Guo Xiaofang (center) and team members display Blue Tears cultural and creative products.

Blue Tears, the breathtaking natural phenomenon that illuminates the ocean in an ethereal blue glow, is often compared to a love letter from the sea to the shore. The mesmerizing sight, created by bioluminescent marine organisms, is as fleeting as it is beautiful—appearing only under the right weather and tidal conditions. Seeking to preserve this magic, Guo Xiaofang, curator of the Pingtan Huashuo Art Museum, has led a young team in crafting an innovative line of cultural and creative products inspired by Blue Tears.

From the "Soul of the Island Pine" pinecone ornament to the "Tide's Eye" seashell décor, these unique creations capture the essence of Pingtan's island culture. Designed with sustainability in mind, they have quickly become popular souvenirs among visitors, injecting fresh energy into Pingtan's cultural tourism scene.

A Vision to Carry Blue Tears in Your Pocket

Blue Tears cultural and creative products made from discarded abalone shells collected from the seaside in Pingtan

Guo Xiaofang's first encounter with Blue Tears remains vivid in her memory. One night in May 2021, she witnessed a spectacular outbreak at Longwangtou Beach in Pingtan. "The sea seemed enchanted, with every wave glowing in luminous blue. Tourists ran along the shore, taking pictures and gasping in amazement. It was an unforgettable moment," she recalled.

Before that night, Guo had only heard about Blue Tears, a phenomenon caused by bioluminescent plankton such as Noctiluca scintillans. These tiny organisms emit a glow when disturbed, creating a dreamlike seascape that draws thousands of visitors to Pingtan each year. However, the conditions required for Blue Tears to appear are unpredictable, and many travelers leave disappointed after missing the spectacle.

Determined to find a way to preserve this fleeting beauty, Guo had an idea: "Blue Tears are romantic and enchanting, yet they disappear in an instant. What if we could capture this beauty and let visitors take it home with them?"

In February of this year, Guo and her team set to work. Using locally sourced materials such as discarded abalone shells, scallops, and pinecones, they created handcrafted Blue Tears-themed souvenirs. By incorporating night-glow sand into their designs, they brought these items to life, giving them a gentle, natural glow.

"These materials come straight from the island's shores and forests," Guo explained. "At first glance, they might seem ordinary, but with creativity and sustainable design, they are transformed into meaningful works of art."

Their eco-friendly and handmade products quickly gained traction. Some items now sell over 10,000 units per month, with 70% of orders coming from local guesthouses and hotels. "We hope visitors take home more than just a souvenir," said Guo. "We want them to carry a piece of Pingtan's ecology and culture back."

Creativity Rooted in Nature

Weng Yawen sprinkles night-glow sand of different colors on a small bone screw.

Among their most popular items is the "Tide's Eye" seashell ornament, which tells the story of Pingtan's ocean. Other designs include luminous hair clips and shell-covered journals. Fusing traditional island elements with modern aesthetics has made these products especially appealing to younger generations.

"These aren't just decorative pieces; they also promote environmental awareness," said team member Zhao Man. "The seashells we use once rested on the ocean floor. By turning them into art, we're reducing waste and giving them a new life."

To achieve the perfect glow, the team spent countless hours fine-tuning their use of night-glow sand. "Different brands, grain sizes, and application techniques all affect the brightness and duration of the glow," Zhao said. "We experimented repeatedly to strike the perfect balance."

Beyond ornaments, the team has also incorporated Blue Tears into sand paintings, carefully layering night-glow sand to recreate the natural shimmer of bioluminescent waves. One particular artwork captures the unique black sand beaches of Pingtan's Jingsha Village, blending dark shorelines with glowing blue waves for a stunning effect.

"We paint what we remember about Pingtan's beauty," said team member Weng Yawen, pointing to a finished piece. "Each beach here has its own character. We hope these artworks remind visitors of their unforgettable experiences in Pingtan."

Guo Xiaofang and her team remain committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity, continuously exploring new ways to celebrate Pingtan's natural wonders through art.

Exquisite Blue Tears Cultural and Creative Products:

"Soul of the Island Pine" is made of pinecones. Black pine is the ecological guardian for wind prevention and sand control in Pingtan, and its pine cones become the carrier to capture the beauty of Blue Tears. It symbolizes "achieving fruitful results effortlessly and becoming popular soon."

Blue Tears beach décor

Blue Tears painting

"Tide's Eye" is made of sea snails. The fluorescence of Blue Tears is like the eyes of the sea, reflecting the rhythm of the tides.

Blue Tears cultural and creative products made from small shells

Blue Tears scallops