Yan Zhou
Quick Look: What’s Inside
I've lost count of how many times I've seen tourists stuck at Fuzhou South Station, confused. They'd booked a ferry to Pingtan Island, only to realize it takes three hours and runs only twice a day. The Pingtan high-speed train changed everything. Now you can zip from Fuzhou to Pingtan in just 30 minutes. No seasickness, no waiting for a bus to the port. I personally tested this route last month, and here is the honest truth: it’s the only way to go.
The Train Game Changer
Before November 2020, getting to Pingtan meant a 2.5-hour drive or a ferry that often got canceled in bad weather. The opening of the Fuzhou-Pingtan railway (part of the Beijing-Taipei high-speed corridor concept) cut the journey to 30–40 minutes. The train crosses the stunning Pingtan Strait Bridge, which at 16.3 kilometers is one of the longest sea-crossing bridges in the world. You'll see wind turbines and turquoise water from the window – a mini sightseeing tour before you even arrive.
How to Get to Pingtan Station
Most foreigners start from Fuzhou. Head to Fuzhou South Station (福州南站). If you're using Apple Maps (Google Maps is unreliable here), type “Fuzhou South Station” or show the Chinese address to your taxi driver: 福州市仓山区城门镇火车南站. From the city center, take Metro Line 1 to Fuzhou South Station – it's about 30 minutes from Dongjiekou. Or a taxi costs around ¥60–80. Once at the station, look for the departure board showing “Pingtan” (平潭). Trains depart from gates 15–20 usually. The station is spacious and has English signs on the main concourse, but platforms have Chinese-only signs. I always tell clients to take a photo of their train number and carriage number in Chinese just in case.
Train Schedule Overview
| Route | First Train | Last Train | Frequency | Travel Time | Price (2nd Class) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuzhou South → Pingtan | 07:10 | 20:30 | Every 30–60 min | 30–40 min | ¥42–¥55 |
| Pingtan → Fuzhou South | 07:40 | 21:00 | Every 30–60 min | 30–40 min | ¥42–¥55 |
Ticket Buying for Foreigners
Here's where most tourists get frustrated. The official 12306 app is a pain for non-Chinese speakers – it's all in Chinese and your foreign credit card may not work. My advice: use Trip.com (the international site). It accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. You'll need your passport details – scan it clearly if uploading. The interface is English and you can choose seat preference (window or aisle). They charge a small booking fee (around ¥10 per ticket), but it's worth the sanity. You can also buy at the station ticket counter, but be prepared to queue 20 minutes and point to a printed Chinese note: “一张到平潭的票，二等座” (one ticket to Pingtan, second class).
Payment Reality Check
Cash is accepted at station counters, but most vending machines and food stalls only take WeChat Pay or Alipay. As a foreigner, if you have a bank card linked to Alipay (through TourCard or similar), you're golden. Otherwise, keep at least ¥100 cash for snacks on the train – the trolley lady only takes mobile payment or cash.
What to Do Once You Arrive
Pingtian Station (平潭站) is about 6 km north of the main town. From the station, you can grab a taxi or didi (use your international number to register). Taxis queue outside the exit – they don't usually use meters, so agree on a price beforehand. To the center (Lüyou Avenue area) expect ¥30–40. To the southern beaches like Tan South Bay (坛南湾) it's about ¥60.
Must-Visit Spots
68 Sea Miles Scenic Area – The easternmost point of mainland China, only 68 nautical miles from Taiwan. Entry ¥38 (adult). Open 8:00–17:30. Best visited at sunrise to avoid crowds and heat. Bring your passport – they scan it at the gate.
North Line (Beixian) Villages – Rent a bike or electric scooter (¥50/day) to explore the old fishing villages with stone houses. The landscape is dotted with wind turbines – great for photos. Stop at “Basin Lane” (盆罐巷) for a local seafood noodle soup, about ¥20.
Pingtan Ancient City – A reconstructed Song dynasty-style town, free entry. It's a bit touristy but has good night markets. Try the fried oysters and peanut candy. Open until 22:00.
Where to Stay Around Pingtan
Most accommodation is in the main town or along the south coast. I've stayed at a few and here's my honest take:
| Hotel | Location | Price Range (¥) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pingtan Grand Hotel | Downtown (Lüyou Ave) | 300–600 | English-speaking front desk, reliable WiFi, big rooms | A bit old, thin walls |
| Seaview Inn (near Tan South Bay) | Tan South Bay area | 150–300 | 2-min walk to beach, motorbike rental available | No elevator, staff speak zero English |
| Zhongfu Hotel | Near station | 200–400 | Convenient for early train, clean | Isolated – you'll need a taxi to sights |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying return tickets too late. Return trains from Pingtan to Fuzhou fill up by 16:00. If you plan to stay until sunset, pre-book the 18:30 or 19:20 train. I've seen too many people stranded overnight.
- Using Google Maps. It shows wrong bus routes. Use Apple Maps or download Amap and use the English interface. Better yet, ask your hotel to write destinations in Chinese.
- Thinking the station has food. There's a tiny convenience store but no real restaurant. Eat before you arrive or pack snacks. The train has a snack cart but prices are double.
- Not bringing a VPN. Many sites (including Google, Trip.com sometimes) work, but if you need WhatsApp or Instagram, install a VPN before you leave your home country. China blocks them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
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