Plan at a glance
Location, entrance, and access
Longwangtou Beach is in Haitan Subdistrict, about 1.5 kilometers from the county town. The main entrances are the front gate of the Longwangtou Beach Visitor Center and the west entrance. The beach is free to enter, open all day, and does not require a reservation. For sunrise, work backward from an arrival before 05:00 when planning transport and parking.
This is a well-serviced east-facing public beach close to the county town. Allow 1-2 hours for sunrise and a walk, or use half a day for water activities, the boardwalk, and time on the beach. Water activities, foot-washing stations, chairs, shade structures, and other services are charged separately and may not all operate every day.
What kind of visit suits it
Longwangtou suits sunrise visitors, families, people interested in water activities, and visitors staying in the county town. The beach is broad and generally gently sloped, but swimming, beachcombing, and nighttime visits depend on the tide, weather, on-site safety notices, and management of each area.
Tickets and visit details
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East-facing beach and sunrise
The beach faces east, and the rocks on the eastern side are a common place to wait for sunrise. Around 05:00 is a summer reference and around 06:30 a winter reference; the actual time changes with the date, while cloud and visibility affect the view.
After sunrise, walk along the beach and return to the county town for breakfast. For portraits or sea-light photography, allow extra time for crowds, the tide, and the walk to the rocks. There is no need to squeeze onto a dangerous edge for a particular camera position.
Beach and water activities
The beach is described as about 500 meters wide and 9.5 kilometers long, with an average slope of about 2 degrees. The usable area changes with the tide, management, and weather. Calm-looking waves do not make every moment suitable for swimming; families should stay in shallow water and watch children closely.
Jet skis, sailing, beach carts, and other activities are separate services. They commonly operate from May to November, but confirm the day's operation, price, and safety equipment on site. Check the activity details and the condition of the life jacket before paying.
Nighttime beach visits
Longwangtou is close to the county town, so nighttime transport and supplies are relatively convenient. Some visitors come after dark to look for Blue Tears, but the phenomenon depends on wind, tide, water temperature, and recent sea conditions. An all-day beach opening does not mean Blue Tears will appear every night.
At night, still wear shoes with good grip and bring a light and power bank. Keep away from wet rocks and the waterline. Leave the shore if wind and waves increase or on-site safety controls are introduced.
Build your day
Sunrise route: about 1-2 hours
Arrive at the eastern rocks before sunrise, wait for the light, walk along the beach, and then return to the county town for breakfast or continue to another northern or southern stop. Drivers should include time for parking, walking onto the beach, and finding a safe viewing position.
Longfeng Road can be congested on holidays. Arrive earlier, or park in the urban area and use a shared electric bicycle for the final section. If the weather, clouds, or tide are unsuitable, shorten the time on the rocks and return from the public beach.
Half-day beach visit
Spend the morning walking on the beach or choosing a water activity that is open that day, have lunch nearby, and use the afternoon for the coastal boardwalk or a rest in the public area. Confirm the hours and prices of water activities, vintage-style facilities, chairs, and umbrellas separately, and adjust the plan to your energy and the conditions.
With children, start on a beach section close to the entrance and foot-washing area, then move farther only if everyone is comfortable. Return to the county town when the wind strengthens, the sun becomes too strong, or children are tired rather than trying to walk the entire coast.
Nighttime viewing
From April to August, current weather and recent observations can help you decide whether to visit after 21:00 for Blue Tears. If nothing appears, end the visit. Do not enter unlit rocks, deep water, or closed areas in search of glowing water.
Returns are relatively easy for visitors staying in the county town, but confirm the vehicle and companions at night. If combining Longwangtou with northern or southern attractions on the same day, leave time for transfers and rest between daytime stops and the nighttime beach.
Get there
Pingtan Station, buses, and electric scooters
A taxi from Pingtan Station to Longwangtou commonly takes about 15 minutes, with a fare reference of around CNY 10-15. From the county town, buses 201, 18, and 530 reach the area, and shared electric bicycles are also practical. There is still a walk from the bus stop to the actual beach entrance, so check the direction on your first visit.
An electric scooter or shared bicycle is useful for avoiding early-morning congestion and moving between the town and beach. At night, watch for coastal wind, limited road lighting, and low battery. With children, use a regulated vehicle or arrange a transfer in advance.
Driving and parking
When driving, navigate to "Longwangtou Seaside Bathing Beach" or "Longwangtou North Parking Lot." The main gate is often congested in peak season. The north parking lot and west entrance can reduce the queue, but either way you still need to walk from the parking area to the beach.
The official parking reference is about CNY 5 per hour, capped at about CNY 30 per day. Confirm the actual charge and available spaces on site. When holiday parking is tight, park in the urban area and use a shared electric bicycle to reach the beach.
Know before you go
Tide, swimming, and child safety
A gentle beach slope does not make every water area safe for swimming. Swimming, wading, shell collecting, and nighttime visits depend on the tide, wind, waves, weather, and local management. Keep children within an adult's sight at all times and away from the waterline and rock edges.
The public beach is free, while foot-washing areas, chairs, umbrellas, water activities, and other services may charge. Ask about the price and service duration before use, and follow the signs distinguishing free stations from paid ones.
Blue Tears and spending
Blue Tears does not appear every day. Check current weather and recent observations before deciding whether to stay. Paid Blue Tears chase arrangements that claim to guarantee a sighting are not a basis for this itinerary, and nighttime photography should remain away from the surf.
The county town is a convenient place for seafood and meals; confirm each shop's prices and hours. Roadside sales, photography, and temporary services are not part of the beach's free facilities, so confirm the contents before buying.