Pingtan International Tourism Island experienced a significant tourism boom over the Qingming Festival holiday, welcoming 122,200 visitors — a 59.3% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone's Tourism, Culture, and Sports Bureau. Total tourist spending during the holiday reached 105 million yuan, up 45.6% year-on-year.

Capitalizing on the seasonal marvel of the "blue tears"— a bioluminescent phenomenon along the coast — major scenic areas such as Tannan Bay and Longwangtou Ocean Park rolled out immersive experiences that captivated tourists.

Longwangtou Ocean Park hosted the "Blue Tears Folk Music Season," blending beachfront bars, creative markets, and live music into a vibrant cultural showcase. "It's more than sightseeing — it's a sensory experience," said a visitor attending the event. "We came for the blue tears but stayed for the atmosphere."

Tannan Bay offered an all-in-one "chasing the blue tears, camping, beachcombing, and marine sports" package that highlighted the region's coastal charm. Meanwhile, Zhuyu Bay Film and TV Base introduced an innovative "Blue Tears Base Camp" featuring hands-on bioluminescence cultivation, glow-in-the-dark art installations, film screenings, and creative drinks — a concept that delighted families and young travelers alike. On the first day of the holiday, both Longwangtou and Tannan Bay each drew over 10,000 visitors.

Behind the scenes, authorities launched a comprehensive plan to keep the holiday market smooth and safe. "We activated 100 smart cultural tourism screens across key areas including homestays, hotels, transport hubs, and shopping streets," said Chen Jian, director of Market Management at the Pingtan Culture and Tourism Bureau. "These digital tools pushed real-time updates on weather, safety tips, scenic routes, blue tears hotspots, and local events — creating a seamless online-offline service experience."

Driven by a blend of hometown visits and spring getaways, Pingtan's coastal tourism saw a wave of enthusiasm for stargazing and seaside leisure. According to Meituan Travel, Pingtan ranked among the top 10 most popular counties in China during the Qingming mini-holiday.