"Blue tears" in Pingtan, Fujian is a picturesque local tourist attraction, which has been included in the first batch of weather spectacles and climate landscapes released by the China Meteorological Service Association (CMSA).

"Blue tears" Photoed by JIANG Xinheng from Pingtan CMC.

The most common cause of "blue tears" is noctiluca scintillans, which create a light blue glow at night when activated by tides or wave lapping.Their growth and transport is closely associated with meteorological conditions.

"Blue tears" Photoed by HUANG Shujie

Here is the formation process. “Blue tears” breed in large numbers along the coast, and is transported to the offshore under the influence of wind and waves, and emits light blue fluorescence when it is hit by waves, which is of great ornamental value.

The optimal visiting period for “blue tears” is from April to June every year.

In 2020, the probability forecast model of "blue tears" was initially established. On March 19, 2020, the Meteorological Office of Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Area (hereinafter referred to as the Office) harnessed the model forecast results to unveil the first probability forecast graphic product of "blue tears" in Pingtan on the official account of Weibo "Pingtan Weather", which attracted wide attention from the society.

In 2021, the professional meteorological service model has become normalized, with products upgraded and service channels expanded. In the official Sina Weibo "Pingtan Weather", 2 modules of "blue tears chat" and "blue tears live broadcast" were added, which provided tourists with more tailored professional services. In total, nearly 100 issues of related products have been released in that year.

"Blue tears" Photoed by HUANG Shujie

Release channel of 12345 public service platform of Pingtan has been added, which expand the coverage of professional service for "blue tears" visitors, enabling them to have the best experience of the spectacle in a “science-based” manner. Altogether 58 related products have been unveiled.

On the other hand, the Office joined hands with the local home stay facility, and publicize "blue tears" as the hot spot of Pingtan, organized knowledge training geared to the dormitory directors, introduced tourism meteorological service products in Pingtan like "blue tears", and formulated meteorological service chain of "blue tears".

2 visitors went to watch the "blue tears".Photoed by JIANG Xinheng from Pingtan CMC.

In 2024, the Office cooperated with Pingtan Convergence Media Center (CMC) to roll out multiple tourism landscape index forecasting products on blue tears via official media channels on a daily basis.

On the strength of the 5-day forecast and 75% forecasting accuracy of “blue tears”, high season for tourism in Pingtan was advanced from April to May, to March or even the end of February.

In 2024, the number of tourists received by Pingtan exceeded 10 million for the first time, and the total tourism revenue surpassed 10 billion yuan for the first time. The "blue tears" probability forecast has become a starting point for meteorology to deliver services for culture and tourism sectors.

Special thanks to Pingtan CMC., and HUANG Shujie, and CHEN Xiaoxiao from the Office

Editor: LIU Shuqiao