Dongshan Island is beautiful but not recommended for visits from June to August
Ultra-detailed Dongshan Island travel guide for June-August❗️
If you're planning a trip between June and August, Dongshan Island must be on your list! As a travel blogger who's visited multiple times, I've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you explore this hidden gem of an island with ease💖
1. Pre-trip Preparation
1. Weather: June-August average temperature is 25-32°C with abundant sunshine🌞 – perfect for water activities and beach views, but also rainy season, so pack rain gear.
2. Documents: ID card, student ID (for discounts), driver's license (if self-driving).
3. Clothing: Light summer wear, sun-protective clothing, swimsuits, swim caps, sandals, sneakers. Bring a light jacket🧥 for cool evening sea breezes.
4. Other items: High SPF sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, umbrella, mosquito repellent, power bank, waterproof phone case, stomach medicine, etc.
2. Transportation Guide
1. External transport
◦ High-speed rail: Arrive at Yunxiao Station, then take Bus 15 (¥10/person, ~1 hour); or carpool (~¥30-40/person, ~30 minutes) to Dongshan Island.
◦ Flight: Fly to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport first, then take airport shuttle to Yunxiao Station or rent a car in Xiamen (~2 hours drive).
2. Island transport
◦ E-bike: Highly recommended! Widely available for rent (¥60-80/day), convenient and flexible. Choose long-range models and wear helmets🚴♀️
◦ Shared e-bikes: Common in Tongling Town area, good for short trips.
◦ Taxi/ride-hailing: Convenient but may be hard to get during peak season; expensive to remote attractions.
◦ Self-driving: Note some scenic areas have narrow roads and limited parking (e.g., Nanmen Bay main street prohibits cars).
3. Accommodation Recommendations
1. Nanmen Bay: Filming location for movie "The Left Ear", featuring colorful seaside houses and stunning sunset views🌅. Many nearby eateries; walk/bike to attractions like Wind-Rock Scenic Area. Recommended: Dongshan Island Language Hotel (design-focused); Nanmen Bay Seaview B&Bs (good value, some include breakfast and fishing raft experiences).
2. Jinluan Bay: Best sunrise spot with mirror-like sand reflecting dawn colors. Evening beach bonfires and fireworks🎇. Close to Maluan Bay attractions. Recommended: Dongshan Fulai Xi Hotel (5-star sea views); Warm Sunshine Seaview B&B (infinity pool, sunset-view balconies).
4. 5-Day Itinerary
1. Day1: Arrival→Nanmen Bay→Nanyu Twin Sea→Ding Street→Left Ear Rooftop→Tongling Night Market
◦ Morning: Arrive at Yunxiao Station, transfer to Dongshan Island, check in near Nanmen Bay.
◦ Noon: Seafood lunch at Nanmen Bay (try Penglai Affordable Seafood for boiled squid, steamed grouper).
◦ Afternoon: Explore Nanmen Bay coastline; visit Nanyu Twin Sea (check tides) and walk "Angel's Path" to lighthouse.
◦ Evening: Browse artsy shops at Ding Street, then Left Ear Rooftop (¥5 fee) for panoramic sunset views.
◦ Night: Tongling Night Market snacks – try Zhongyi Oyster Omelet, Little Wife Sweet Soup.
2. Day2: Jinluan Bay sunrise→Maluan Bay→Colorful Butterfly Bay→Summit Mountain Ring Road
◦ Dawn: Sunrise at Jinluan Bay (5-6am) at "Hundred-Li Casuarina" spot.
◦ Morning: Maluan Bay beach for water sports.
◦ Noon: Local specialties like Dongshan Cat Porridge, seafood ball soup.
◦ Afternoon: Colorful Butterfly Bay's rainbow track and seaside train; then e-bike/drive to Summit Mountain's photogenic Blue Bridge section.
3. Day3: Wind-Rock Scenic Area→Dongmen Islet
◦ Morning: Visit Wind-Rock Scenic Area (¥45 ticket) to see precarious boulder, Guan Di Temple, Huang Daozhou Memorial, wooden walkways and sea caves.
◦ Noon: Nearby lunch – try roasted tendon, money meat.
◦ Afternoon: Boat to Dongmen Islet (¥55 round-trip) for island views, Wenfeng Pagoda, Dongming Temple.
4. Day4: Fishbone Sandbar→Aojiao Village
◦ Morning: Speedboat to Fishbone Sandbar (~¥100 round-trip, check tides) for drone-worthy sand formations.
◦ Noon: Fresh seafood in Aojiao Village.
◦ Afternoon: Explore village caves, lighthouse, fishing culture.
5. Day5: Free time→Departure
◦ Morning: Sleep in, shop for local seafood products.
◦ Noon: After lunch, transfer to Yunxiao Station/airport.
5. Food Recommendations
1. Seafood: Must-try! Beyond Penglai, sample squid, crab, abalone – steamed, baked, or boiled.
2. Local snacks: Zhongyi Oyster Omelet, Little Wife Sweet Soup, Dongshan Cat Porridge, roasted tendon – all unique flavors.
6. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
1. Sun protection: Avoid overpriced hats at scenic spots – buy online/downtown beforehand.
2. E-bike rental: Inspect bikes, take photos, choose licensed shops with contracts.
3. Seafood: Be wary of "market price" dishes at scenic area stalls. Opt for fixed-price menus or buy fresh seafood to cook (processing fee ~¥15/jin).
4. Water activities: Choose licensed operators with safety certifications for sailing/jet skiing.
💕June-August on Dongshan Island offers sunshine, beaches, waves, plus endless food and views – start planning your romantic island getaway now!
#DongshanIslandTravel #JuneAugustTravel #DongshanIslandGuide