猴研島

Houyan Island is a small, rocky islet on the southeast coast of Pingtan, the island area administered by Fuzhou. It is best known as the point on the Chinese mainland closest to Taiwan, marked by a stone tablet recording that the shortest distance to the island of Taiwan is 68 nautical miles, roughly 126 kilometers. For travelers exploring Pingtan's eastern shore, it is a quiet and atmospheric stop with a strong sense of geography.

The islet is an open-air display of Pingtan's signature sea-carved geology. Bare rock dominates the landscape, with oddly shaped boulders scattered across the ground and very little vegetation, an example of the local saying that Pingtan "grows stones but not grass." From the rocky shore you can see fishing boats anchored in the broad, calm bay, distant villages, and the open sea stretching toward the horizon. The exposed, sculptural quality of the rock makes it a favorite for photographers drawn to stark coastal scenery.

There is no shade to speak of, so sun protection and water are essential, and the wind off the open ocean can be brisk at any time of year. Footing on the uneven rock requires sturdy shoes. Mornings and weekdays are the calmest times to visit, while holidays bring more domestic visitors to the viewpoint near the tablet. Plan on an unhurried walk rather than a long hike.

Houyan Island is part of the broader 68 Nautical Miles scenic area, which links it with neighboring islets and a beach, so it combines naturally with those sights into a half or full day of coastal exploration. Its appeal lies less in facilities than in its raw shoreline and its geographic symbolism, and it pairs well with Xianren Well and Tannan Bay for a complete circuit of Pingtan's eastern coast.