Pingtan Blue Tears Explosion! What’s it like to step into the starry river?

Here is a practical travel guide for Pingtan Island, combining transportation, attractions, food, and tips to help you efficiently explore the island: --- **⏰ Best Travel Time** - **April to June & September to October**: Ideal for avoiding the heat, high occurrence of Blue Tears (high chance of south wind), comfortable temperatures. - **July to August**: Peak season, good for water activities but beware of typhoons/sunburn, Blue Tears appear occasionally. --- **🚗 Transportation Guide** 1. **Getting to the Island** - **High-speed Rail**: Direct to “Pingtan Station” (Fuzhou → Pingtan about 0.5 hours), rent a car or take a taxi after arrival. - **Self-driving**: 1.5 hours from Fuzhou, free cross-sea bridge, stunning sea views along the way. 2. **On the Island** - **Electric Scooter Rental**: 60-80 RMB/day, flexible for riding around the island road (range about 100 km). - **Charter/Driving**: Recommended for groups of 4 or more, covers all north and south line attractions (about 300 RMB/day). --- **🌊 Must-visit Attractions** 1. **Northern Ecological Corridor** - **Highlights**: Glass walkway overlooking windmill sea, S-shaped road perfect for “Little Kenting” photos (free). - **Tips**: Visit before evening to avoid midday sun; wear light-colored clothes for better photos. 2. **Tannan Bay** - **Highlights**: White sandy beach + high Blue Tears occurrence, lazy sofas for rest, paid area is less crowded and cleaner. - **Tips**: Follow the “Pingtan Blue Tears” official WeChat for eruption forecasts, bring a tripod for glowing shots. 3. **Houyan Island (68 Nautical Miles Scenic Area)** - **Highlights**: Closest point from mainland to Taiwan, red trail + volcanic rock formations, check in at the “Strait’s Eye” stone monument. - **Ticket**: About 40 RMB, recommended to arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds. 4. **Changjiang’ao Windmill Fields** - **Highlights**: Windmill silhouettes at sunset + tidal flats reflections, stunning drone shots. - **Nearby Activity**: Walk through the windmill fields to **Maotouqian Village**, enjoy a fisherman's feast for 30 RMB/person (steamed grouper is a must-try). --- **🦐 Food Recommendations** - **Local Snacks**: **Shilai Yun Zhuan** (sweet potato skin stuffed with seafood, salty and juicy), “Shisanmei Salty Rice Shop”; **Bazhen Fried Cake** (sweet potato flour fried with seafood, chewy texture), about 25 RMB per person. - **Seafood Stalls**: **General’s Hat** (reef shellfish, steamed 68 RMB/portion), **Pingtan Fish Ball Soup** (15 RMB/bowl); **Recommended**: Buy fresh at Longfengtou Seafood Market and have it cooked, or try “Hongxing Pingtan Seafood” food stalls. --- **⚠️ Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls** 1. **Avoid Scams**: - Refuse paid “Blue Tears chasing groups,” Blue Tears forecasts are free via the official WeChat. - Be cautious riding electric scooters on windy/rainy days, the island road is exposed and easy to be blown over. 2. **Gear**: - High SPF sunscreen + hat + arm sleeves (UV is very strong), bring hole shoes/gloves for tide pooling. 3. **Accommodation**: - **Tannan Bay/North Port Village**: First choice sea view homestays (300 RMB+/night), sea view from the window, like “Stone House That Sings”; - **County Hotels**: Cost-effective (e.g., Yage Hotel), suitable for late arrivals. --- **📝 Suggested Itinerary (3 days 2 nights)** - **Day 1**: Northern Ecological Corridor → Changjiang’ao Sunset → Maotouqian Fisherman’s Feast → Night Blue Tears chase (Tannan Bay). - **Day 2**: Houyan Island → Haitan Ancient City (lunch) → Beigang Cultural & Creative Village DIY → Longwangtou Beach sunrise. - **Day 3**: Dongxiang Island tide pooling (boat ticket 20 RMB) → Eat Shilai Yun Zhuan before departure. > 💡 **Key Reminders**: > - Check tide tables (mini program “Global Tides”), Elephant Trunk Bay/tidal flats tide pooling requires low tide; > - Book homestays at least 1 week in advance during peak season, stone house homestays are in high demand [Happy]