A Super Frugal 3-Day, 2-Night Pingtan Itinerary—This Guide Has It All!

Things to Prepare Documents: Bring your ID card. If you have discount cards such as a student ID or teacher's card, bring those as well, as some attractions may offer discounts. Clothing: Pingtan is windy, so it is recommended to bring a windbreaker no matter the season. In summer, take sun protection measures and bring light clothing; in winter, pay attention to keeping warm. Items: Cell phone, camera, power bank, charger, toiletries, common medicines (intestinal medicine, cold medicine, etc.), sunscreen (sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat). Transportation Guide External Transportation: - Airplane: You can first arrive at Fuzhou Changle International Airport. There is a direct bus to Pingtan from the airport. The fare is about CNY 53, and the journey takes about 2 hours. You can also take the subway from the airport to Fuzhou South Bus Station and then transfer to a bus to Pingtan. The cost is relatively low, with bus tickets costing about CNY 40. - High-speed Rail: Take the train to Fuqing Station, then transfer to a bus to Pingtan at Fuqing Bus Station. The fare is about CNY 22, and the journey takes about 1 hour. Internal Transportation: - Electric Scooter: Pingtan is suitable for traveling by electric scooter. You can rent one at your accommodation or a rental shop for about CNY 50–80 per day. It is convenient and allows you to stop and admire the scenery at any time. - Bus: Some attractions are covered by bus routes, with fares ranging from CNY 1–7, but buses may be infrequent, so pay attention to operating hours. - Taxi: The starting price is about CNY 10, which is convenient for short distances, but the cost to some remote attractions is higher. Accommodation Recommendations Budget Hotels: - There are many chain hotels in Pingtan County, such as Hanting and 7 Days Inn, with prices ranging from CNY 100–200/night. They are surrounded by convenient living facilities, making dining and shopping easy. - There are also some cost-effective hotels near Haitan Ancient City, priced around CNY 150 per night, close to some attractions. Homestays: - Beigang Village has many unique homestays, priced from CNY 150–300/night, offering beautiful sea views and the opportunity to experience local fishing village life. Some homestays have an artistic style, with cozy furnishings that are perfect for taking photos. - There are also many homestays near Changjiang’ao, suitable for watching sunrise and sunset, priced around CNY 200 per night, with ocean views from the window. Attractions Day 1: - Morning: After arriving in Pingtan, head to Haitan Ancient City, a complex of ancient-style buildings integrating culture, leisure, and tourism, free to visit. Stroll through the city, admire the ancient buildings, and learn about Pingtan's history and culture. - Noon: Enjoy local cuisine in or around the ancient city (see the Food section). - Afternoon: Go to Tannan Bay, where the sand is fine and the water is clear. It is a great place to admire the sea view and play in the waves, and it's free. You can play in the water, take photos, and enjoy a leisurely time. - Evening: Find a restaurant near Tannan Bay, enjoy dinner while admiring the night view of the seaside, and then return to your accommodation to rest. Day 2: - Morning: Get up early and go to Changjiang’ao to watch the sunrise. The windmill farm and the sea complement each other, creating a stunning view. After watching the sunrise, cycle along the ring road and enjoy the sea view along the way. - Noon: Have lunch in Beigang Village and taste the local seafood specialties. - Afternoon: Visit Beigang Village, an artistic fishing village with colorful stone houses. Stroll through the small shops in the village, experience handicrafts, and take photos with the blue tears sculpture. - Evening: If you're lucky, you might see the blue tears spectacle in the waters near Beigang Village (usually appearing from April to August). Remember to pay attention to relevant information in advance. Day 3: - Morning: Go to Houyan Island, the closest point on mainland China to the main island of Taiwan. The island has unique rock formations and seascapes. The entrance fee is about CNY 30. - Noon: Have lunch near Houyan Island and taste Pingtan's specialties. - Afternoon: Pack your luggage and prepare for your return journey, concluding your pleasant Pingtan trip. Food Exploration Snacks: - Shi Lai Yun Zhuan: Made with sweet potato flour skin and filled with various ingredients, it is delicious and costs about CNY 5 each. - Tian Chang Di Jiu: Similar to fried glutinous rice balls, with a crispy outer layer and a sweet filling, priced at CNY 3–5 each. - Pingtan Fish Balls: Rich in fish flavor, chewy and bouncy, a bowl costs CNY 10–15. Seafood Restaurants: - There are many seafood restaurants in Pingtan's fishing villages, such as those in Liushui Town, offering fresh ingredients and relatively affordable prices. Recommended dishes include steamed grouper, boiled shrimp, and stir-fried clams, with an average cost of CNY 80–120 per person. - There are also some reputable seafood stalls in the county town, which you can choose according to your preferences. Money-Saving Tips Book attraction tickets and accommodation online in advance for potential discounts. Pay attention to local food group-buying platforms to enjoy food at more affordable prices. Choose public transportation or electric scooters as much as possible to reduce taxi fares. When buying local products, go to local farmers' markets, where prices are cheaper than in scenic areas. I hope this Pingtan travel plan will help you embark on a memorable and budget-friendly journey. Come and experience the unique charm of Pingtan!