Pingtan, China's second international tourism island in Fujian Province, is well-loved by travelers for its vast ocean views and iconic windmills dotting the shoreline. Now, this coastal destination has gained a fresh attraction: "DAY OFF," a cozy café opened by Shi Yaming, a local post-95s girl who transformed a traditional stone house into a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking a break by the sea.

Tucked along the road leading to Pingtan's popular Changjiang'ao Wind Farm, "DAY OFF" welcomes guests with a stone wall carved with its name—offering unobstructed sights of rotating windmills and the endless blue sea beyond. Shi, who renovated the stone house with friends, blended her favorite Southeast Asian wooden style with local Pingtan elements: think warm-toned sofas, triangular wooden beam ceilings, and a bar that frames stunning sea views. "The view from the bar is the best," Shi said. "When the sun shines on the sea, it shimmers like little lights, and even the guests sitting there become part of the scenery."

The café's menu is tailored to its laid-back vibe, with signature drinks that have won over locals and tourists alike. The star is "Happy All Day"—a layered specialty with a base of creamy iced milk, a shot of espresso in the middle, and a topping of pistachio foam sprinkled with crushed nuts. "We suggest sipping the foam first, then letting all the flavors mix together," Shi explained. For those who prefer bolder tastes, there's "Vienna Coffee" with rich dairy, while "Coconut Delight" (a refreshing blend with coconut water) and "Summer Pal" (bright and fruity) cater to fans of lighter drinks.

Behind each name lies a story of intention. For Shi and her team, the process is one of careful consideration, ensuring the name captures not only the drink's essence but also the feeling it imparts. "A name should be a promise of the experience," Shi reflects. It is this philosophy that guides them—their true aim is to craft beverages that comfort the spirit as much as they delight the palate. This thoughtful approach extends to the rhythm of the year, with seasonal creations like a sun-ripened lychee infusion appearing to mark the seasons' turn.

What sets "DAY OFF" apart is its relaxed, inclusive atmosphere. The cool coastal breeze flows through the space—guests can feel it on their skin, watch their hair flutter, and see the large lamp shades sway gently. Unlike crowded tourist spots, it stays quiet and serene. Pets are also welcome: a family from Guangdong once visited with two dogs, which ran around happily in the courtyard. "The wind here is so cool, even on hot days," said a tourist from Xinjiang surnamed Zhang. "Sitting here with coffee, listening to the sea and the wind—it's so relaxing."

As night falls, "DAY OFF" takes on a softer charm: warm yellow lights glow, jazz music plays softly, and the clink of cocktail glasses mixes with the distant sound of waves. For Shi, the café is more than just a place for coffee. "I didn't want to open just another café," she said. "I wanted to create a space to slow down, to hold onto good moods, and to feel the warmth of a place with stories."

Whether for a morning coffee bathed in sea light, an afternoon lost in a book within the courtyard, or an evening drink beneath a soft glow, a moment spent here quietly becomes part of one's memory of Pingtan—a gentle pause that feels like a "DAY OFF."