Liaoning Dandong · Daludao 2-Day Nanny-Level Travel Guide
Daludao is located in Dagu Mountain Town, Donggang City, Dandong, and is the largest island at the northernmost end of China's coastline. Its shape resembles a reclining deer, avoiding the crowds of popular islands in Dalian. With a 3-kilometer crescent bay fine sandy beach, a century-old British lighthouse, historical relics of the First Sino-Japanese War, and an original fishing village, you can enjoy sea watching, clam digging, fishing trips, and also explore red cultural sites. It is a low-commercialized, niche seaside destination in Northeast China.
1. Best Travel Time
1. June to July: Fewer tourists, clear seawater, suitable for swimming and clam digging, with plump yellow clams.
2. September to October: The fattest autumn crabs, transparent sea sunrises, dry climate, perfect for photography.
3. July to August Summer Vacation: Peak season with crowded beaches, slight price increases, and advance booking of homestays is necessary.
4. May and November: Fewest people, suitable for quiet island tours, but not for swimming.
2. Ticket and Ferry Policies
Island access fees (no entrance ticket, only ferry ticket required)
1. Regular passenger ferry: 70 RMB one way per person, 40-minute trip, fewer departures, cost-effective.
2. Speedboat: 100 RMB one way per person, 20 minutes direct, more departures in peak season.
3. Pier parking: 30-50 RMB per day, self-driving vehicles park at the mainland pier, cannot be taken onto the island.
4. Ferry schedule: Affected by tides, last ferry at 16:30, suspended during strong winds or fog, confirm by phone before travel.
Island attraction fees
· Free: Crescent Bay Beach, Deng Shichang's Tomb, Sea God Temple, Island Loop Trail, Clam Digging Area.
· Paid: Century-old Lighthouse 30 RMB per person; First Sino-Japanese War Relics Park 50 RMB (including guided tour).
· Experience items: Clam digging tool rental 10 RMB/set; charter fishing boat 600-800 RMB/boat (6-8 people); island sightseeing electric car 20 RMB per person unlimited rides.
3. Complete Transportation Guide
1. High-speed rail and public transport (preferred for visitors from Shenyang/Dalian)
1. Arrive at Dagu Mountain Station by high-speed rail, then carpool for 10 RMB directly to Daludao Passenger Pier.
2. From Dandong Station: Bus from the bus station 25 RMB to Dagu Mountain Town, then minibus 10 RMB to the pier, total 1.5 hours.
3. Donggang Bus Station: Direct shuttle 20 RMB, 1 hour to the pier.
2. Self-driving
4 hours from Shenyang, 4.5 hours from Dalian, 1 hour from downtown Dandong. Navigate to "Daludao Passenger Pier," ample parking available.
Island transportation
1. Shared electric scooters: 50 RMB/day, free island travel, convenient for photos.
2. Sightseeing electric cars: 20 RMB all day, round trip to beach, lighthouse, and First Sino-Japanese War cemetery.
3. Short walks: Entire Crescent Bay coastline is walkable; wear anti-slip shoes in rocky areas.
4. Accommodation Recommendations (all near the sea)
1. Fishermen’s homestays (best value, 150-260 RMB/night)
First floor street-facing, second floor sea view kang bed, add 80 RMB/person for three meals, owners lend clam digging tools and process seafood, immersive fishing village experience.
2. Boutique sea view homestays (for photo lovers, 300-600 RMB/night)
Floor-to-ceiling windows facing the sea, terrace for sunrise and sunset views, clean rooms with private bathrooms, 2-minute walk to Crescent Bay Beach.
3. Island resort hotels (comfortable travel, 600 RMB and above)
With restaurants and beach rest areas, suitable for families with children, book at least one week in advance during peak season.
5. Core Must-Visit Attractions
Free natural attractions
1. Crescent Bay Beach
Rare fine soft white sand beach in the north, 3 km coastline, gentle waves and shallow water, suitable for swimming, sand play, and photography; at low tide, the entire mudflat is available for clam digging, digging clams, catching small crabs, and collecting shells.
2. Dongshan Sunrise Pavilion
Best spot on the island to watch the sunrise, sunrise around 4 a.m., sea surface covered with golden light, no tall buildings blocking the view.
