This isn't Kenting, it's the fairytale windmill island closest to Taiwan
No visa needed, no need to fly to Kenting, and you don't even need to take a boat—hidden above the blue waves of the East China Sea in Fujian is a treasure island accessible by high-speed rail. Here, white windmills line the coast, stone houses are called "mysterious colorful castles" by National Geographic, and the nights feature glowing blue galaxies. This is Pingtan Island, a healing place known as the "Maldives of China" that is heartbreakingly low-key.
Pingtan Island is located on the west coast of the Taiwan Strait in eastern Fujian. It is the largest island in Fujian Province and the closest point on the Chinese mainland to Taiwan—only 68 nautical miles from Hsinchu, Taiwan. The entire island has over 400 km of coastline, with no overdevelopment or crowded throngs, just white windmills, colorful stone houses, and the dreamy "blue tears" limited to spring and summer. Most uniquely, Pingtan is the only island in the country accessible by high-speed rail—no boat needed, just a high-speed train ticket to get on the island.
🗺️ Changjiang'ao Windmill Field—The ultimate romantic sunset and windmill spot
Changjiang'ao Windmill Field is Pingtan Island's most iconic photo spot. Rows of white wind turbines line the coastal road, with fine, light-gold sand beneath your feet and waves gently lapping against the reefs. At dusk, the sunset dyes the white windmills and the blue sea a warm orange; every snapshot is full of island vibes.
After low tide, the shallows act like a sky mirror, reflecting the windmills on the calm water. This is the premier spot in Pingtan for watching the sunset.
🏡 Beigang Village—The "colorful castle" built of stone
Located in the northeast of Pingtan Island, with Junshan Mountain at its back and the East China Sea in front, Beigang Village is Pingtan's most representative ancient stone house village. The houses are built entirely from local granite, their blue-gray walls weathered by sea breezes and salt spray. Centuries of wind and rain have polished the stones into warm, gentle colors—blue-gray, ochre, and beige—scattered along the mountain and sea. National Geographic magazine described it as a "mysterious colorful castle."
It has been named a "National Key Village for Rural Tourism" and a "Beautiful Leisure Village in China," and was also a filming location for "Dad, Where Are We Going?". Today, the village is home to artistic cafes and craft workshops. Sipping a coffee in a century-old stone house while facing the sea is the most unique way to experience Pingtan.
🏖️ Tannan Bay—The "hometown of blue tears"
Tannan Bay is known as the "hometown of blue tears" and is an excellent spot in Pingtan to see them. The sand here is as fine as flour, and the seawater is clear with a pale blue glow. During the day, it's a great place to play in the water and walk on the waves; at night, on the beach with no light pollution, if you're lucky, you can see the blue tears washing ashore in waves.
This is also the real "jelly sea"—the water is crystal clear, the sand is fine and soft. Finding a lounge chair, ordering a coffee, and lying back to watch the sea is super relaxing.
🪨 Xianrenjing—A sea-eroded wonder of black reefs
Xianrenjing is Pingtan's most unique natural landscape, with an admission ticket of 21 yuan. It is a natural sea-eroded wonder where black reefs collide with surging waves to create a stunning scene. Standing on the rocks, you have a bottomless sea cave beneath your feet and the roar of waves crashing against the rocks in your ears, like stepping onto an Icelandic black sand beach.
It is recommended to go on a sunny morning for the best light. Wear a light-colored dress; with the black reefs as a background, your photos will turn out great.
🇨🇳 Houyan Island—The place closest to Taiwan
Houyan Island is the southernmost island of Pingtan and the closest point on the Chinese mainland to Taiwan—only 68 nautical miles away. The island features a red lighthouse and a popular stone monument where you can take a photo at the "closest point from the mainland to Taiwan." Standing on the island and looking across the strait, a sense of patriotism naturally arises.
Admission is 38 yuan. It is recommended to go in the morning when the light is soft for the best photos.
