Guava Summer café

On the coast of Fujian Province in the Taiwan Straits, a quiet corner of Pingtan Island is home to an unusual café named Guava Summer. Hidden away from the bustle of town, the café sits beside a decades-old guava tree and inside a renovated stone house, where owners Bian Dongming and Nina have built a life shaped by sea breezes, slow days and good coffee.

For the couple, who left city life behind to settle on the island, the café represents more than a business venture. It is a reflection of the lifestyle they were searching for — one that values simplicity, connection and time spent appreciating the landscape.

"The best way to travel is not to rush from one attraction to another," they often tell visitors. "Rent a scooter, ride along the island road, stop whenever you find a beautiful stretch of sea, and stay to watch the sunset."

Interior of the café

Stepping through the café gate, visitors are greeted by winding stone pathways, flowering plants and views of the ocean beyond. Wicker chairs, vintage decorations and carefully curated details create a relaxed atmosphere that feels worlds away from urban life.

A twenty-year-old guava tree

At the center of the courtyard stands the café's namesake — a guava tree believed to be more than 20 years old. The tree inspired both the café's name and its signature drink.

Guava Summer signature coffee

Bian carefully prepares the specialty coffee by grinding beans, extracting espresso and blending ingredients developed through repeated experimentation. The signature offering comes in two versions. One is a creamy milk-based coffee topped with foam and roasted nuts, combining coffee, fruit and dairy flavors into a smooth, comforting drink. The other mixes guava juice with iced coffee, producing a refreshing balance of sweetness and acidity that captures the feeling of a summer evening by the sea.

"Developing drinks isn't about personal preference," Bian said. "We constantly adjust our recipes based on customer feedback."

The approach has earned the café a loyal following. Many visitors come not only for the coffee but also for the atmosphere. The couple remembers regular customers' favorite flavors and sweetness levels, and often chats with travelers who arrive tired after long journeys.

"This is the best coffee I've had during my stay in Pingtan," said Liu Limei, a visitor from Wuyi Mountain. After finishing the drink, she pointed to the dried fruit at the bottom of her cup. "The combination of fruit and coffee reminded me of picking guavas at my grandmother's house when I was a child."

The café itself began as an old stone house. Before arriving in Pingtan, Bian and Nina lived in Jiangsu Province, following a familiar urban routine of crowded commutes and long workdays. In 2021, while exploring Pingtan by scooter, they turned a corner near Changjiang'ao and suddenly found themselves facing a vast expanse of blue ocean.

"At that moment, everything in my mind went quiet," Nina recalled. "I thought, if I could wake up and see this view every day, maybe life wouldn't feel so stressful."

The experience convinced them to make a dramatic change and relocate to the island.

Rather than completely rebuilding the old stone house they later acquired, they chose to preserve its character. Original beams and roof structures were retained, while interior walls were removed to create a brighter, more open space. A large wooden-framed window was added, turning the sea, wind turbines and surrounding landscape into a living picture.

"When the window was finally installed, it felt like the house had opened its eyes," Bian said.

Nina, an avid gardener, transformed the courtyard into a flourishing collection of flowers and greenery. Hydrangeas, honeysuckle, fig trees and other plants now thrive around the property, creating popular photo spots for visitors.

Handicrafts made by Nina and her friends

Upstairs, the couple displays handmade crafts created by Nina and her friends, including shell decorations, clay refrigerator magnets and paintings inspired by Pingtan's scenery. One display maps out an island sightseeing route through hand-painted landscapes featuring coastal roads, ecological viewpoints and the famous blue tears phenomenon.

"I've personally visited most of these places," Nina said. "If someone discovers Pingtan through these artworks and falls in love with the island, that makes me happy."

After more than five years on the island, the couple has settled into a rhythm that reflects the lifestyle they envisioned. They operate the café during the busy summer season and travel during quieter months. On their days off, they wander through villages, browse craft shops, watch fishing boats return at sunset or simply sit by the sea listening to the waves.

Tourists take photos here

"Sometimes we set our phones aside and do nothing," Bian said. "That feeling of being forgotten by time is incredibly precious."

Over the years, Nina has become increasingly familiar with island life, from local dialect expressions to preparing for typhoons and finding the best markets for fresh seafood. She particularly enjoys one of Pingtan's signature snacks, Shilai Yunzhuan (or Lucky Dumpling), praising its chewy wrapper and savory filling.

"When we first arrived, we were outsiders," she said. "Now, little by little, we've become part of this place. The sea has given us a sense of belonging."

Looking ahead, the couple has no grand expansion plans. Bian is experimenting with new coffee creations inspired by local ingredients, while Nina dreams of one day opening a small bookstore or seaside guesthouse.

As evening falls, the shadow of the old guava tree stretches across the courtyard. Nina waters newly planted sunflowers while Bian quietly polishes glasses behind the counter. Leaves rustle in the wind, reeds sway gently nearby, and the café settles into another peaceful island sunset.

Asked how she feels about her life today, Nina offered three words: "Free, grounded and gentle."