Pingtan, a coastal island in southeastern China's Fujian Province, has emerged as a top kitesurfing haven drawing enthusiasts from across the globe with its exceptional winds and pristine coastlines. As the 2025 kitesurfing season nears its end in early November, international visitors converge on the island to ride the waves and savor the thrill of the sport.

Pingtan's reputation is built on a simple fact: powerful, rideable winds. The statistics speak for themselves—over 300 days of force 6 winds and more than 200 days of force 7 winds annually. This, paired with its expansive coastline, offers kitesurfers an almost guaranteed perfect session.

Jens, a seasoned kitesurfer from Denmark with over six years of experience has become a regular. "I first came to Pingtan in 2020 on a friend's recommendation and was immediately captivated by the wind and waves here " he shared. Every year from mid-October to mid-December, Jens makes a point of staying on the island to indulge in his passion, noting that "Pingtan offers the best conditions for kitesurfing in China and most enthusiasts who come here fall in love with this island."

Joachim kitesurfing in the waters near Longwangtou Beach

Joachim, a Dutch sports fanatic, traveled specifically to Pingtan in late October after hearing about its legendary winds. Having fallen for kitesurfing five years ago, he seizes every holiday to chase winds around the world. "The moment I stepped onto Longwangtou Beach of Pingtan, I couldn't wait to jump into the water and experience the joy of flying over the sea " he said. During his trip, Joachim even set a personal best in water jumping, exclaiming "All the expectations were worth it."

To share his excitement, Joachim posted a vlog of his first kitesurfing experience in Pingtan on YouTube which quickly garnered over a thousand views. "Shortly after the video was uploaded many people messaged me, asking how amazing Pingtan is and expressing their desire to come for kitesurfing," he recalled happily. Describing Pingtan as a "hidden gem" for the sport, he added "This place not only has perfect kitesurfing conditions but also welcoming people and stunning scenery."

In recent years Pingtan has leveraged its ecological advantages. By hosting a series of  international events and upgrading its facilities, the island has cultivated a world-class environment for the sport. Fueled by the global "China Travel" trend, the island's popularity as an inbound tourism destination has soared, solidifying its reputation as a world-renowned kitesurfing paradise.