An Underrated Gem: Discover Wenzhou's Hidden "Gate to Heaven"

Before visiting Wenzhou, I always thought it was just a bustling commercial city. But when I finally set foot on this land, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it's also a coastal city, gently embraced by the sea and home to countless charming islands. Today, I'm sharing a super detailed guide to Dongtou Island's coastal road, a must-see when you're in Wenzhou! 📍Location: Dongtou Island, Wenzhou 🚇Transportation: From Wenzhou South Railway Station, take the S1 line to Oujiangkou Station. The fare is CNY 12. 🚗Travel Advice: Dongtou Island's attractions are quite spread out. If possible, self-driving is more convenient, allowing you to stop at any scenic spot that catches your eye. The drive from downtown Wenzhou to Dongtou Island takes about an hour, and the scenery along the way is a treat in itself. 🚶Recommended Attractions: 🔸Shanjian: This is a super secluded spot on Dongtou Island, perfect for watching the sunset. Not only does it have the internet-famous "Gate to Heaven" (similar to the one in Bali), but standing on the summit also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Dongtou Island. As the sun sets and the afterglow bathes you, the beauty and romance are beyond words! 🔸Qicai Dongtou Village: The colorful houses are scattered picturesquely, somewhat similar to Xiaoruo Village in Taizhou. The walls are covered with creative graffiti, making it a perfect spot for taking photos that will light up your social media feeds on sunny days. 🔸Jiucai'ao: The viewing platform is free, but the beach inside requires a ticket of CNY 99/person. From my personal experience, I don't think it's necessary to buy a ticket to enter the beach. 🔸Huagang Fishing Village: This small fishing village features houses mostly built of stone, giving it a unique and rustic charm. It feels like stepping back in time, with the stones whispering stories of the past. 🔸Hai Shang Yue Di (Sea Moon Causeway): A walkway extending into the sea, with a church installation near the shore, similar to the one in Aranya. Strolling along the causeway, enjoying the gentle sea breeze, is incredibly relaxing. However, taking photos here is very weather-dependent; the pictures are stunning on a good day. 🔸Xiandie Rock: As the largest scenic area on Dongtou Island, the coastal walkway offers breathtaking views and many unique photo spots. Walking to the end of the walkway leads you to Dasha'ao. The entrance fee is CNY 50/person. 🏨Hotel Recommendation: Wenzhou Jiuxi Hai Shang Taoyuan Li This hotel occupies an entire hilltop. After taking a cliffside sightseeing elevator to the top, you'll walk through a lush, green forest path. At the end of the path are stone-walled houses, making you feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale. The cliffside pool in the courtyard seems to blend seamlessly with the sea, creating a mesmerizing view of the ocean and sky. It's tempting to spend the whole day soaking in the pool. The rooms are equipped with large floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning sea views without even stepping outside. Come to Dongtou Island, Wenzhou, and embark on your own romantic coastal journey!