Visitors admire blue tears photography works at the exhibition venue.

Pingtan, an island off the coast of Fujian Province and the closest mainland location to Taiwan Island, has opened a highly anticipated exhibition featuring award-winning works from the "Starry Sea, Romantic Pingtan" Blue Tears Photography Contest. As China's second international tourism island following Hainan, Pingtan is renowned for its natural wonder "blue tears"—bioluminescent marine phenomena that glow softly in coastal waters—and the exhibition aims to showcase this unique beauty through artistic lenses.

The contest, which called for entries from photographers across China, attracted over 500 submissions from both amateurs and professionals. After rigorous evaluation, 50 outstanding works were selected for the exhibition, each capturing the ethereal charm of blue tears in distinct styles. From wide shots of glowing seas to creative compositions that incorporate people into the natural scenery, the exhibits offer a vivid glimpse into Pingtan's marine magic.

Photographer Guan Jun (1st from the right) shares the story behind his work Deep Blue Galaxy.

Guan Jun's Starry Sea

Several works have stood out among visitors for their creativity and emotional resonance. Guan Jun's Deep Blue Galaxy, photographed in the early hours of 2023 at Dongmei Village, pairs blue tears with a glittering Milky Way—a rare combination he spent hours waiting to capture. "I wanted to go beyond just recording blue tears; combining them with the galaxy adds a sense of grandeur and wonder," Guan shared.

Photographer Lin Zhanpeng's Lion Chasing Elephant 

Lin Zhanpeng's Lion Chasing Elephant takes inspiration from traditional Chinese painting aesthetics. Photographed at Yutang Village, the work frames blue tears swirling around rocks to resemble a "lying lion" in the foreground and a "distant elephant" in the mountains. "I tried to see nature through the eyes of ancient Chinese artists—turning simple rocks and glowing water into a story," Lin explained.

Chen Shengzhe's Woody Is Here

Chen Shengzhe's Woody Is Here has become a favorite among younger visitors, featuring the animated character Woody leaning against a tire, surrounded by glowing blue tears. "Purely recording nature can feel flat," Chen said. "Adding a familiar prop like Woody creates a warmer, more relatable scene, especially for children."

Audience feedback has been enthusiastic. Wang Shengliang, a visitor from neighboring Fuzhou, praised the works for their innovative approach. "What surprises me is how many photographers added people or props to blue tears—it's not just a natural scene anymore, but a moment with feeling," he noted. Children were particularly excited by Woody Is Here, with some pointing and cheering at the familiar character amid the blue glow.

Throughout the exhibition, visitors have been seen pausing to take photos of their favorite works, whispering about the stories behind each shot, and occasionally asking photographers (who sometimes attend) about their shooting experiences. The display, which runs for a limited time, offers a rare chance to experience Pingtan's blue tears through the creativity of talented photographers from across the country.

Photographer Yi Hai's Blue Reveries

Chen Jinghao's Whispers of the Glowing Sea

Photographer Gao Tingting views her work Blue Tears.

Photographer Ou Yuyuan poses with his work Habitat of the Blue Elves.