Cheng Qiming and his wife Huang Xingxing, from Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, once spent a whole year traveling around China by motorcycle as a spiritual exercise cultivation. Traveling has become their way of life, nourishing their minds with the sights and stories along the journey. The couple now happily settles down in Pingtan, an island paradise in southeast Fujian province. 

After graduating in 2017, Cheng worked in a design firm in Hangzhou while his partner Huang was a freelance photographer. In 2020, when the pandemic hit, a state of unrest began to ripple, the catalyst that sparked off Cheng and Huang's great "adventure." The couple quit their jobs in March 2020 and set off on the journey of a lifetime, traversing every corner of China on their motorcycle. 

The journey was filled with hardships and many crazy moments, but the stories we have come across on the way are the best treasures in life." I've always supported his ideas, and I don't mind seeing the world via an off-beaten path," Huang Xing said.

Along the journey, they encountered accidents and crossed no-man's land. The thrill of the journey did not deter them, and they gained countless friends and stories. Sometimes, life is about trials and errors! The couple bumped into plenty of accidents and crossed into a couple of "no man's" lands, yet the thrills and occasional hiccups did not deter them, and they gained countless friends and many amazing stories. Cheng recalled an unforgettable experience during the trip when he went to an elementary school in Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province to be a temporary volunteer teacher.

With only 50 students and five teachers, the school was lacking in many aspects. The condition was so bad that the whole school was wearing slippers all year round and even so, the children managed to stay positive and maintained their passion for learning. Cheng was torn and heartbroken by the plight of the children. On Children's Day, Cheng and Huang prepared gifts for students and encouraged their friends to help them improve their lives. "Understanding and helping more people in need and spreading positive energy enriched the meaning of our trips," Cheng said.

Sometime later, the couple decided to run a small B&B. In February 2021, Cheng stumbled upon an advertisement seeking a venture partner for a homestay in Pingtan. The beautiful island immediately caught Cheng's attention. Soon, they set off for Pingtan.

The moment they set foot on the island, they were amazed by the scenery of Pingtan and decided to settle in Baisha Village. The following year, Cheng and Huang tied the knot.

Located in No.154 Baisha Village, Yanshu photography homestay is finally open after a concerted effort. Things began to fall into place for the newlywed. Apart from the daily operations at the homestay, the couple also started a mini pepper garden of their own and founded a new obsession- Sea Sparkles. Bringing along her camera, Cheng also joins in the hunt for Sea Sparkles. "As a social influencer, my photos will help more people see the beauty of this island," Huangxin said.

The couple integrated travel photography services in the accommodation package to make a unique homestay. Ceramics is synonymous with Jingdezhen, the couple's hometown. Hence, the craft was incorporated and used in the concept.

Apart from making postcards and rope art, iconic landmarks of Pingtan are painted on ceramic crafts and fired in an electric kiln. The porcelain is exquisite and practical. While this would help promote the Chinese heritage, it would spur innovation and creativity in the tourism industry. "Currently, the local market still holds much room for progress. Hopefully, Pingtan can carve a unique identity for its tourism and cultural market. I hope to contribute to this island," said Huang Xingxing.

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