WAVE Ⅱ performs at Pingtan's Longwangtou Ocean Park, where their music blends with the crash of waves and sunset glow, drawing audiences to sit and listen in the open-air square.

Pingtan, a coastal county in Fujian Province, stands as the Chinese mainland's closest point to the island of Taiwan and serves as a pilot zone for cross-Straits integration. Beyond its strategic role, it is China's second international tourism island after Hainan, where the rhythm of the ocean not only shapes local life but also inspires a rising generation of musicians. Among them is WAVE Ⅱ, a homegrown pop-rock band that weaves Pingtan's island charm into every note.

Formed in 2023, WAVE Ⅱ traces its roots to a high school band named "WAVE" founded by core member Zheng Chenghui during his high school years. The "Ⅱ" in their name carries deep meaning—it symbolizes "the second wave," a nod to both the continuation of their teenage musical dreams and their evolution into a more mature, professional group.

"After graduating from college with a music major, I chose to come back to Pingtan instead of staying in a big city," said Zheng Chenghui, the band's guitarist. "Through street music events, I reconnected with old friends from the high school band and met new partners who shared the same passion. That's how WAVE Ⅱ came to life."

On June 4, 2025, WAVE Ⅱ joins the "Island Music Wave · Tide Plan" Cross-Straits Youth Band Competition, showcasing works inspired by Pingtan's unique island culture.

The band's music draws its soul entirely from Pingtan's island essence. The sound of crashing waves, the salty breeze that evokes childhood memories, and the local spirit of "daring to explore and strive" all find their way into their songs. Their standout track, Whispers of the Blue Tide, was created for the "Island Music Wave · Tide Plan" cross-Straits youth band competition in June 2025—a contest requiring works centered on Pingtan's unique culture.

"We took Pingtan's famous 'blue tears' (a bioluminescent sea phenomenon) as the core of Whispers of the Blue Tide," Zheng explained. "It's not just about a natural wonder; it represents Pingtan's spirit. We even composed a special intro for the song and polished every note and harmony repeatedly because we wanted to present the most perfect performance to our hometown."

Another track, Flowers on the Other Shore, showcases the band's versatility, moving beyond competition themes to explore diverse emotional tones. Their creative process follows a consistent rhythm: one member drafts lyrics first, then the whole band gathers to refine them, testing different melodies and rhythms until they find the perfect fit.

At the "Sound Wave Players · Youth Music Field" special concert, WAVE Ⅱ delivers a performance of their standout track Whispers of the Blue Tide, paired with shimmering blue ocean visuals on the stage backdrop.

WAVE Ⅱ's performances reflect their down-to-earth connection with the island. Recently, they played Whispers of the Blue Tide at the "Sound Wave Players · Youth Music Field" concert, where a large screen behind the stage displayed shimmering blue ocean light, blending their music with Pingtan's natural beauty. They also perform regularly at Longwangtou Ocean Park in Pingtan—no fancy lights or professional sound systems, just the band playing as the sun sets, with audiences sitting on stairs, listening to the music accompanied by the real sound of waves.

Their first out-of-town performance at a street artist showcase in Quanzhou was a turning point. "We were nervous at first, playing for strangers in a new city," said electric guitarist Weng Hong. "But seeing people stop, take photos, and tap their feet to our rhythm made us realize how music can touch people's souls."

The band's impact extends to younger fans. "Some kids mentioned us in their summer homework and even gave us hand-drawn posters," shared bassist Weng Jian. "That feeling of being remembered and recognized—it's what keeps us going."

Weng Hong and Weng Jian both cited the Chinese animated series I Want to Sing as their musical inspiration, a detail that highlights how even pop culture from their childhood laid the groundwork for their current journey. As WAVE Ⅱ continues to play and create, they remain rooted in Pingtan—turning the island's stories, sounds, and spirit into music that resonates both locally and beyond.