A close-up of a glass container filled with Pyrocystis, the algae used to create artificial 'Blue Tears'. The algae emit a radiant blue light when shaken, providing a stunning visual experience.

Pingtan, China, has made a groundbreaking achievement in artificial cultivation of the mesmerizing "Blue Tears" phenomenon, bringing the enchanting blue glow within reach of visitors year-round. Thanks to Pingtan Lanqilin Marine Technology Co., Ltd., large-scale farming of "Blue Tears" using Pyrocystis has been successfully achieved for the first time in the country.

"Blue Tears" is a natural spectacle where bioluminescent algae such as Noctiluca scintillans and Vargula hilgendorfii thrive under specific temperature, salinity, and light conditions. They congregate on the sea surface or near shores, emitting a soft blue light when stimulated by tides or waves, creating a mesmerizing blue glow that stretches across the ocean.

In Pingtan, "Blue Tears" are primarily caused by Noctiluca scintillans. These bioluminescent displays typically occur during spring and summer, making them a fleeting and unpredictable attraction. However, Pingtan's stunning "Blue Tears" have become a tourism magnet, attracting visitors from all over.

Ding Wuqing, a researcher at Pingtan Lanqilin, explains, "The survival conditions for Noctiluca scintillans are stringent, resulting in short-lived 'Blue Tears' displays with great uncertainty." Recognizing the immense commercial potential of the "Blue Tears" IP, the company embarked on artificial cultivation in 2022.

As a marine biotechnology high-tech enterprise, Pingtan Lanqilin focuses on "Blue Tears" cultivation, reproduction research, and the development of related experience products. The company has tackled technical challenges in the separation and purification of bioluminescent organisms, optimization of cultivation conditions, rapid reproduction, and enhancement of viewing experiences, securing several patents.

To find alternatives to Noctiluca scintillans, the company collected over 200 marine planktonic algae species from China's coastal areas. After separation and purification, they selected luminescent algae such as Alexandrium, Ceratium, and Pyrocystis, establishing the country's first "Blue Tears" germplasm resource bank. Through repeated experiments, they found that Pyrocystis, with its brighter luminescence and longer survival period, outperformed Noctiluca scintillans, making it the ideal choice for cultivation and development.

Addressing concerns about environmental impact, Ding Wuqing assures, "The artificial 'Blue Tears' we cultivate are primarily for indoor research, viewing, and product development. They are not directly released into the sea, thus preventing algae accumulation and potential oceanic pollution."

The company has established a 'Blue Tears' Natural Ecological Cultivation Research Center spanning over 1,300 square meters in Pingtan, complemented by an experience pavilion. Inside a dimly lit room designated for product development and experience, Ding Wuqing demonstrated the artificial "Blue Tears" by gently stirring the water surface of an observation tank, revealing a radiant blue glow spreading with the ripples.

These experiential products are ready for industrial application, allowing on-site viewing and convenient take-home cultivation. "Our initial offerings include star-shaped and funnel-shaped glass ornamental products, where Pyrocystis can survive for 15 to 20 days. Visitors can extend the viewing period by adding nutrient solution at home," says Ding Wuqing.

Beyond glassware, the research team has also developed "Blue Tears" curtains, fireworks guns, and various other products tailored for swimming pools, homestays, aquariums, and other tourism scenarios, enabling visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of "Blue Tears" anytime, anywhere.

Ruan Yibin, the company's CEO, shares their future plans: "We aim to develop more related tourism products and establish multiple 'Blue Tears' experience pavilions across Pingtan's scenic spots, ensuring visitors can enjoy 'Blue Tears' freely throughout the year. Furthermore, we will collaborate with aquariums across the country to introduce our artificial 'Blue Tears' plankton community, promoting Pingtan's 'Blue Tears' IP nationwide and boosting the development of Pingtan's International Tourism Island."