The promotional poster for the TV series shot at Changjiang'ao scenic area (Image from the official Weibo account of "Always Home")

Still from the series (Image from the official Weibo account of "Always Home")

On February 15, the youth ensemble drama "Always Home," adapted from a Douban Reading novel, premiered on Tencent Video. Its nuanced storytelling and genuine depiction of adolescence have quickly sparked widespread discussion. Set against the backdrop of Pingtan's natural and cultural scenery, the series has become a standout urban youth drama of early 2025.

At the Changjiang'ao scenic area, wind turbines set against the sunset.

On the black reefs of "Jingsha," visitors take atmospheric photos.

As a key television project in Fujian Province, "Always Home" was filmed entirely on location in Fujian, with Pingtan's distinctive landscapes serving as prominent visual elements. Scenes at Fujian Polytechnic of Information Technology and the staff housing of Pingtan Branch of Fujian Medical University's Union Hospital vividly capture the essence of life in the early 2000s. But the real showstopper? Lead actor Zhou Keyu's soulful OST tracks,"Children at Dusk" and"For You, I Would," which pair his crooning with cinematic montages of Pingtan's wind farms, beaches, and black reefs .Viewers have praised these visuals, noting that "every frame feels like a postcard."

Pingtan branch of Fujian Medical University's Union Hospital

Fujian Polytechnic of Information Technology in Pingtan

"From screen to wanderlust, filming locations in Pingtan have become new hotspots for fans after the series gained traction. The Chinese social media's exploding with "Always Home" pilgrimages. Xiaohongshu (aka Red Note) is flooded with tutorials on "How to recreate "Always Home"'s wind farm," while Douban's drama forums are swarmed with posts like, "I want to go to Pingtan after watching this show." On Xiaohongshu, user @Totoro shared, "Last year, a show led me to Pingtan; this year, another show brings back those cherished memories of the island."

The Pingtan Film and Television Service Center Co., Ltd. has played a pivotal role in enhancing the filming landscape by offering significant support that underscores the strong ties between local culture, tourism, and the film industry. A representative shared insights into their vision, emphasizing a commitment to advancing the "film and tourism" model. 

Pingtan's Heping Village