magical nature, quaint fishing villages, and a burgeoning artistic atmosphere. The following is a detailed review based on four aspects: scenery, experiences, food, and practical advice:
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🌊 1. Natural Wonders: Dreamy Blue Tears and Windmill Sea
Blue Tears (April-August only) is Pingtan's signature wonder. At night, the waves glow a faint blue, resembling stars falling into the sea. This is actually a bioluminescent phenomenon produced by the accumulation of Noctiluca scintillans. Beigang Village, Tannan Bay, and Changjiangao are the best spots to observe the tears. While watching for them requires careful attention to tides and weather forecasts, and luck is crucial, if you do happen to see them, it's an unforgettable romantic experience.
The windmill fields offer a visual feast during the day. The giant white windmills on Changjiangao Beach and the northern ecological corridor spin in the wind, creating a striking scene against the azure sea and black reefs, giving every shot a cinematic feel.
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🏘 2. Cultural Customs: Stone Villages and Slow Island Life
Pingtan's traditional villages are centered around "stone houses"—gray-brown granite houses dotted between the mountains and the sea, their roofs pressed with stone for windproofing, a quaint and durable aesthetic. Recommended:
· Beigang Village: A cluster of stone houses, renovated through artistic means, featuring homestays, cafes, and cultural and creative workshops, perfect for a short stay while enjoying the ocean view;
· Maotoukan: A secluded village hidden in a mountain valley, offering panoramic views of the bay from atop a hill;
· Dongxiang Island (filming location for "Where Are We Going, Dad?"): Reachable by boat, this village retains its original fishing village atmosphere and is perfect for adventure lovers.
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🦞 3. Dining Experience: Seafood Extravaganza and Authentic Snacks
· Seasonal Seafood: Mantis shrimp (mantis shrimp), swimming crab, clams, and sturgeon rice are freshly caught and cooked. Recommended options include street food stalls in the county town or home kitchens in fishing villages. Blanching or steaming brings out the freshness and sweetness.
· Specialty Snacks:
· Fortune (Salty Rice): Soft and glutinous on the outside, with a filling of seaweed, seafood, and pork, for a savory and fragrant bite;
· Forever: Deep-fried sweet dumplings with peanut and sesame filling, crispy on the outside and runny on the inside;
· Eight Treasures Fried Cake: Potato flour and seafood stir-fried for a chewy and smooth texture.
· Recommended Locations: Night markets around Haitan East Road in the county town and Longfengtou Beach.
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📌 IV. Practical Tips:
1. Transportation: Driving from Fuzhou to Pingtan takes about 1.5 hours (the cross-sea bridge is now open). It's recommended to rent an electric car (¥80-100/day) for flexible travel within the island.
2. Accommodation: For convenience, choose the county seat (near Longfengtou); for a more artistic experience, choose the stone-built B&B in Beigang Village.
3. Itinerary: 2-3 days is ideal, with Day 1 covering the northern route (Beigang to Changjiangao to the Ecological Corridor) and Day 2 covering the southern route (Tanan Bay to Houyan Island).
4. Note: Sun and wind protection is recommended in summer (strong sea breezes), while the temperature swings are significant in winter. Blue Tears require nighttime observation, so traveling with companions is recommended.
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Summary:
Pingtan Island's charm lies in its "interweaving of wildness and art"—it boasts untouched sea erosion wonders, wild and...