High-speed rail direct access, more fun than Sanya: Four recommended coastal cities
This set of destinations is fantastic! If last time was the "China Coastal Panorama Menu," then this time your choices of Dongshan Island, Wanning, Qinzhou, and Pingtan are truly a "Treasure Island Deep Appreciation List": featuring artistic corners from movies, vibrant energy on the waves, and lively old seaside towns full of local life.
🗺️ Quick overview of the four cities: Which kind of "sea" is your next stop?
City | Core Highlights | Must-visit Landmarks | Suitable For
Dongshan Island | Listen to the waves with your left ear, Minnan style | Movie filming locations + island cycling + fishing village atmosphere | Nanmen Bay, Sufeng Mountain Island Road, Nanyu Double-sided Sea, Jinluan Bay | Artistic youth, couples and friends, film location enthusiasts
Wanning | Surfing paradise, youthful energy hub | Passionate surfers + Nanyang style + hidden wild beaches | Riyue Bay, Shimei Bay, Shenzhou Peninsula Lighthouse, Xinglong, Shanjin Bay Swallow Cave | Surf lovers, young people, vacationers seeking chill vibes
Qinzhou | Hometown of the white dolphin, old-fashioned local life | Dolphin watching + thousand-year-old street + affordable quality | Sanniang Bay, Qinzhou Old Street, Xili Bay, Nixing Pottery Experience | Families with children, cultural history lovers, seasoned foodies
Pingtan | Blue Tears wonder, windmill sunset sea | Dreamy bioluminescent sea + stone house villages + offshore windmills | Longwangtou Beach, Changjiang’ao Windmill Fields, Beibu Gulf Ecological Corridor, 68 Sea Mile Scenic Area | Nature wonder chasers, photography enthusiasts, romantic couples
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📜 In-depth guide to the four cities
1. Dongshan Island: Artistic and fresh, Minnan vibes
· How to play: Take the high-speed train to Yunxiao Station, renting an electric scooter is the soul of island travel. On day one, head straight to Nanmen Bay to find the rooftop and colorful houses featured in the movie "The Left Ear," then visit Tongling Night Market in the evening. On day two, watch the "Sky Mirror" sunrise at Jinluan Bay early morning, cycle the Sufeng Mountain Island Road to check in at the blue internet-famous bridge, and in the afternoon, depending on the tide, visit Nanyu Double-sided Sea to see the green lighthouse from "Your Wedding."
· What to eat: Must-try are small squid (best boiled), local specialty Xiao Mi, eyebrow-raisingly fresh kitten porridge, and richly filled Little Wife sweet soup. Seafood stalls recommended are Wanglai or Aweisao.
· Tips: Check tide tables in advance before going to Nanyu and Yugu Sandbar; you must leave before high tide. The island’s seaside UV rays are very strong, so remember sun protection.
2. Wanning: Surfer’s paradise, trendy coconut shadows
· How to play: Flying into Haikou or Sanya and renting a car for self-driving is most convenient. At Riyue Bay, definitely try surfing once (about 200-300 RMB for 2 hours) to experience the charm of China’s surfing capital. Visit the Phoenix Jiuli Book House at Shimei Bay to stare out at the sea. In the evening, go to Shenzhou Peninsula Lighthouse to take cinematic photos like in "The Missing."
· What to eat: Start with a bowl of soul-soothing Hou’an rice noodles for breakfast, enjoy Nanyang flavors (curry, satay, pastries) for lunch in Xinglong, paired with authentic Xinglong coffee. Seafood options include Hele crab and Dongshan goat.
· Tips: Wanning’s winter (22-28°C) is perfect for escaping the cold, but bring a light jacket for mornings and evenings by the sea. The road to Shanjin Bay Swallow Cave is rough, wear non-slip shoes.
3. Qinzhou: Ancient port for dolphin watching, lively old town
· How to play: You can choose a dynamic or static route. The "dynamic" route goes to Sanniang Bay for a boat trip to spot wild Chinese white dolphins (dark green, pink), experiencing adventurous wildlife. The "static" route strolls through Qinzhou Old Street (a nationally recognized tourist leisure street), feel patriotic sentiments at Liu Yongfu’s former residence and Zhan’ao Alley, read at Qinzhou Bookstore, and try your hand at Nixing pottery at Wenshengquan Pottery Museum.
· What to eat: Authentic local delicacies include pig’s feet noodles on Ermalu Street (unnamed stall), customizable sweet soups for 4 RMB a bowl on Yimalu Street, and grilled oysters.
· Tips: Dolphin watching is best in the morning; during peak season, there may be limits, so consider off-peak times or inquire in advance. The old street is best visited at dusk when lanterns light up for a full atmosphere.
4. Pingtan: Blue Tears chasing holy land, island of windmills
· How to play: April to May is the best time to visit Pingtan, with a chance to encounter the magical "Blue Tears" phenomenon and the Blue Tears Music Festival. During the day, rent a car to circle the island, check in at the windmill sea of the Beibu Gulf Ecological Corridor, watch the sunset at Changjiang’ao Windmill Fields, and visit Houyan Island (68 Sea Mile Scenic Area), the closest point to Taiwan.
· What to eat: Pingtan specialties include "Shilaiyunzhuan" (sweet potato skin stuffed), Bazhen fried cake, "Tianchang Dijiou" (sweet dumplings), and various fresh seafood.
· Tips: Pingtan is windy, especially in winter; even during the Blue Tears season (April-June), bring a windbreaker. Attractions are scattered, so self-driving or chartering a car is recommended. Follow "Pingtan Release" or the tourism calendar for year-round events and activities.
Hope this guide helps you find your ideal destination. If you’re especially interested in any city and want more detailed itinerary arrangements, feel free to ask me anytime~