Xiao Tan

Xiao Tan, a young woman from Jiangxi Province, has found unexpected fulfillment during a year of living on Pingtan Island. Pingtan, a coastal gem off Fujian Province, is known as the mainland's closest point to Taiwan, a key pilot zone for cross-Straits integration, and China's second international tourism island after Hainan. Its picturesque scenery, with turquoise seas, clear skies, stone houses, and windmills, attracts travelers seeking a retreat from daily life, especially in the summer.

Last July, fresh out of college, Xiao Tan was at a crossroads, uninterested in her major as a children's taekwondo coach and reluctant to return home. She discovered a volunteer opportunity at a Pingtan youth hostel through a friend's social media post. Despite over 20 other applicants, her persistence and earnest plea—"I'm willing to endure any hardship or toil. Could you give me a chance?"—secured her the spot, opening a new chapter in her life.

Xiao Tan (1st from the left in the back row)

Life at the hostel became a daily adventure. Mornings involved preparing guest breakfasts, cleaning rooms, and tidying common areas. Afternoons were bustling with arrivals from across China, and evenings were filled with chats, board games, and stargazing. Xiao Tan shared, "Every day felt meaningful". She woke up excited, eager to explore or meet new people. This experience transformed her from her past self, where she used to be "listless and passive, needing others to push" her, to actively embracing life.

Xiao Tan (2nd from the right) and her volunteer companions, taking in the breathtaking vistas from the summit of Mount Generals

The island's beauty further deepened her connection. She described Pingtan's sea as "incredibly blue." A memorable experience was a visit to the scenic Mount Generals, where she witnessed a "truly stunning" sunset blending with rocky cliffs and the sea. She now advises new guests to visit Mount Generals if the weather permits, emphasizing that "You have to experience things yourself to know if they're worth staying for or recommending."

Xiao Tan (5th from the left)

A year later, Xiao Tan has transitioned from a volunteer to the hostel manager. Despite jokes about why she hasn't left, she remains content in the present, with no long-term plans. Her advice for visitors to Pingtan is simple: "Enjoy it. Whether you stay a short time or long, life in Pingtan will bring meaning."