Life Advice: You must visit Pingtan Island during the off-season from May to July because...

Because it's breathtakingly beautiful!!! Want to experience the island scenery of Pingtan Island but overwhelmed by the endless travel guides? Don't worry! This carefully curated in-depth travel guide will help you avoid crowds and enjoy the island's beauty in the most comfortable way. 1. Best Travel Time and Tips May to June is the dream season for Pingtan Island, coinciding with the "blue tears" (bioluminescent plankton) bloom. If you're lucky, you might witness the sea glowing with dazzling blue light, as if stepping into a fairy tale. A 2-3 day trip is ideal, and if time allows, you can also visit Fuzhou to experience the charm of this historic city. Heads-up: Always check the weather forecast before your trip—Pingtan Island's scenery is significantly less impressive on rainy days. Avoid holidays like Labor Day (May 1st) when the coastal roads are jam-packed, ruining the experience. 2. Detailed Itinerary Pingtan Island is divided into the South Route and North Route. We recommend dedicating one day to each for a relaxed exploration. (1) Day 1: North Route—A Poetic Canvas of Windmills and Sea Start at 11 AM: Begin your wonderful day—don’t sleep in! - **Heping Village**: This artistic fishing village feels like a forgotten corner of time. Stroll through the village to admire vibrant murals depicting local life, each a masterpiece. Quirky little shops hide fascinating treasures worth exploring. - **Mirror Sand**: A paradise for photographers! The unique black reef stone gate and vast black stone beaches make for effortlessly atmospheric shots. The coastal road offers stunning views—blue sea on one side, rugged cliffs on the other—with refreshing sea breezes. Best of all, it’s free! - **Changjiang’ao**: Head here in the afternoon for a breathtaking sunset. Golden sunlight dances on the water, framed by windmills—a picture-perfect moment. Bring a jacket; the evening sea breeze can be chilly. - **Northern Bay Ecological Corridor**: Immerse yourself in the romance of "windmills and sea." Walk along the corridor, listen to the waves, and find a viewing platform to sit and soak in the tranquility. Evening: Chase the "blue tears"! Before heading out, check the "Changyou Pingtan" WeChat account or "Pingtan Island Transportation and Weather Service" for real-time updates on where and when the bioluminescence might appear—you might witness a blue miracle! (2) Day 2: South Route—A Different Island Vibe The South Route’s attractions are compact and can be explored in 3-4 hours. - **Longfengtou Beach**: Pingtan’s largest beach is perfect for sunrise. At dawn, the first rays turn the sea golden—a mesmerizing sight. Skip if you’re not an early riser. - **Elephant Trunk Bay**: Named for its elephant trunk-like shape, this unique landform is especially striking at low tide. Walking along the long beach, surrounded by water on both sides, feels like being in the middle of the ocean—every photo is Instagram-worthy. - **68-Mile Scenic Area (Houyan Island)**: The closest point on the mainland to Taiwan, rich in significance. Allocate at least an hour here. Tickets cost ¥35, with a ¥10 shuttle bus ride offering scenic views and historical insights. - **Tannan Bay**: Unwind here after exploring! The soft sandy beach is dotted with cozy seaside cafés—order coffee, listen to the waves, and relax. This is the true essence of an island getaway! 3. Food Recommendations - **Po Dian**: A must-visit local institution! Their signature braised pork knuckle is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the crispy "Zao Rou Guang Bing" (fermented pork flatbread) is uniquely delicious. Every dish is packed with local flavor. - **Maoji Seafood Claypot Porridge**: Their seafood porridge is legendary! Made to order with fresh seafood and glutinous rice, it’s aromatic and hearty—perfect for sharing. Other seafood dishes are also excellent. - **Tianchang Dijiu**: A Pingtan specialty—golden, crispy on the outside, filled with sweet peanut and sesame paste. Find it at local snack stalls or restaurants. - **Shi Lai Yun Zhuan**: Another traditional dish, made with sweet potato dough wrapped around veggies, seafood, or meat. Its round shape symbolizes good fortune, and the taste is delightful. 4. Transportation and Accommodation - **Transportation**: Pingtan Island is small—rent an e-bike to zip between attractions, feeling the sea breeze, or opt for a car for more flexibility. - **Accommodation**: Stay in the county town for convenience, with easy access to both routes and a range of hotels and homestays to suit all budgets. Pack this guide and embark on a unique island adventure in Pingtan! Amidst blue seas, skies, windmills, and sandy beaches, discover your own slice of romance and beauty.