The first time I set foot on Pingtan Island, I was completely captivated by this sea.

🌊 Pingtan Island 4 Days 3 Nights Travel Guide (with a budget of 1000+ per person) The first time I set foot on Pingtan Island, I was completely captivated by this sea. I thought the forecasted rainy days would ruin the trip, but surprisingly, all three days were bright and sunny—the sunlight washed the seawater into a gradient of blues, from the mint green of the shallows to the indigo of the deep sea. The clouds hung in the sky like crushed cotton candy, and the sea breeze carried a sweet freshness in the air. The tourists weren’t crowded, the pace was leisurely, and the only thing to watch out for was sun protection! Otherwise, you’ll really get sunburned to a “charcoal” (don’t ask how I know 🥵). 💰 Estimated Costs (4 days 3 nights, based on 2 people traveling together) - Transportation: Round-trip bus from Fuzhou to Pingtan 80 RMB + North Line + South Line car rental 600 RMB (2 days) + sightseeing shuttle 40 RMB ≈ 360 RMB/person - Accommodation: County town hotel 3 nights (average 300 RMB/night) ≈ 450 RMB/person - Food: 100 RMB/day (seafood porridge, clam pancakes, steamed seafood, etc.) ≈ 400 RMB/person - Tickets + Experiences: 68 Sea Miles 35 RMB + beach buggy 50 RMB ≈ 85 RMB/person Total: About 1295 RMB per person (students can compress it to under 1000 RMB) 📍 Itinerary: Follow the sunshine to explore the mountains and sea Day 1: Transit in Fuzhou, sneak a moment of old town life Arrive in Fuzhou in the afternoon, first dive into Sanfang Qixiang. The bluestone roads are lined with ancient houses with white walls and black tiles, the scent of jasmine tea wafts from wooden window lattices. Turn into an old shop at the alley’s end and order a bowl of fish ball soup—the chewy balls wrapped in fresh, sweet broth. In the evening, stroll to Yantai Mountain, where the river breeze moistens your face, the lights on the opposite shore gradually light up, and the outlines of old Western-style houses are as gentle as a painting in the dusk. Day 2: North Line hike, claim a piece of blue sea Depart from Fuzhou in the morning, 1.5 hours to Pingtan. After lunch, rent a car and rush to the North Line, where the scenery is like moving wallpaper: - S-Bend Road: The blue coastline is cut into gentle curves by the road, white wind turbines turn in the distance. Stop by the roadside for a photo, it feels like standing inside a picture frame (crowded, so arrive an hour early). - Yuhai Café: Walk up a small hill, the terrace faces the boundless sea. Order an iced Americano and watch the waves crash on the rocks, the white foam sparkling like scattered diamonds. (You can drive halfway up the hill to save 10 minutes of stairs) - Jingsha: Layers of black rocks, the exposed tidal flats shimmer silver when the tide recedes. But the rock crevices are full of sea cockroaches, so if you’re timid, shoot the panorama from a high spot. The moment the waves hit the rocks is full of power. - Changjiang Ao: Colorful beach buggies run happily on the sand. Take a ride with kids, laughter fills the wind. Wait for sunset in the evening, the orange-red light dyes the wind turbines gold, and the sea looks like a layer of melted honey—ten times more stunning in person than in photos! - S-Bend Fairy Tale Town: The white church spire pierces the blue sky, the nearby wind turbines turn slowly, and the sea sparkles blue not far away. Press the shutter and it feels like stepping into a Nordic seaside picture book. - Night chase for Blue Tears: At 9 PM, go near Changjiang Ao again. Shine your phone flashlight on the sea surface and you can see faint blue bioluminescence flickering in the waves, like stars falling into the sea. Watch Douyin live streams in advance for real-time updates to increase your chances! Day 3: South Line fun, a date with the beach and sea breeze In the morning, go to Longwangtou Beach, the fine sand is as soft as stepping on cotton. Rent a sun umbrella (30 RMB/day), hide in the shade and watch kids dig sand and chase waves. The sunlight warms the seawater, stepping in feels like soaking in warm water. In the afternoon, check in on the South Line: - 68 Sea Miles (Monkey Rock Island): The closest point between mainland China and Taiwan Island, a white lighthouse stands in the blue sea. When the wind is strong, hair blows wildly but you can capture the freest look. Be sure to buy the 20 RMB sightseeing shuttle ticket, otherwise walking 1 km under the hot sun will make you question life! - Tannan Bay: The beach at Yuandang Ao is as white as sprinkled silver (no wonder it’s called White Sand Beach). Tianmei Ao’s waves are gentler, perfect for kids to dig for shells. Qisha Ao is quiet and less crowded; sitting on the rocks listening to the waves can make you daydream all afternoon. The three beaches are connected by sightseeing shuttle (15 RMB/person), very convenient to hop on and off. Day 4: Slow down, say a proper goodbye to the sea In the morning, go back to Longwangtou, pick some shells as souvenirs, watch fishing boats slowly sail out of the harbor. In the afternoon, return with the scent of the sea on you, as if the trunk still holds Pingtan’s sunshine and sea breeze. 🏨 Accommodation: Stay in the right place to save half the effort Recommended to stay in the county town! Convenient for eating and shopping, all scenic spots are within 30 minutes by car. This time I stayed at SFEEL Designer Hotel, a geometric white building perfect for photos, with thoughtful service (they remind you to bring sunscreen). Although the room facilities are average, it’s less than 2 km from Longwangtou, and you can walk to dig sand—a lazy person’s blessing~ 🍚 Foodie List: Just go all in on seafood - Maoji Seafood Claypot Porridge: Must order the signature seafood porridge, the rice is cooked soft, shrimp, crab, and scallop flavors fully blended in the porridge. Pair it with clam pancakes, crispy outside and tender inside, dipped in sweet chili sauce, so fresh you’ll lick the spoon! - Feipo Feizai: Make sure to go to the Longfeng branch! Stir-fried clams and salt and pepper mantis shrimp are full of wok hei, all seafood is freshly caught that day, sweet and fresh. Other branches only have steamed seafood, so don’t go to the wrong one if you want stir-fry~ 💡 Helpful Tips 1. Sun protection! Sun protection! Sun protection! Sunglasses, hats, sunscreen—all must-haves. The sun in Pingtan is a “physical attack,” one day of sun can darken your skin by three shades. 2. The best season to chase Blue Tears is April to August, with south winds and before high tide having the highest chance. Wear non-slip shoes and don’t get too close (big waves can get you wet). 3. The North Line is better for sightseeing, the South Line is better for playing in the sand. If you have enough time, spend a day on each and don’t rush~ The sea of Pingtan is the kind of blue that makes you want to come back again and again. Next time, I want to stay in a seaside guesthouse, fall asleep listening to the waves, and chase a full Blue Tears show before sunrise—this sea is worth savoring slowly.