How to Explore Dongshan Island...

Here’s a carefully crafted Dongshan Island travel guide covering transportation, accommodation, food, and attractions to help you effortlessly enjoy this hidden gem of southern Fujian! ### 1. Transportation Guide: How to Get to Dongshan Island? **A. Main Transportation** **By Air:** Fly to Xiamen Gaoqi Airport (recommended) or Jieyang Chaoshan Airport, then transfer to a high-speed train/bus to Dongshan Island. **By High-Speed Train:** - **Best Option:** Arrive at Yunxiao Station (closest to Dongshan Island), then take Bus No. 15 (about 1 hour, ¥10) or a shared taxi (~¥30/person) directly to Tongling Town/Nanmen Bay. - **Alternative:** Arrive at Zhangzhou Station/Xiamen Station, then transfer to a bus to Dongshan Island (~2.5-hour ride). **By Car:** From Xiamen/Zhangzhou, take the Shenhai Expressway + Dongshan Connector Road, crossing the sea bridge directly. Scenic spots are scattered, so driving or renting an e-bike is most convenient. **B. Island Transportation** - **E-bike Rental:** Highly recommended! Daily rent: ¥60–80 (varies by season), perfect for exploring alleys and coastal roads. - **Tricycles/Didi:** Short trips in town (~¥10 starting fare). For long distances, charter a car. ### 2. Accommodation Recommendations: Choose by Need **A. Nanmen Bay Area** **Vibe:** Lively, filming location for the movie *The Left Ear*, with many B&Bs and nightlife. **Best for:** Young travelers who love crowds, photography, and easy access to food. **Recommendations:** - Sea-view B&Bs: Choose high-floor rooms with terraces for sunset views (e.g., "Lan Jing Shui Yuan," "Dongshan Bay Man B&B"). - Budget-friendly: Old-town B&Bs in Tongling (5-minute walk to the beach). **B. Jinluan Bay Area** **Vibe:** Mirror-like sandy beaches, perfect for sunrise! Mostly high-end hotels/apartments, quiet and resort-like. **Best for:** Families, privacy seekers, and sunrise lovers. **Recommendations:** - Sea-view apartments: High-rise units along Jinluan Bay (e.g., "Linghai International," "Yulong Gulf"), ~¥100+/person. - Villas: Great for groups (with kitchens and BBQ grills). **C. Maluan Bay Area** **Vibe:** National sailing training base with water sports (swimming, surfing) and mature facilities. **Best for:** Families with kids or water activity enthusiasts. **Recommendations:** Beachfront hotels (e.g., "Maluan Bay Resort"). ### 3. Must-Try Food: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise! 📍 **Seafood Stalls:** - **Wanglai Seafood (Tongling Town):** Locals’ favorite! Try braised squid, steamed crab, and boiled mantis shrimp. - **Awei’s Stir-Fry (Near Nanmen Bay):** Casual spot for clams, salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp, and oyster omelets. - **Jinluan Fisherman (Near Jinluan Bay):** Featured on *A Bite of China*—order fresh steamed grouper or lobster. 🍡 **Local Snacks:** - **Zhongyi Oyster Omelet:** Crispy and fragrant (Tongling Town). - **Wanwanxiang Beef Noodles:** Rich broth with bouncy beef balls. - **Chenji Meatballs (Nanmen Bay):** Fried meatballs, seaweed fried rice, and seafood soup. - **Little Wife Sweet Soup:** DIY eight-treasure dessert (¥10), a summer must! - **Old Theater Cat Porridge:** Seafood + pork bone broth—super fresh! 🦑 **Souvenirs:** - Dried seafood (squid, shrimp) from Tongling Market. - *Xiaomi*: Local-style shumai with seafood and radish filling. ### 4. Top Attractions & Itinerary 🌟 **Must-Visit Spots:** - **Nanmen Bay:** - Day: Photograph colorful houses. - Evening: Sunset on the seawall + fireworks/BBQ. - Nearby: Wengong Shrine (panoramic views), Ding Street (600-year-old artsy alley). - **Sumengshan Ring Road:** Fujian’s most scenic coastal drive—rent an e-bike! Stop at the Blue Bridge (Yanya Village section). - **Jinluan Bay:** Mirror-like sunrise (~5 AM in summer), tide-pooling at low tide. - **Wind-Rock Scenic Area (4A):** See the legendary "Wind-Rock" and Guandi Temple (ancestral temple to Taiwan’s). Combo ticket includes Dongmenyu Island ("Fairy Mountain on the Sea"). - **Maluan Bay:** Safe swimming zone; try sailing/jet skiing (~¥150/activity). 🛶 **Hidden Gems:** - **Fishbone Sandbar (Qixia Village):** A sand path visible at low tide—stunning for drone shots (¥100/person by boat). - **Aojiao Village:** Cliff caves + photogenic white lighthouse. - **Yanya Village:** Ancient stone village with moody rock formations. ### 5. Suggested Itineraries **3D2N Classic Trip:** - Day 1: Arrive in Tongling → Nanmen Bay sunset + Ding Street dinner → Night stroll. - Day 2: Jinluan Bay sunrise → Sumengshan biking → Yanya Village → Maluan Bay water sports. - Day 3: Wind-Rock Scenic Area → Dongmenyu Island → Buy souvenirs. **4D3N In-Depth Trip:** Add Fishbone Sandbar/Aojiao Village (charter a car) or relax at Jinluan Bay. ⚠️ **Tips to Avoid Pitfalls:** - Check the weather—blue skies only! Avoid typhoon season (Jul–Sep). - Sun protection essentials: Sunglasses, hat, SPF 50+. - Seafood pricing: Confirm if priced by weight/portion; keep receipts. - Fishbone Sandbar: Check tide times (arrive 1 hour before low tide). - E-bike rental: Ensure full battery (80km+ range). Dongshan Island’s charm lies in its slow pace and raw coastal vibe—chasing waves by day, feasting by night, and greeting dawn… Pack this guide and go! Questions? Just ask! 🌊🦀🛵