Daylight pierces the night with the arrival of the golden hour. Dawn replaces dusk as clouds sweep across the sky. Few things on this planet inspire as much awe as the rising and setting sun.

Bring your loved ones to Pingtan this spring and marvel at the transitions of the magical hour on the island.  

Recommendations:

Best locations for sunrise: Longwangtou Bathing Beach, Beigang Village, Tannan Bay, East China Sea Wonderland, Houyan Islet

Best locations for sunset: Shipaiyang Rock Sails, Caoyu Islet, Mount Junshan, Changjiang’ao Wind Farm, Old Downtown

Sunrise

Longwangtou Bathing Beach is one of the largest beaches in the country. Facing the east, the open beach is an ideal spot to catch the sunrise. Dawn breaks, casting a touch of amber red over the sea as fishermen trawl in the catch of the day.

At Beigang Village, choose a homestay by the sea. Sit by the window at daybreak to catch the first light and revel in the poetic life mentioned in one of China's most celebrated poems, Facing the sea with spring blossoms by Haizi.

Tannan Bay is reputed as the “Platinum Coast.” The fine sandy beach is perfect for camping and watching the sunrise. You can listen to the sound of lapping waves in the camp and feel the warmth and magnificence of the sunrise.

Watching the sunrise at the East China Sea Wonderland is a must. There is a weathered hole that resembles a giant well. Almost vertical, the wall of the natural well has two holes at the bottom connecting to the sea. When the rising sun hits the cliffs 30 meters above the sea, a pictographic rock resting in a crevice would reveal the image of a semi-relief Goddess of Mercy- in all its glory and mystery.  

Houyan Islet, the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan, is strewn with rocks of uncanny workmanship. The spacious coast draws numerous sunrise admirers. At dawn, the sun rises from sea level, awakening the entire islet. 

Sunset

Shipaiyang Rock Sails is situated in the northwest of Pingtan Island. The sunset turns the dome of Shipaiyang Rock Sails into magnificent red. As the sun slowly descends into the sea, the sea becomes glistening. The whole sky is rendered gorgeous. 

The afterglow sprinkles over gigantic reefs, reflecting the golden light. The blue ocean, clouds, sunset, and fishing boats constitute an intoxicating painting.

Light red, golden yellow, light purple… the sunsets on Caoyu Islet are reminiscent of an impressionist painting by Monet. 

To appreciate the golden afterglow shedding over ancient stone houses, Mount Junshan is a good choice. Choose a viewing platform at the mountainside, overlooking the swirling clouds and the hanging sun. Clusters of stone houses in the vintage villages bask in golden sunshine, adding a warm sepia hue. 

You can also enjoy the falling sun in the Old Downtown Pingtan. Around 6 p.m., sunlight disperses in the periphery of the urban area. Through the trees on the ridge, you'll catch a glimpse of the fiery red sun hiding in the clouds, like a lover reluctant to part.

Side by side, the sun walks with spinning pinwheels, weaving a fiery spectacle under the sunset of Changjiang'ao. Silhouettes of strolling lovers and spinning windmills melt into the golden afterglow. As the sun graces the beach, close your eyes and let the gentle breeze graze across your skin- unwind with the wind! Life is beautiful!

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