Pingtan "68 Nautical Miles": How Stones Tell Stories of Kinship

The main island, Houyan Island, holds the distinction of being the closest point in the Chinese mainland to Taiwan Island, lying just 68 nautical miles (about 126 kilometers) straight across from Nanliao Fishing Port in Hsinchu, Taiwan – hence the scenic area's name. 

What makes these largely barren rocky islands such a popular tourist destination is their unique ability to leverage their geographical significance, using the stones themselves to tell stories of the deep connection between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Stone formations of the "68 Nautical Miles"

One massive boulder stands imposingly high among the rock formations, resembling a turtle gazing out to sea. In Chinese, the character for "turtle" (龟, guī) sounds like the character for "come back" (归, guī). The character "望" (wàng) means both "to gaze" and "to long for." Therefore, this rock was named Wang Gui (望归石), signifying both the "Gazing Turtle" and the profound sentiment of "Longing for Taiwan's Return". 

Wang Gui Stone

Beyond the natural formations, the scenic area also features thoughtfully crafted man-made installations using stone. One prominent sculpture, named the Concentric Stone (同心石), stands 10 meters tall and takes the shape of a postage stamp. 

The stamp depicts the coastline of the southeastern Chinese mainland and the map of Taiwan Province. Visitors place one hand on the mainland section and the other on the Taiwan section, symbolically becoming the bridge connecting the two sides across the strait.

A tourist taking photo at the Concentric Stone

Within the "68 Nautical Miles" scenic area, the stones are far from monotonous. They embody the designers' ingenuity, brimming with humanistic spirit and romanticism. 

Strolling through the site and uncovering the story behind each rock, visitors deeply feel the pangs of longing and nostalgia, and grasp the profound meaning of "kinship across the strait" – that both sides of the strait are one family.

Mr. Lin, who was born and raised in Pingtan, often drives to 68 Nautical Mile with friends. “Some of my cousins and classmates live in Taiwan,” he says. “Thanks to convenient transportation and new policies, we can meet frequently.” 

Tourists at 68 Nautical Mile

Over the past decades, the Pingtan government has successively released a number of preferential policies benefiting Taiwan compatriots, covering tax reductions, start-up subsidies, housing allowances and children’s schooling, so as to encourage them to start businesses and live in Pingtan. 

To improve trade, Pingtan was the first to offer passenger and cargo shipping routes services to compatriots on both sides. In addition, Pingtan has been continuously expanding the main channel of high-speed maritime logistics across the Taiwan Strait. 

To enhance communication, the local communities invited Taiwan compatriots to serve as community volunteers. From guests to hosts, Taiwan compatriots have taken more part in making decisions and building good living environment. 

To make life more convenient for Taiwan compatriots, Pingtan has refined administrative services system in which Taiwan compatriots enjoy the same treatment as mainland residents. Employment, medical treatment and entrepreneurship became more and more easier for Taiwan compatriots.

Today, more and more Taiwan residents have opened coffee shops, homestays and design studios along the coast, making Pingtan a true common homeland for compatriots on both sides of the strait.

Therefore, for Mr. Lin and other people from Pingtan, the “68 Nautical Mile” is not just a photo spot but a symbol of connection on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. “Each time I stand here, I wish the complete reunification of our country could come sooner,” he adds.

Besides 68 Nautical Mile, Pingtan boasts many other must-see spots. Pingtan is turning into an international, energetic and welcoming city.

 Scenic Spot in Pingtan

In summer, the beach is crowded with visitors posing for pictures and gazing across the blue water toward Taiwan. Mr. Nie, a staff member at 68 Nautical Mile, says that during peak season the scenic area receives over ten thousand visitors a day.