🌀 Xiangbi Bay—The "jade belt on the sea" that only appears at low tide
Xiangbi Bay is Pingtan's most magical beach—at low tide, a crescent-shaped sandbar extends into the sea, like a jade belt floating on the water. Viewed from above, it looks like an elephant's trunk reaching into the sea, hence the name. It is stunning from the air and a must-visit spot for drone enthusiasts.
🛵 2-day, 1-night trip—No rushing, no tourist traps
Day 1: North Route · Windmills and Sunset
Arrive at Pingtan Station in the morning → Rent an e-scooter (60–80 yuan/day) → Head straight to Xianrenjing to see the black reef sea-eroded wonder → Visit the stone houses in Beigang Village and have a drink at a century-old stone house cafe → Ride along the most beautiful island loop road to Changjiang'ao and wait for a windmill sunset → Spend the evening at Changjiang'ao or Tannan Bay waiting for the blue tears
Day 2: South Route · Chasing Tears and Secret Spots
Go to Houyan Island in the morning to check out the "place closest to Taiwan" → Play in the water at Tannan Bay at noon and find a seafood stall for lunch → Go to Xiangbi Bay in the afternoon according to the tide (you can only see the full view of the beach at low tide) → Return in the evening
📝 Practical travel guide for Pingtan Island
How to get there:
High-speed rail (most convenient): You can reach Pingtan Station directly from many places across the country. It takes as little as 35–40 minutes from Fuzhou, with tickets costing about 35–42 yuan. If there is no direct train, you can transfer at Fuzhou South Station.
Driving: Enter the island via the Pingtan Strait Rail-Road Bridge; the bridge toll is about 60 yuan. The bridge is guaranteed to be congested during holidays, so it is recommended to enter the island before 7:00 AM or after 8:00 PM.
Island transport: Renting an e-scooter is the best way to get around, costing 50–80 yuan/day, allowing you to stop and take photos freely. ⚠️ Avoid tourist traps: Do not take unlicensed taxis when leaving the high-speed rail station; they will lie about the distance to attractions to overcharge you (Didi costs about half as much).
Best season:
April–June (peak season for blue tears): Noctiluca scintillans blue tears are in full bloom, and the entire sea can turn blue; the probability is very high.
July–August: Ostracod blue tears, which are more granular, but watch out for typhoon season.
September–November: Comfortable climate, fewer people, and beautiful scenery.
Blue tears chasing guide ⚠️:
Best time: April–June is the peak period for Noctiluca scintillans, with the highest probability. The best time each day is from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM, with the highest probability during high tide.
Recommended locations: Beginners should choose Tannan Bay (high occurrence rate); for atmosphere, go to Changjiang'ao (windmills + blue tears in the same frame); for convenience, go to Longwangtou Beach (close to the county town).
Mindset: Blue tears are influenced by factors like southerly winds, tides, and water temperature, so it's a matter of chance. Follow the "Pingtan Blue Tears" official account before you go to check the forecast, and keep an open mind—if you see them, it's a pleasant surprise!
Accommodation recommendations:
County town (best value): 200–400 yuan, lots of food, convenient transportation
Beigang Village (artistic atmosphere): 400–800 yuan, stone house homestays, suitable for photo enthusiasts
Tannan Bay (best for sea views): 600–1,500 yuan, close to the beach, new hotels
⚠️ Avoid tourist traps: "Sea view rooms" online might have an angled view; ask the host to send a real video before booking.
Budget reference: About 600–1,000 yuan per person for 2 days and 1 night.
Essential gear: High-SPF sunscreen, cooling sleeves (physical sun protection is more effective than sunscreen), sunglasses, sun hat, thin windbreaker (it's windy by the sea), power bank, mosquito repellent, non-slip shoes (essential for stepping on reefs to chase tears).
Special reminder ⚠️: The sea breeze is very strong, so bring a jacket. The Pingtan Bridge may be closed during typhoons, so check the weather before you travel.