Houyan Island and 68 Nautical Miles

Houyan Island is the best-known part of Pingtan's 68 Nautical Miles Scenic Area (68海里景区). Come for an exposed rocky coast, cross-strait landmarks and the unusual geography—not for a swimming beach or a remote nature escape. The area continues through Yanhou Island toward Xianshan Island, so the visit can be much longer than the quick marker photo its name suggests.

Decide how far you actually want to go

For a short symbolic stop, walk from the entrance to the main distance marker and nearby sea-view installations, then return. Allow roughly 60–90 minutes once inside, plus any queue and transfer time.

For the fuller coastal walk, continue along the permitted route toward landmarks such as the Cross-Strait Unity Window and Eye of the Strait. Expect several kilometres of exposed walking and allow about 2.5–4 hours. Do not interpret the 68-nautical-mile marker as a promise that Taiwan will be visible: haze and the curvature of the horizon usually make this an orientation point rather than a literal view.

If anyone in your group struggles with heat, uneven ground or long walks, ask at the entrance where the sightseeing shuttle runs that day. A useful pattern is to ride outward and walk back, but stops and direction can change. Confirm the last return before leaving the vehicle.

What the experience feels like

Recent visitor reports consistently describe strong wind, little shade and a lot of hard-surface walking. Wear shoes with grip, secure hats, and carry water plus sun protection. A parasol can be awkward in gusts. Stay on the formal path: the rocks are not a shortcut, and wet edges become hazardous when waves or tides rise.

The appeal is also expectation-sensitive. Photographers and travelers interested in the geographic symbolism may value the marker and framed sea views; visitors wanting a quiet beach, swimming or untouched coastline may find the admission and walking poor value. Pairing it with a different kind of south-coast stop usually makes the day more balanced.

Tickets, hours and arrival

As checked on September 11, 2026, the live Trip.com listing showed an 08:00–18:00 day with ticket sales ending at 17:00 and admission ending at 17:10. Treat those as a dated planning reference, not a permanent timetable. Typhoons, high wind, maintenance and peak-day crowd controls can alter access; recheck the selected-date ticket and the scenic area's notice before departure.

The listed address is Dong'ao Village, Aoqian Town, Pingtan. Driving or a taxi is simplest, but busy-period parking may be separated from the gate with a transfer bus. Follow the current official parking signs instead of accepting an unofficial roadside claim. Before entering, save your pickup point and agree on a return time with your driver.

Fit it into Pingtan's south route

Visit early or late in the day to reduce heat and crowd pressure. Continue to Tannan Bay if you want sand and a slower shoreline break. Keep the Northern Ecological Corridor for another half-day; combining both ends of Pingtan usually creates more driving than sightseeing.

Use the Pingtan guide to choose a base and transport plan. If weather turns poor, skip exposed-island walking rather than trying to rescue a prepaid schedule.