By the editorial team of MOOK Scenic Spots Lifestyle Network
From April to August each year is the season when Matsu's Blue Tears appear. During this time, the light blue fluorescent sea is especially romantic, and the beautiful scenery has even been featured on NASA’s official U.S. website, attracting many photography enthusiasts to come and chase the "Tears." However, this year, due to the impact of climate warming and an earlier arrival of spring, the Blue Tears phenomenon occurred about a month earlier than in previous years.
The Matsu Blue Tears appeared about a month earlier than usual (Image source / Matsu Blue Tears)
Since Matsu residents discovered the beautiful sight of Blue Tears in 2012, media coverage and blog promotions have attracted many domestic and international travelers to chase the phenomenon, also boosting local tourism business. It is said that Matsu locals used to call this phenomenon “Ding Xiang Shui” (Clove Water), as the appearance of these organisms in large numbers would attract schools of clove fish to gather and feed. It’s important to note that such a beautiful sight is rare and hard to predict. This phenomenon typically occurs between April and August. Aside from the right season, the sea must also be windy with waves disturbing the ostracods, offering a chance to witness this breathtaking scene.It’s important to know that if you want to see the glowing Blue Tears, there’s no need to trample excessively or throw stones. Overstimulation not only won’t make them glow but may also harm the Blue Tears.
The sea glows with a faint blue light, truly dreamlike (Image source / Matsu Blue Tears)
2014 Matsu Blue Tears Photography Competition Gold Award – You Yikun – Dreamy Iron Fort (Image source / Matsu Blue Tears)
Based on past experience, among the Matsu Islands, the southern islands of Juguang and Nangan are more likely to have Blue Tears, and popular viewing spots include Nangan’s “Iron Fort,” “Dahan Outpost,” and the coastline from Ren’ai Village to Jinsha Village. In addition, walking along Dongju’s Fu Zheng Beach, Meng’ao Harbor, Beigan’s Qiaozi, Qinbi Beach, or Tanghou Dao Beach, and Nangan’s Jinsha Beach, you might also spot tiny blue lights under your feet, and even have a chance to create “blue footprints.”