The seaside of Pingtan is one of Liu Xiaoli and her daughter's favorite escapes.

Pingtan, an island off the coast of Fujian province and the Chinese mainland's closest place to the island of Taiwan, is China's second international tourism island and a growing beacon of coastal creativity. Among its newest residents are a stylish mother and daughter from Jiangxi province who are capturing the island's charm—and the hearts of thousands—through a lens of style, sunlight, and sincere connection.

Liu Tian (left) and Liu Xiaoli (right)

Liu Tian and her mother Liu Xiaoli stand poised in a soft beam of afternoon light, dressed in matching sand-colored silk ensembles that ripple in the sea breeze. A camera shutter freezes the scene: an unscripted moment of tenderness, framed by sea and sky. For this pair, such images are more than curated content—they are fragments of a shared journey, a testament to finding beauty in stillness.

Basking in the sun, the mother-daughter duo relax on the tranquil shore.

They didn't come to Pingtan for fame, but with a quieter force: a longing for life. In July 2023, Liu Tian traded the Shanghai's relentless grind for seeking something more grounded and personal. She found it here, nestled between weathered stone homes and turquoise seas. Not long after, her mother began visiting from Pingxiang, Jiangxi—and what began as casual mother-daughter travel photos turned into a creative calling.

"We were invited to shoot an ad about mothers and daughters," Liu Tian recalls. "It was just a fun opportunity, but it sparked something. We realized we wanted to document this part of our lives—these quiet, beautiful moments—together."

What followed was a new chapter, built on storytelling through fashion and photography. Posting short videos and curated images on Xiaohongshu, the duo quickly carved out a niche. Liu Xiaoli brings grace and sophistication to her looks, while Liu Tian swings between vintage charm and laid-back modernity. The result is more than eye-catching—it's emotionally resonant.

Their most striking asset, though, is their chemistry. Their relationship radiates warmth, humor, and an enviable ease. "We're independent in our own lives, but every time we reunite, it's like we never missed a beat," said Liu Tian. "That's the energy our followers feel—it's authentic."

As their following grew, so did their workflow. Liu Tian now maps out each shoot, curates the wardrobe, and styles the sessions. Her mother takes on fittings and final touches. The third member of their trio—Liu Tian's boyfriend—handles photography and post-production. Together, they've created a string of viral hits that showcase more than just fashion—they show a life thoughtfully lived.

Their favorite backdrop is Yangshanmen Natural Village, a secluded haven of trees, light, and silence. "This village feels like a personal forest," Liu Xiaoli mused. "We walk, we rest, we shoot—it's where we feel most alive."

"The wind in Pingtan is different," said Liu Tian. "It carries inspiration. When you let yourself feel it—really feel it—you relax. You stop performing. That's when the camera captures something true."

Gone are the days of stiff poses and heavy filters. Now, Liu Tian leans into natural light, unguarded expressions, and spontaneous compositions. "In a place this beautiful, it's not hard to find magic," she said. "If your smile is real, the photo will speak."

Before this chapter, Liu Tian's life was tightly scheduled and always online. As an executive assistant at a medical investment firm in Shanghai, she clocked long hours and rarely made it home. But a spontaneous trip to Pingtan changed her course. "I met people who had chosen a different pace," she said. "They weren't rushing. They were living."

A corner of the restored stone house in Houtian Village (living area)

The old stone courtyard thrives with lush greenery.

She left the city, rented a restored stone courtyard home in Houtian Village, and stepped into a quieter, fuller life. Days now begin with watering fruit trees and end with golden-hour walks. The garden overflows with loquats, flowering vines, and self-made joy.The shift transformed her mother, too. "At first, I thought Pingtan was too remote," Liu Xiaoli admitted. "But now, I find it hard to imagine being anywhere else. The air is clean, the rhythm is calm—it's a good place to just be."

The local community welcomed them with open arms—neighbors offer help, share meals, and greet them with warmth. "Here, everything slows down," said Liu Tian. "There's no need for loud affection; the love is in the quiet moments. Pingtan isn't just a location—it's a feeling. And once you feel it, you never want to leave."