Half Volcano, Half Sea: Dongshan Island is Where Land Ends with Gentleness

## **🌊 Dongshan Island Travel Guide: Fujian's Hidden Gem with Romance and Wild Charm** **"The Wind-Moving Stone sways with fishing village legends, while South Gate Bay's tides hold the youth of the movie 'Left Ear'."** --- **📅 Best Time to Visit** - **Recommended Season**: April-October (summer for swimming, seafood is delicious after fishing season opens in September) - **Warning Tips**: Crowded during peak season in July-August, try to avoid holidays; winter is windy and cold, but perfect for enjoying empty beaches. --- **🚗 Transportation Guide** - **How to Get There**: - ✈️ By Air: Fly to "Xiamen Gaoqi Airport" → Take high-speed train to "Yunxiao Station" (approx. 1h) → Taxi to Dongshan Island (approx. 30min, costs 50-80 yuan). - 🚄 By High-speed Train: Direct to "Yunxiao Station", then share a ride or take bus (Dongshan Route 15) to the island. - **Island Transportation**: - Rent electric scooters (60-80 yuan/day) to navigate alleys and coastlines flexibly; - Self-driving is possible around the island, but areas like South Gate Bay have narrow roads with limited parking. --- **🏝️ Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **South Gate Bay** - 📸 **Activities**: Take photos of colorful houses and seawalls, watch fishing boats return at dusk, enjoy fireworks at night. - 🍜 **Hidden Gem**: Try "Sea Stone Flower" sold by roadside grandmas - refreshing in hot weather. 2. **Sufeng Mountain Ring Road** - 🌉 **Highlights**: Blue Bridge cliff views; best for cycling at dawn or sunset to avoid midday heat. 3. **Fish Bone Sandbar** (appears at low tide) - ⚠️ **Note**: Check tide schedules; the fish bone shape is only visible from aerial photography, may seem ordinary at ground level. 4. **Wind-Moving Stone Scenic Area** - 🎯 **Interesting Point**: A giant rock that appears about to fall but has stood for thousands of years; the area includes Guan Di Temple and coastal wooden walkways. 5. **Aojiao Village** - 🐚 **Unique Experience**: Climb the white lighthouse, explore shipwreck bay and caves, ideal for adventure lovers. --- **🦞 Dongshan Island Cuisine** - **Must-Try List**: - Night-caught squid (fresh, blanched and dipped in wasabi soy sauce) - Oyster omelet (Minnan-style, crispy and fragrant) - Cat porridge (seafood + pork offal stewed in Chaoshan-style) - Ginger duck (local stalls simmer it with old ginger, aromatic) - **Recommended Eateries**: - Chen's Meatballs (South Gate Bay old brand) - Wanglai Food Stall (affordable seafood, owner will prepare dishes based on group size) - A Cup of Chao Tea (Dongshan's version of "Tea Yan Yue Se") --- **🏠 Accommodation Recommendations** - **South Gate Bay**: Concentrated guesthouses with sea views (recommend "Island Language" and "Inside the House" popular spots), lively nightlife. - **Jinluan Bay**: Fine sand beaches, perfect for watching sunrise, more high-end hotels (like Manor Yu Hai). - **Tongling Town**: Good value, convenient for dining and transportation, but slightly farther from the sea. --- **📌 Traveler Tips** 1. Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Island UV rays are extremely strong - hat + sunglasses + sunscreen are all essential. 2. Fish farm experience: Join fishermen for squid fishing (best at night in summer), catches can be cooked on the spot. 3. Avoiding pitfalls: - Don't make a special trip to Fish Bone Sandbar unless you have aerial photography equipment; - At seafood markets, bargain based on "market price" and clarify costs to avoid being overcharged.