Things To Do
in Pingtan
Pingtan is an archipelago county off the coast of Fujian province, China, facing the Taiwan Strait and known for wide sandy beaches, rugged coastlines and a strong maritime culture. The islands combine working fishing ports, wind-sculpted sand flats and modern development from the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, creating a mix of traditional life and new infrastructure. It’s a growing destination for wind and water sports, seafood cuisine and quiet island escapes, with good sunrise and sunset photo opportunities.
Because of its location, Pingtan is also strategically important and occasionally influenced by typhoon season and coastal weather patterns.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
As dawn breaks over Haitan Bay, stroll along the golden sand and feel the cool sea breeze brush against your skin. Fishermen haul in their nets full of fresh prawns and scallops, offering an authentic glimpse of island life. The rising sun paints the water in hues of pink and orange, setting a serene tone for the day ahead.
Hop on a rented bicycle and follow the coastal road, weaving through clusters of wind-sculpted rocks and sea stacks. Pause to photograph the rugged shoreline and explore tide pools teeming with starfish and hermit crabs. Then relax on a shaded bench while sipping a cold coconut drink and listening to the gentle lapping of waves.
Return to shore and feast on a seafood banquet at a rustic beachfront shack, sampling grilled lobster, steamed clams, and fried squid. Order a local rice wine and toast to the day’s adventures as the lanterns sway overhead. End the evening with a leisurely walk, letting the moonlight shimmer across the bay.
Begin at the base of Beiluo Mountain, inhaling the scent of morning dew mingled with pine needles. Hike the stone path that winds upward through ancient cypress groves and discover hidden shrine alcoves nestled in the rock face. Reach the summit just as the sun peeks over the horizon, rewarding you with panoramic views of Pingtan’s patchwork of fields and sea.
Descend to the mountain’s eastern slope and join a guided herbal tour, learning about medicinal plants used by local healers for centuries. Sample freshly brewed wild tea served in hand-carved wooden cups as you absorb stories of mountain folklore. Wander through terraced fields where farmers cultivate yams and sorghum, and chat with locals about their sustainable practices.
Find a cozy hillside restaurant tucked into the trees, where steaming bowls of mountain vegetable soup await. Delight in the subtle spice of freshly foraged mushrooms and the crunch of pickled bamboo shoots. As dusk settles, savor the serenade of cicadas and distant church bells echoing across the valley.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 🍣Meal for two at a mid-range seafood restaurant | $25-45 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (2–5 km) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $30-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic, unspoiled coastal landscapes and wide beaches
- Exceptional fresh seafood and authentic maritime culture
- Good conditions for wind and water sports during suitable seasons
- Quieter and less crowded than major tourist cities
- Limited international transport links and fewer direct flights
- Seasonal typhoons and strong winds can disrupt plans
- Fewer upscale amenities and less English spoken compared with big cities
- Public transport between islets can be infrequent
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "多少钱？ (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much?
- "我吃素 (Wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "我不吃海鲜 (Wǒ bù chī hǎixiān)" - I don't eat seafood
- "洗手间在哪？ (Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎ?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "请帮我叫辆出租车 (Qǐng bāng wǒ jiào liàng chūzūchē)" - Please call a taxi for me
Places to Visit in Pingtan
Visit one of these nice places.
Long beaches ideal for sunrise and sunset shots, with wind-swept patterns in the sand and dramatic skies during offshore weather.
Colorful boats, nets and early-morning auctions provide authentic documentary-style images of island life.
Rocky outcrops and headlands offer wide views over the Taiwan Strait — excellent for panoramic landscape photos.
Busy stalls, steam, and close-ups of seafood and preparations make for compelling street and food photography.
Modern wind turbines along the coast create striking silhouettes against sunrise/sunset, contrasting with traditional village scenes.
Food in Pingtan
Pingtan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A simple broth highlighting the day’s catch (fish, clams, shrimp). Widely available at seaside restaurants; order based on what you see displayed at the counter.
Must-Try!
Pan-fried seafood mixed with batter or eggs — crispy, savory and best at seaside stalls or small diners.
Handmade fish cakes and balls, often served in soup or with rice; common at markets and cheap eateries.
A simple preparation highlighting freshness — usually available at port restaurants where the catch is sold that morning.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early-morning hub where boats unload catches; great for photographing activity and sampling very fresh seafood and small snacks nearby.
Small clusters of stalls selling grilled shellfish, fried snacks and local sweets — the best place to try quick, inexpensive bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show polite deference to older people; greetings and small courtesies go a long way in village communities.
Stand in line for public transport and ticket counters; avoid loud or disruptive behavior in temples and quiet neighborhoods.
Ask permission before photographing people closely or inside private property; avoid taking pictures in military or restricted coastal areas.
Use shared-dish etiquette, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice and don’t point chopsticks at others — small table manners are appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Pingtan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not expected in most everyday situations; rounding up or leaving a small tip at higher-end hotels or for private guides is appreciated but not required. KTV and tour guides may accept tips for exceptional service.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely used and often preferred; cash (RMB) still works at markets and small stalls. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but less so at small local vendors — carry cash and have a working mobile payment method if possible.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild, often breezy and increasingly pleasant; flowers and migratory birds appear. Good for outdoor activities, but occasional rains and sea mist are possible.
Hot, humid and the main typhoon season (June–September) — expect heavy rain or storm warnings at times. Best for water sports in calm periods but always monitor forecasts and avoid sea travel during storms.
Generally the most comfortable season: warm days, clearer skies and steady winds good for windsurfing and photography. Lower chance of typhoons after mid-autumn.
Mild and cooler with damp northerly winds; rarely freezing but can feel chilly near the coast. Off-season — fewer tourists, many restaurants may have reduced hours.
Pingtan at Night
Hiking in Pingtan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hikes along seaside cliffs and headlands with panoramic views of the Taiwan Strait; trails range from easy to moderate and are best at low tide and calm weather.
Loop routes around smaller islets that combine beach walking, fishing villages and birdwatching — access depends on ferry schedules and permissions.
Gentle walking trails through coastal wetland areas ideal for birdwatching during migration seasons; bring binoculars and stay on marked paths.
Airports
How to reach Pingtan by plane.
A small regional airport serving limited domestic flights; check schedules in advance as services can be infrequent.
The main regional hub for Fujian with the most flight options and connections. Travelers often transfer by coach or road transport from Fuzhou to reach Pingtan.
Another larger airport serving international and domestic routes; travel to Pingtan from Xiamen is possible by longer road or combined train/bus transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding families whose livelihoods center on fishing, aquaculture and related trades; they maintain many traditional practices.
The majority are ethnic Han with local Fujian (Minnan) language influences, customs and cuisine.
Recent development has attracted young workers and entrepreneurs involved in tourism, infrastructure and pilot economic projects.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Coastal winds create good conditions for wind sports and attract enthusiasts during the right seasons.
Fishing is both a livelihood and a pastime, with local recreational fishing and occasional competitions.
Common community sports played in schools and village courts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pingtan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are available but limited compared with larger cities. Simple vegetable dishes, tofu, rice and noodle options exist; order using the phrase “我吃素 (Wǒ chī sù)” and confirm no fish sauce or seafood stock is used.
Recipes often use seafood stock — specify allergies clearly and carry translations. In non-chain restaurants, cross-contamination is common, so bring snacks if you have strict requirements.
Dedicated halal or kosher restaurants are rare; those with strict dietary laws should plan ahead or eat at larger hotels or bring supplies.