Dongshan Island Travel Guide: Fujian's Hidden Sea Paradise, a Perfect Blend of Romance and Delicious Food
Colorful fishing villages, mirror-like beaches, and a unique rock lighthouse—this island in Zhangzhou, Fujian, hides countless heart-warming romantic surprises.
Dongshan Island, Fujian Province's second-largest island, lies between Xiamen City and Shantou, Guangdong Province, and is known as "Little Hawaii." Boasting a long coastline, crystal-clear waters, and abundant natural scenery, Dongshan Island offers a tranquil and pristine atmosphere, imbued with the unique charm of a fishing village, compared to popular islands like Sanya and Xiamen.
From the rooftop romance depicted in "The Left Ear" to the green lighthouse in "Your Wedding," Dongshan Island possesses a magical charm that allows every visitor to find their dream sea.
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✨ Trip Highlights
· Double-Sided Sea: On Nanyu Island, at low tide, a path appears in the middle of the sea, allowing visitors to walk to the opposite island and visit the green lighthouse featured in the movie "Your Wedding," a truly magical creation of nature. · Sunrise on Mirror Beach: The mirror-like beach at Jinluan Bay is breathtakingly beautiful at sunrise. At first light, the entire surface of the sea is bathed in golden yellow, creating a paradise for photographers.
· Fishbone Sandbar: At low tide, a fishbone-shaped beach appears in the middle of the sea. From an aerial perspective, it resembles a dreamlike marine maze, reminiscent of a sea maze.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Dongshan Island. The weather is pleasant during these months, perfect for outdoor activities. Summer, while hot, is ideal for swimming, while winter is more tranquil.
🚗 Transportation
External Transportation
· Train: Take the train to Yunxiao Station (the closest station to Dongshan Island). From there, take bus No. 15 directly to Dongshan Island (10 yuan, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes). You can also share a ride (approximately 30-40 yuan per person). Driving: The journey from Xiamen is approximately 200 kilometers. The roads are wide and traffic is light, making the driving experience a pleasant one.
Flight: Fly to Xiamen Gaoqi Airport and then rent a car or take the train to Dongshan Island.
Island Transportation
Renting an electric scooter is the best way to explore Dongshan Island! It costs about 80 yuan/day on weekdays and 100 yuan/day on holidays. Those who don't know how to ride an electric scooter can opt for a red tricycle to reach the various attractions.
🏝 Recommended Attractions
1. Nanmen Bay - The Romance of a Colorful Fishing Village
Nanmen Bay was the filming location for the movie "The Left Ear." Rows of colorful houses are staggered on the hillside, bordered by the beach and the sea. Nanmen Bay is particularly picturesque at sunset. After dinner, you can set off fireworks on the beach; fireworks are available for sale on the shore.
Tips: Cycling along the coastline of Nanmen Bay will reveal a green lighthouse, making for stunning photo opportunities. Walking up the alley next to Chen Ji Meatballs, you'll find the "Left Ear" rooftop, offering panoramic views of Nanmen Bay.
2. Jinluan Bay - The Miracle of Mirror-Surface Beach
Jinluan Bay's mirror-like beach is its most striking feature. At low tide, the sand reflects the sky like a mirror, creating a breathtaking spectacle. At sunrise, the first rays of light paint the surface of Jinluan Bay a vibrant golden hue.
Tip: Check the sunrise time online in advance and arrive at the beach about 30 minutes before sunrise. Clear weather and low tide are ideal for optimal viewing.
3. Nanyu Double-Faced Sea - A Fantasy Sea Path
Located at the lower end of Nanmen Bay, at low tide, a path appears in the middle of the sea, allowing you to walk to the island opposite and visit the green lighthouse. This spot was also a filming location for the movie "Your Wedding."
Tip: Always pay attention to high and low tide times (ask the B&B owner) to avoid being stranded on the other side.
4. Sufeng Mountain Ring Road - A Road Trip Between Mountains and Sea
The Sufeng Mountain Ring Road features mountains on one side and the sea on the other. The bridges beneath the blue sky and white clouds create a striking blue and white color scheme. This area is perfect for aerial photography, and a leisurely stroll amidst the sea breeze is a delight.
Tip: Sufeng Mountain is a one-way street, so the ascent and descent are separate roads. You can drive (roadside parking is available), charter a car (round trip, 100 yuan), or ride an electric scooter.