3. Golden Turtle Park
Small hill in the middle of the beach, climb to overlook the entire Crescent Bay blue sea, perfect sunset atmosphere.
4. Island Rocky Boardwalk
Western side rock clusters with waves crashing, sea-eroded cliffs, a niche and secluded photo spot, many sea snails hidden in rock crevices.
5. Sea God Temple
A century-old fishermen’s blessing temple facing the sea, with light incense and ancient style for photography.
Cultural and historical sites
1. Deng Shichang’s Tomb & First Sino-Japanese War Cemetery
Free red tourism sites, ancient battlefield of the sinking of the Zhiyuan warship, sculptures and inscriptions in the park record the First Sino-Japanese War, suitable for study tours and history enthusiasts.
2. Century-old British Lighthouse
Island landmark with white tower, 30 RMB to climb and overlook the whole island and Yellow Sea, great for photos at dusk blue hour.
3. Ming Dynasty Ancient Cannon Platform
Remains of the general’s rock cannon platform, overlooking the vast Yellow Sea, with a strong atmospheric feel.
6. 2-Day 1-Night Itinerary Without Backtracking
Day 1: Island Arrival · Beach Clam Digging · Sea Sunset
09. 00 Arrive at Dagu Mountain Pier, buy tickets and board the ferry, feed seagulls on the boat.
10. 00 Arrive on the island, store luggage at homestay, rent electric scooter or sightseeing car.
12:00 Fishermen’s lunch, taste local seafood.
14:00 Play in the water at Crescent Bay Beach, dig clams with tools at low tide.
17:30 Wait at Golden Turtle Park for the sea sunset, orange-red sea reflections.
19:00 Seafood stalls by the sea, beach walk, bonfires on the beach in peak season.
Day 2: Sea Sunrise · Cultural Island Tour · Return
04:30 Watch Yellow Sea sunrise at Dongshan Sunrise Pavilion.
07:30 Buy fresh seafood at the pier morning market, fishing village breakfast.
09:00 Visit Deng Shichang’s Tomb and First Sino-Japanese War Relics Park.
11:00 Climb the century-old lighthouse and walk the rocky boardwalk.
13:00 Have the fishermen process the seafood bought in the morning.
15:00 Pack up and take the ferry back to the mainland.
7. Local Must-Try Seafood Delicacies
1. Dandong Yellow Clams: Island specialty, steamed or spicy stir-fried, fresh and sweet, affordable and plentiful.
2. Swimming Crab/Flying Crab: Fattest in September-October, freshly caught by local fishing boats.
3. Seaweed Buns: Fishermen’s special breakfast with seaweed and fresh meat filling.
4. Spanish Mackerel Dumplings: Delicate fish meat without fishy smell, a must-order at every table.
5. Salt and Pepper Mantis Shrimp, Garlic Scallops: Barbecue staples.
6. Specialty Snacks: Shrimp paste, dried fish, seaweed, great as souvenirs.
Tip: Seafood caught during clam digging can be processed by homestays for only 10-20 RMB per dish.
8. Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
1. Check tide tables in advance; clam digging yields the most 2 hours before and after low tide; rocks are slippery, wear anti-slip beach shoes.
2. Strong UV rays by the sea, bring high SPF sunscreen and sun hats; it’s windy, carry a light jacket.
3. Seasickness can occur in rough waves; sensitive people should take seasickness medicine in advance.
4. Weak mobile signal on the island, carry some cash; no large supermarkets, buy drinking water in advance.
5. Ask permission before photographing fishermen and fishing boats; do not enter private fishing yards without consent.
6. Ferry tickets are tight in peak season; arrive at the pier before 8 a.m. to queue for tickets.
7. Distinguish Daludao from Daludao in Yuhuan, Zhejiang; navigate to "Dandong Daludao Passenger Pier."
8. Homestay prices rise 30% during holidays; book 3 days in advance and avoid weekends when crowds double.
9. Suitable For
Short trips to see the sea in Northeast China, family clam digging, history and culture enthusiasts, couples seeking island relaxation, those tired of Dalian’s popular islands, self-driving niche vacations, photography and landscape lovers.