Pingtan, an island off the coast of Fujian province and the closest point on the Chinese mainland to the island of Taiwan, has emerged as one of China's most distinctive tourist destinations. Designated by the State Council in 2016 as the country's second international tourism island after Hainan, Pingtan has built a reputation for its striking coastal scenery, vibrant cultural offerings, and high-profile sporting events.

Visitors are often captivated by what locals call "the blue"—a natural palette where the azure sky meets the sapphire sea along its long shoreline. At night, the phenomenon known as "blue tears," a bioluminescent glow caused by marine plankton, shimmers across the waves like a dreamscape.

Since gaining its international tourism island status, Pingtan has pursued a development model centered on "international flair and youthful fashion," using sports and culture as twin pillars. The island has staged large-scale cultural productions such as the stage drama Pingtan Impression, the immersive "Planetary Story·Blue Tears" theme park, and arts events have become fixtures of the night economy. 

Major sporting competitions have also become a magnet for tourists, including the China GT Championship, international kitesurfing contests, cycling races, and the U18 Women's Softball World Cup group stage. "Here, you can sail in the morning, attend a concert in the afternoon, and chase the blue tears at night," said one local tourism official. "Sports, music, and nature have blended into a unique Pingtan experience."

In recent years, new tourism infrastructure and upgraded services have enhanced the island's appeal. The Keqiutou Site Museum, showcasing relics from the Keqiutou archaeological site—one of China's top ten new archaeological discoveries of 2023—has drawn significant attention, further highlighting Pingtan's deep cultural heritage.

Pingtan's tourism boom is reflected in the numbers: in 2024, the island welcomed 10.78 million visitors, generating 12.03 billion yuan in tourism spending—more than quadruple the figures from 2015. The island has also been recognized with titles including "China's Top 10 Sports Tourism Destinations," "National Forest City," and one of the "Top 100 Small Cities for Fresh Air."

From its romantic sea views to its energetic cultural scene, Pingtan has carved out a place on the map as a coastal destination where natural beauty meets modern vibrancy—and where the color blue is more than just scenery;it is an experience.