Breaking News: Witness the Majestic "Blue Tears" of Matsu — Still Visible Now

Reported by You T-Ru / Matsu

The majestic "Blue Tears" of Matsu are still visible now！ On the evening of the 30th, fluorescent blue sparks appeared on the sea surface near the Dahan Outpost by the Matsu Visitor Center, twinkling continuously under the crashing waves. Tourists couldn’t help but exclaim in amazement. Unexpectedly, the "Blue Tears," which were predicted to appear only for about two weeks in spring, can still be seen even in summer.


▲ Blue Tears spotted in Beihai Tunnel on July 27. (Photo / Courtesy of Matsu Love to Go; Matsu Story Facebook)

The Blue Tears, which usually appear around April to May each year, are still visible in Matsu to this day. Around 9 p.m. last night, blue lights dotted the sea surface around the Dahan Outpost near the Matsu Visitor Center. As the waves crashed onto the shore, fluorescent highlights kept emerging, making the dark sea look as if it were sparkling with shooting stars. The Matsu specialty known as the "Blue Tears," which was originally expected to appear for only two to three weeks, has surprisingly been visible well into summer. Even locals couldn't help but marvel that this year’s Blue Tears season has lasted over three months — a delightful surprise.

Many people come to Matsu just to see the stunning photos of the Blue Tears circulating online. "The first time I saw the Blue Tears was right in front of the Matsu Visitor Center. I’ll never forget that sight," recalled Liu Xingqian, head of the Recreation Section at Matsu National Scenic Area Administration, in early April 2009. He was passing by the sea area near the Dahan Outpost for work around 10 p.m. when he noticed something unusual. "At that moment, I thought, why is the sea glowing blue? I thought I was seeing things." Rubbing his eyes and looking again, he saw the sea sparkling with blue lights, like a dreamlike scene. Liu said the widely circulated photo online was taken that very night by his colleague Gu Zhejia, who stayed up guarding until 2 a.m. to capture it.


▲ This breathtaking photo of the Blue Tears left everyone in awe. (Photo / Provided by Gu Zhejia, Matsu Administration)

The "Blue Tears" phenomenon in Matsu occurs between April and May each year. The "Blue Tears" are actually bioluminescent ostracods that emit a faint blue glow when disturbed by waves. In Matsu, they were traditionally called "Dingxiang Water," as it was believed that when these creatures appeared in large numbers, schools of their predator, the Dingxiang fish, would follow. Additionally, to see the "Blue Tears," not only does the timing need to be right, but the wind direction also needs to be southerly, creating strong waves that disturb the ostracods and trigger the glow.

Besides the Blue Tears, you can also leave "blue footprints" on Matsu’s beaches. This happens when the ostracods are stepped on and emit light out of fright. Travelers who have the chance to visit before summer ends might want to check out spots such as Fu Zheng Beach and Meng’ao Harbor on Dongju, Qiaozi and Qinbi Beaches or Tanghou Tao Beach on Beigan, and Jinsha Beach on Nangan to catch a glimpse of the Blue Tears. However, do note that the appearance of the Blue Tears is a natural phenomenon, so they may not be visible if wind direction or wave conditions change on the day. Visitors heading to the shore should also make sure to go with a local guide or accommodation provider for safety.