Fujian's Hidden Island! Pingtan Island's Blue Tears, So Romantic It's Almost Illegal!

### **Pingtan Island Travel Guide: Chase Blue Tears, Feast on Seafood, and Experience Luxury on a Budget!** **1. Must-Visit Spots in Pingtan: Windmill Seas & Stone Houses, So Beautiful You’ll Want to Quit Your Job and Stay** 1. **Changjiang’ao Windmill Farm** - Giant white windmills + azure sea = instant Japanese-style aesthetic photos. - **Best Time:** Sunset—windmills spinning + golden skies = max romance (single folks, bring sunglasses). 2. **North Coast Ecological Corridor** - A winding coastal road with mountains on one side and the sea on the other. Riding an e-bike here makes you feel like the lead in a romance drama. - **Budget Hack:** Rent a shared e-bike (¥30/hour)—cheaper than a car and lets you stop for photos anytime. 3. **Tannan Bay** - Pingtan’s version of the "Maldives"—soft sand, clear water. Swim in summer, ponder life while breezing in winter. - **Hidden Gem:** "Blue Tears" may appear at night (peak season: April–August), like diamonds scattered in the sea—so stunning words fail! 4. **Houyan Island (Closest Point to Taiwan on the Mainland)** - Just 68 nautical miles away—use binoculars to spot Taiwan. Post on social media: "Taiwan, I’ll scout it out for you first." - **Warning:** Crazy windy! If you weigh under 100 lbs, hug a strong friend or a stone pillar. --- **2. Pingtan Food Guide: Fresh Seafood & Old-School Snacks** 1. **Shilai Yunzhuan (Salty Rice Dumplings)** - Pingtan’s specialty: glutinous rice skin stuffed with seafood, like giant tangyuan. Eat three for "good luck" (owner’s words). - **Top Pick:** "Shisanmei Xianmishi" in town—locals’ lifelong favorite. 2. **Seafood Claypot Porridge** - Freshly caught shrimp, crab, and shellfish simmered into porridge—so flavorful it’ll make your tongue tremble. ¥30/person for a feast. - **Must-Try:** Longfeng Road seafood stalls—ask for extra pepper! 3. **Oyster Omelette** - Crispy outside, tender inside, with sweet-spicy sauce—one bite takes you back to a Southern Fujian childhood. - **Pro Tip:** Skip overpriced tourist spots; find grannies making them fresh near markets. 4. **Grass Jelly Pudding** - Seaweed-based dessert, jelly-like and refreshing. ¥5/bowl—no regrets. --- **3. Budget Stays: Skip the Sea View, Go for Value** 1. **Town Guesthouses** - ¥100–150/night, central location, and easy access to late-night snacks (try "916 Night Market"). 2. **Beigang Village Stone Houses** - Stay in centuries-old renovated stone homes for a fishing-village vibe. Off-season rates: ~¥80/person. 3. **Hostel Beds** - ¥50/night, great for social butterflies—maybe team up to chase Blue Tears! --- **4. Transport Tips: E-Bikes Are Pingtan’s True Soul** - **Island Buses:** Sparse and slow. Rent an e-bike (¥80–100/day) or use shared bikes. - **Avoid:** Tandem bikes—hills will make you question life. --- **Ultimate Bonus: Local Secrets** - **Free Spots:** Matouqian (hidden sea viewpoint), Heping Village (colorful stone houses = perfect photos). - **Hidden Activity:** "Elephant Trunk Bay" tide-pooling at low tide—collect shells and crabs, like island treasure hunting. **Verdict:** Pingtan = windmills + Blue Tears + seafood freedom. Perfect for city escapees on a budget! **Final Question:** Sunset windmills or all-night Blue Tears? (Adult answer: Photos by day, tears by night, refuel with claypot porridge at dawn!)