Pingtan, China's second international tourism island located off the coast of Fujian Province, is inviting visitors to welcome 2026 with a three-day New Year holiday itinerary that blends dramatic coastal landscapes, maritime culture and large-scale festive celebrations.

From sunrise over the East China Sea to fireworks lighting up the winter sky, the island is positioning itself as a seasonal destination for travelers seeking both natural spectacle and a sense of ceremony. The itinerary weaves together geological wonders, traditional villages, seaside leisure and a headline New Year's Eve carnival.

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The journey begins at Longwangtou Beach, where visitors are encouraged to greet the first sunrise of the year. As the sun emerges from the horizon, golden light spreads across the sea, creating a moment solemn and tranquil enough to set the tone for a year of hope.

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Later in the day, travelers can head to Pingtan No. 22 International Yacht Marina, which is hosting a special New Year program from December 24, 2025, to January 3, 2026. The marina offers both minimalist and premium yacht experiences, ranging from afternoon tea with family to private dining celebrations at sea, designed to mark the New Year with both the thrill of sailing and the warmth of shared toasts.

Another highlight is the 68-Nautical-Mile Scenic Area, the closest point on the Chinese mainland to the island of Taiwan. Known for its rugged sea-eroded landforms and clear blue waters, the area features viewing platforms such as the "Cross-Straits Concentric Window" and the "Eye of the Straits," which have become popular photo spots. Nearby coastal cafés and Taiwan-themed specialty shops add a slower-paced cultural dimension to the visit.

As evening approaches, Tan'an Bay—often called Pingtan's "Platinum Coast"—offers wide stretches of pale sand and open shoreline. Visitors can relax at seaside cafés, watching the changing light over the ocean as the day draws to a close.

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The centerpiece of the holiday is a large-scale New Year's Eve celebration themed "Love You Forever," scheduled from December 31, 2025, to January 1, 2026, around the Pingtan International Performing Arts Center. The event combines fireworks, music performances, interactive installations and a festive market, creating what organizers describe as an "immersive island-style New Year experience."

According to the program, the fireworks display unfolds in four chapters inspired by spring, summer, autumn and winter. Romantic installations, including a 1,314-meter "Love Road" and art displays built around roses, form the visual backdrop. Performances range from a New Year concert by the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra to DJ sets, live bands and dance troupes.

The second day of the itinerary focuses on Pingtan's distinctive coastal geology. Celestial Well Scenic Area is famed for a massive vertical sea cave carved by waves over millions of years. When tides surge in, waves crash deep into the shaft, producing a thunderous echo. From nearby observation decks on the sea cliffs, visitors can view this raw natural force, along with the surrounding valleys and rock formations, from multiple awe-inspiring angles.

The route then continues to Beigang Village, a creative arts community set against mountains and facing the sea. Traditional stone houses built along the hillside reflect a landscape where mountains, rocks, fields and ocean coexist. Visitors can take part in hands-on workshops such as shell polishing or traditional dyeing, turning local materials into personal keepsakes.

In the afternoon, travelers are directed to Jingsha Village, known for its dark volcanic rock shoreline. The stark contrast between black reefs and the sea gives the coast a raw, dramatic character, particularly at low tide. The day concludes at Changjiang'ao, where rows of white wind turbines slowly turn against the sunset, a scene often cited as one of the island's most photogenic moments.

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The final day shifts toward ecology and history. A drive along the Northern Ecological Corridor links forests, cliffs, villages and wind farms in a continuous coastal panorama, with multiple observation points along the way. The itinerary ends at the Keqiutou Site Museum, which presents Pingtan's prehistoric past through artifacts, digital exhibits and interactive displays.

The museum's exhibitions trace early maritime cultures and seafaring traditions. Stone tools and shell artifacts are displayed alongside simulations of ancient ocean voyages, offering a dialogue across time with the island's earliest settlers.