Wuyu Island: A Healing Island in Zhangzhou

Wuyu Island in Zhangzhou is a pristine fishing village island located just 6 nautical miles from Xiamen. With an area of only 0.96 square kilometers, it retains a rich fishing village culture, making it perfect for aimless wandering. The island features fishing boats coming and going, smooth colorful glass washed ashore by the sea, and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for travelers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path island trips. Below is a detailed travel guide: 🏝️ Location Wuyu Island is located in Zhangzhou and can be seen from Xiamen's Twin Towers—it’s very close. 🏝️ Transportation (Round-trip from Xiamen as an example) Departure: Take a ferry from Xiamen Heping Wharf. Schedule: 9:00 AM (Choose this time if you don’t plan to stay overnight.) Ticket Price: 30 RMB per person Booking Platform: "Yu Jian Xiamen" mini-program (purchase tickets in advance). Return: Wuyu Island Wharf Schedule: 2:30 PM (This is the only return trip to Xiamen on the same day.) Ticket Price: 30 RMB per person (tickets can only be purchased on-site at Wuyu Wharf). 🏝️ Itinerary Planning: Important for enjoying the beach and observing tide changes 1️⃣ Don’t miss the 9:00 AM ferry departure. 2️⃣ The one-way trip takes about 40 minutes, so you’ll arrive before 10:00 AM. 3️⃣ Check the tide schedule beforehand. During my visit, the tide was receding in the morning, allowing me to learn clam digging from locals on the beach—a very stress-relieving activity. The tide started rising at noon, submerging the entire beach (refer to videos in previous posts for reference). Tide times may vary daily, so plan accordingly. 4️⃣ The return ferry departs at 2:30 PM; just make sure to arrive at the wharf on time. 🏝️ Activities If you’re not staying overnight, you’ll have about 4.5 hours to explore. You can: - Wander around the island’s compact and colorful block-like houses and narrow alleys, which are picturesque and full of surprises. You’ll find temples, a large ancient banyan tree square, Qing Dynasty stone tablets, and more. - Enjoy the beach by clam digging, crab catching 🦀, or simply relaxing and having the entire beach to yourself. - Witness the tide changes with your own eyes—a fascinating experience for inland visitors. 🏝️ Tips 1️⃣ If you plan to bring a drone, avoid filming indiscriminately. 2️⃣ The island has a Sha County snack shop and small convenience stores, but it’s better to bring your own food. 3️⃣ There are plenty of public restrooms on the island, so no worries there, but there are no charging stations. 4️⃣ There are no shared bikes; walking is the only option. The island is small. 🏝️ Highlights Fishing Village Culture: Home to the largest deep-sea fishing fleet in the country. During the fishing off-season (May–July), the port is filled with hundreds of fishing boats—a spectacular sight. No Commercial Development: The island has no motor vehicles; transportation relies on walking or electric carts, preserving the original fishing village charm. Military Restricted Area: About two-thirds of the island is designated for military use, limiting tourist access. 🏝️ Main Attractions and Experiences Fishing Village Culture - Mazu Temple and Tianfei Palace: Centers of fishermen’s faith, bustling with worshippers. - 500-Year-Old Banyan Tree: Once a secret underground transportation hub during the war, now adorned with red prayer ribbons. - Fishing Net Workshops and Shipyards: Watch fishermen weave nets and repair boats. - Fishing Festival (August 1): Witness hundreds of boats setting sail—a grand spectacle. 🏝️ Precautions - Sun Protection and Mosquito Repellent: The island has strong UV rays, so wear a hat and apply sunscreen. Mosquitoes are abundant in summer, so bring repellent. - Supplies: The island has limited commercial facilities, so bring snacks and drinking water. - Environmental Awareness: Tourism has led to a garbage problem in recent years. Please avoid littering. - Accommodation: The island has few guesthouses, so a day trip is recommended. Alternatively, stay in Xiamen or Zhangzhou. 🏝️ Best Time to Visit - Fishing Off-Season (May–July): Fishing boats return to port, making the village lively. - Weekdays: Fewer tourists, ideal for those seeking tranquility. Summary Wuyu Island is perfect for travelers who enjoy pristine fishing villages, seafood, and ocean activities. Combine it with a trip to Xiamen or Zhangzhou for a one-day tour to experience the island’s unique charm.