The "Blue Tears Season" in Matsu has kicked off – blue glimmers have already been spotted in Baisha Village, Beigan

▲ Blue Tears in Beigan, Matsu have already appeared. (Photo / Courtesy of netizenTai RongAuthorized for use. Please do not reproduce without permission.)

Reported by Cai Wenjun, Taipei

It’s already possible to see the Blue Tears in Matsu now. With this year’s “Nighttime Blue Tears Viewing in Beihai Tunnel, Nangan” starting a month earlier than usual, sightings of the phenomenon have begun popping up across the region. Recently, netizen Tai Rong captured images of the Blue Tears in Baisha Village, Beigan Township. Though not abundant, they were visible to the naked eye, marking the start of this year’s Blue Tears season.

▲ Past scenes of Blue Tears in Beigan, Matsu. (Photo / Screenshot from Wang Tai Rong’s video / Provided by the Beigan Blue Tears Fan Page)

Tracking down the Blue Tears is a major annual tourist event in Matsu. According to locals, this year’s sightings began two days earlier than last year. The Blue Tears are actually a type of bioluminescent plankton known as "noctiluca scintillans," which emit a faint blue glow when disturbed by waves. Influenced by climate and sea breezes, they are most commonly seen in the Matsu area from April to August. In addition, National Taiwan Ocean University recently announced that after a year of research, they have successfully managed to artificially cultivate large quantities of the plankton. They plan to establish an educational exhibition hall where the public can enjoy the Blue Tears 365 days a year.

The “Nighttime Blue Tears Viewing in Beihai Tunnel, Nangan, Matsu” has already begun and is ongoing. The highlight of the experience is boarding a small boat, rowed by staff using oars, and venturing deep into the light-pollution-free tunnel. As the boat glides across the water or as visitors gently stir the surface with their hands, tiny blue lights can be seen. However, the organizers also note that the Blue Tears are a natural phenomenon — they’re beautiful when they appear, but definitely not guaranteed. Even with the early start this year, whether you’ll get to see them still depends on a bit of luck. For more details about the event, contact Tie Ren Leisure at 0836-22177.