Pingtan, Fujian

Chinese Name: 平潭 (píng tán)
Population: about 460,000
Area: land area 371.9 square kilometers (143.6 square miles)
sea area 6,064 square kilometers (2,341 square miles)
Location: in the east coast of Fujian Province, southeast China
Area Code: 0591
Zip Code: 350400
GDP (2018): CNY25.43 billion (USD 3.84 billion)   

Locating off the eastern coast of Fujian Province, Pingtan China is under the administration of Fuzhou, the capital city of Fujian Province. Pingtan is adjacent to the Taiwan Strait in the east and Haitan Strait in the west, near Fuqing City and Putian City. Dubbed as the “County of Islands”, Pingtan consists of 126 islands, whose sea area is much larger than the land area, with a 400 km (249 mi) long coastline, offering tip-top romantic coastal views. Pingtan Island, a famous fisher base, is also the largest island of Fujian Province and 5th largest island in China.

Comprising of so many islands, Pingtan is also known as “Maldives” of China, offering the best coastal scenery and water entertainments. Staying here at least 3-5 days, or you will miss some most-visited tourist attractions.

Follow these 2-3 days routes which are the best Pingtan travel guide. The three routes list the most classic spots in Pingtan. For example, Longfengtou Beach, with crystal clear water, is also one of the largest natural beaches in China, where you can enjoy a variety of water entertainments like drifting boat and jet board. Camping with a bonfire party and fishing with locals in Tannan Bay are activities you cannot miss. Haitan Ancient City with ancient architecture style is also worth a visit. If you prefer hiking, then the Pingtan Island National Forest Park is a good option. Anyway, Pingtan is a place which deserves much time to explore.

Day 1:
Haitan Ancient City → Tannan Bay→ Longfengtou Beach → Baisha Village (appreciating local traditional buildings)
Day 2:
Catch sunrise in Baisha Village → Shipaiyang → Dasong Island (swimming)
Day 3:
Baisha Village → Changjiangao Beach → Beigang → East China Sea Wonderland

Day 1:
Jiangjun Mountain → Dafu Bay → Tannan Bay
Day 2:
Haitan Ancient City → Longfengtou Beach

Day 1: Fenwei Wharf/ Wokou Wharf → Caoyu Island
Day 2: Caoyu Island → Tangyu Island → Dongjia Island
Day 3: Caoyu Island → Fenwei Wharf/ Wokou Wharf

The best time to visit Pingtan is from late June to early September. Off the East China Sea, Pingtan features a subtropical maritime climate. The annual temperature is about 19.6℃ (67.3 ℉) with many rainy days. The spring of Pingtan starts from March to April, a little cold and rainy. The summer, May to September, is also the season of thunderstorm and typhoon. Travelers should keep an eye on the weather forecast before departure. October and November are autumn when the weather is cool and windy. From December to February, the wintertime of Pingtan is not very cold and the average temperature is about 10-18℃ (50-64.4 ℉).

About 120 km (75 mi) from Fuzhou City, Pingtan has no airport. The best way to get there is by arriving in Fuzhou first, and then take a bus to Pingtan. The travel time between Pingtan and the nearest airport Fuzhou Changle Airport is about 2 hours by airport shuttle bus. Many buses depart from Fuzhou South/West/Huawei Bus Station to Pingtan, but the bus from South Bus Station is the fastest, with only 1.5 hours' bus ride. Alternatively, you can take high speed train to Fuqing Station and then take a bus from the nearby bus station to Pingtan, which takes about 1 hour.

As no metro is available in Pingtan, buses and taxis are the main transportation ways. The double-decker sightseeing bus with two routes, connecting the main attractions, is much recommended. Both start point of South Line and North Line is Haiyu Square (Longfengtou Beach), where you can buy a single ticket, 1-day pass, 2-day pass and 3-day pass. The north line passes through Beigang Village, Yuyu Village, Beilanling Village, etc. It takes about 70 minutes for a single way. The south line passing by Haitan Ancient City, Tannan Bay and Taiwan Town takes around 150 minutes.

The flag-down fare of Pingtan taxi is CNY 10 for the first 3 km, and CNY2/km afterward. At night time (23:00-5:00), it charges 20% plus per kilometer. 10% plus per kilometer is charged during 7:00-8:00 and 17:30-18:30.

Pingtan boasts two unique snacks Xianshi (Shilai yunzhuan), Oil Cake (Tianchang Dijiu), and a variety of delicious sea food such as Fish Noodles, Steamed Crab, Fish Ball, Razor Clam with Spicy Salt, Abalone Chop Soup and Oyster Cake. Don’t forget the popular staple food on the feast, Sweet Glutinous Rice.

 Xianshi (Shilai yunzhuan)
Xianshi is a popular snack in Pingtan. It’s also called Shilai yunzhuan, which means that good luck is coming. The outer skin is made of sweet potato flour, with the filling of chopped shrimp, cabbage, seaweed, lean pork. After steaming for a while, you can taste a rich flavor of salty and fresh from the round steamed cake.

 Oil Cake (Tianchang Dijiu)
Akin to fried dumplings, the locals also call the Oil Cake “Tianchang Dijiu”, which indicates everlasting wishes and happiness in Chinese. Its skin is also made of sweet potato flour, the same as the Xianshi. However, it is filled with sweetened bean paste or 8 fruits or nuts with granulated sugar and then fried in oil. The sweet crispy flavor will leave you with a deep impression.

Sea food like dried mussels, nori and trepang. Carved shells.