5. Wind-Moving Stone Scenic Area - The World's Most Unique Stone
The Wind-Moving Stone Scenic Area is the only attraction on the island that charges an entrance fee (45 yuan). It features the Wind-Moving Stone, known as the "World's Most Unique Stone," as well as the Dongshan Guandi Temple, the coastal wooden plank road, and the ancient city wall.
Tip: The Guandi Temple within the scenic area is a sacred temple in the hearts of the Dongshan people. It houses numerous artistic treasures, including colored porcelain cutouts and stone carvings, earning it the nickname "Southern Fujian Architectural Art Museum."
6. Fishbone Sandbar - A Wonderful Artifact of Nature
Come to the island by boat from the Qixia Village pier (a small boat charter costs over 200 yuan, and the journey takes 20 minutes). At low tide, a fishbone-shaped sandbar appears in the middle of the sea. It's absolutely stunning from an aerial perspective, but the area is heavily influenced by the tides and can be submerged at high tide.
Tips: Be sure to check the tide chart before your visit and choose a low tide time.
Note: Recommendations are based on good weather and suitable tides; your actual experience may vary depending on weather and tides.
🦞 Dining Experience
Seafood Feast
Dongshan Island's seafood is incredibly fresh. You can purchase it at the local seafood market and then have it prepared by a seafood stall. Fresh oysters at the People's Market are only three yuan per pound, making it easy to indulge in seafood.
Recommended Dishes: Steamed Oysters, Stir-fried Shrimp, White Asparagus
Local Snacks
Snack Name Recommended Shop Features Average Cost
Oyster Pan-Fried Chen Ji Meatballs (Dry Pan-Fried, with Special Sauce) ¥50
Mao Zai Congee (Seafood Congee) Local Congee Shop: Porridge cooked in broth, with freshly blanched seafood and sprinkled with pepper
Dongshan Rice Balls (Stall in front of the Agricultural Bank on Tuanjie Road) Breakfast only, served with fried noodles and scallion pancakes ¥10
Little Wife Sweet Soup (Little Wife Sweet Soup) with over 20 toppings, Zhangzhou-style Four-Fruit Soup (Starting at ¥8)
Wontons (Dian Shi) Laojiekou Snack Shop (Southern Fujian specialty, firm meat) ¥10
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
· Nanmen Bay: Recommended for those who enjoy sea views. There are many sea view B&Bs here, offering views of the ocean and sunrise from your room in the morning. Dongshan Ruo Chu Jian B&B is recommended.
· Tongling Town: Complete living facilities, diverse dining options, and excellent value. Jinluan Bay/Maluan Bay: Suitable for travelers seeking tranquility, Jinluan Bay offers stunning sunrise views. We recommend a B&B for stunning views. However, transportation and dining are inconvenient; you'll need to bike or take a bus to Tongling Town for meals.
📍 Classic Itinerary
3-Day, 2-Night In-Depth Tour
DAY1: Fengdongshi Scenic Area → Nanyu Two-Sided Sea (pay attention to tide times) → Nanmen Bay Sunset → Dingjie Old Street Night Stroll
DAY2: Jinluan Bay Sunrise → People's Market Breakfast → Maluan Bay Water Sports → Sufengshan Island Circumferential Road → Yanya Lovers → Sunset Viewing from the Rooftop of "The Left Ear"
DAY3: Aojiao Village Exploration → Fishbone Sandbar (pay attention to tide times) → Return
💡 Practical Tips
1. Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellent: The island sun is strong, so use a high-factor sunscreen. Mosquitoes are common in summer, so bring mosquito repellent. 2. Tidal Safety: When visiting tidal attractions such as Nanyu Shuangmianhai and Fishbone Sandbar, be sure to check tide times in advance and exercise due caution.
3. Environmental Awareness: Protect the island environment and refrain from littering.
4. Seafood Allergies: Visitors with seafood allergies should inform the restaurant in advance to avoid food allergies.
5. Traffic Tips: Sufeng Mountain is a one-way street; the ascent and descent are separate roads, so please drive safely.
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The sun sets, and the colorful houses of Nanmen Bay are painted golden. Fishermen gather their nets and return home, and the aroma of seafood wafts from the deep alleys. > This is Dongshan Island, a dreamlike place where time fades into oblivion and the sea breeze immerses you. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a culinary adventure, or a cultural experience, this island has it all.