A distant view of TO ALEX · Cliffside Café & Bar

Nestled in Shangjing Village, Pingtan, TO ALEX is more than just a café—it's a heartfelt love letter, a gift from a husband to his wife, and a place where romance meets the vast ocean. Unlike typical seaside cafés named after waves, sunsets, or sea breezes, this one bears the name "TO ALEX," a tribute from owner Xie Sijie to his beloved wife, Yang Liu—known as Alex. Their journey, spanning from Guangdong and Hubei to Pingtan, from strangers to soulmates, is now forever embraced by the sea.

A piano stands on the terrace.

The café, perched on a cliff with panoramic ocean views, embodies their love in every detail—the swimming pool, grand piano, and floral archways each tell a story. Here, sunrise is richer than coffee, and the sea breeze is more intoxicating than wine. Every visitor finds their own moment of enchantment between the rolling tides and the morning light.

A Café Built on Love and Dreams

Following the winding mountain road past massive rock formations and lush meadows, a distinctive shade of pine green catches the eye. The square-shaped café, painted in this natural hue, harmonizes perfectly with its surroundings. Its exterior is striking yet seamlessly blends into the landscape, a poetic intersection between land and sea.

Stepping inside, two enormous glass windows immediately frame the stunning scenery beyond—waves crashing, clouds shifting, and the ever-changing hues of dawn and dusk. The glass acts as a picture frame, with nature painting a new masterpiece every day. Outside, the spacious wooden terrace extends the café's warmth, creating an inviting space for travelers to sip coffee, take photos, and lose themselves in the view.

At the corner of the terrace stands a piano, facing the ocean, waiting for a traveler with a story to let their fingers dance across the keys. As night falls, the melody mingles with the whispers of the tide, turning the café into a poem carried by the sea breeze.

"Alex loves the ocean and coffee," Xie Sijie says with a smile. "Since I can't give her the whole sea, I built her a café by it, so she can always enjoy the view with a cup of coffee in hand."

The most special corner of TO ALEX is the pair of floral archways standing in the grass. On June 9, 2024, under these very arches, Xie Sijie and Alex exchanged vows. The sea breeze played with the white drapery, waves clapped in celebration, and friends bore witness to their love. That day wasn't just their wedding—it was also Xie Sijie's birthday and the grand opening of TO ALEX.

"We couldn't bear to take down the floral arches after the wedding," Xie recalls. "Now, they've become a little landmark for the café." Since then, countless couples have taken photos beneath them, some even proposing under the swaying flowers, adding new love stories to this special place.

Savoring Sunrises and Island Time

With its prime location overlooking the ocean, TO ALEX offers an unobstructed view of the horizon. "Even with the vast sea right in front of us, I still think the sunrise is the most beautiful thing here," Xie Sijie says.

At 5 AM, the sky is still dark, and the salty scent of the sea lingers in the air. Gradually, deep blues shift to soft orange on the horizon. The first rays of sunlight pierce the clouds, painting the waters in brilliant hues. Guests lean against the terrace's glass railing, captivated as the morning light slowly ignites the sea. In their eyes, there's more than just reflection—there's hope for the day ahead.

"Waiting for the sunrise, you listen to the wind, to the birds circling above the waves, and to the hushed excitement of those around you," Xie muses. He often spends two or three hours just watching the dawn unfold.

Asked why he favors sunrises over sunsets, he answers thoughtfully, "Our café faces east—it's one of the best places in Pingtan to watch the sunrise." After a brief pause, he adds, "But, of course, both have their own beauty."

Every Sip Tells a Story

Beyond the breathtaking scenery, TO ALEX takes pride in its specialty drinks, each designed to capture an emotion.

Barista special "Three Little Birds" (left) and a latte

Xie Sijie captures A Qiao (left) making coffee with a camera.

Barista A Qiao shares that their most popular drinks are the signature "Three Little Birds" and the "Alex Special." Inspired by Bob Marley's song Three Little Birds, the former embodies a carefree spirit with oolong tea, oat milk, and pistachio syrup. The drink's layered hues mirror its intricate flavors—tea's floral notes blend with nutty, caramel-like coffee and silky oat milk, finished with a hint of pistachio cream.

The "Alex Special" is an original creation  by Alex herself. Named after her, it's a unique blend of 40-proof whiskey, tonic water, cold brew espresso, and osmanthus syrup, topped with a golden layer of coffee crema and delicate osmanthus flowers. "The aroma of whiskey and coffee intertwine," A Qiao explains. "It's rich yet subtle, like the lingering sea breeze at night."

For those skipping caffeine, there's "Island Sunrise," a drink crafted to reflect Pingtan's morning glow. Its golden base—orange juice, elderflower syrup, and lemon juice—merges into a crimson cranberry layer. When stirred, the colors swirl like dawn breaking over the ocean, garnished with mint and citrus slices for a fresh, invigorating finish.

More Than Coffee—A Place for Stories

Tourists enjoying the sea view while sipping coffee

Whether drawn by the scenery or the coffee, travelers from far and wide find their way to TO ALEX. Cui Xiyu, a student from the Communication University of Nanjing, came after a friend's recommendation. "The weather has been perfect, the sky so blue, the beaches pristine, and the coffee—absolutely delicious," she says, holding a warm cup in her hands.

Such attention to detail defines the café's hospitality. Each cup is preheated before serving, ensuring the perfect temperature when it reaches the guest's hands. These small, thoughtful touches make people linger a little longer.

A Qiao himself was once a wandering traveler. Born in Zhangzhou, he studied coffee in Dali, worked as a barista in Lhasa, and eventually found home in Pingtan. "I love coastal towns," he says. "Pingtan has its own rhythm—wind, waves, and a free-spirited lifestyle." He sees TO ALEX as more than a café; it's an invitation to slow down, savor a cup of coffee, witness a sunrise, and embrace the serendipity of the journey.

Some come here to watch the sea, others to play the piano, make a wish under the floral arches, or simply sit by the pool, sipping coffee as they wait for the sky to change.

"There' s no city noise here—just wind, waves, sunrises, and sunsets," Xie Sijie says with a smile. "And, of course, a good cup of coffee."

Tourists gaze at the sea from the terrace.