Pingtan, China's second international tourism island after Hainan, emerges as a summer hotspot where visitors connect with the sea through beachcombing, a beloved activity that blends harvest and joy. Located off Fujian's coast and the mainland's closest point to the island of Taiwan, this island paradise entices travelers with its rich marine resources and diverse coastal experiences.

"Youyu" Beachcombing Base

At the newly developed "Youyu" Beachcombing Base in Baisha Village, the fun unfolds as the tide recedes, revealing a vast beach sheltered by reefs. Covering over 6,600 square meters, the site becomes a lively hub where colorful jackets dot the shore and beachcombing tools clink in eager hands. Adults and children alike bend low, buckets in one hand and shovels in the other, combing every inch of sand and rock for hidden treasures.

A young child clamps down on a crab with a pair of tongs.

A child puts his harvested seafood into buckets.

A variety of seafood caught during the beachcombing

Six-year-old Nini, visiting from Nanchang with her family, embodies the excitement. "Look, I found a clam!" she shouts, waving her discovery with a mud-spattered face and radiant smile, savoring her first beachcombing experience.

Touristshunt for conchs and crabs among the rocks. (File photo)

Lin, a sun-tanned safety officer at the camp, shares his expertise while ensuring visitors' safety. "For shellfish, watch for tiny holes as thin as cotton swabs," he advises." For conches, check darker, reef-rich areas—they love those spots." Following his tips, visitors often leave with buckets brimming with seafood.

As the sun sets, fishing enthusiasts cast their lines on the seawall of Niangong Village.

Beyond beachcombing, Pingtan offers sunset views over the ocean and serene fishing spots like Niangong Village's seawall, where anglers cast lines as day turns to dusk. Here, the sea delivers more than just a catch—it gifts moments of pure, unfiltered happiness.