Dongshan Island Travel Guide: Encounter the Poetry and Romance Between Mountains and Sea

Dongshan Island, a hidden gem in Zhangzhou, Fujian, is known as the "Oasis of the East China Sea." It combines the romance of azure seas and golden sands, the bustling atmosphere of a quaint fishing village, and the vibrant energy of a popular online destination. It's the perfect place to unwind and fully enjoy the seaside charm. 🌊 Must-See Spots: A Visual Feast of Mountains and Sea • Nanmen Bay: Figures 1 and 6 showcase the charm of Nanmen Bay. This was the filming location for the movie "The Left Ear." Its coastline curves like a crescent moon. During the day, it's awash with azure sea and blue skies, with white waves lapping against the sand. At night, it's ablaze with lights and bustling with people. Stroll along the colorful coastal boardwalk, or find a small seaside shop, enjoy a drink, watch the waves crash on the beach, and immerse yourself in the slow pace of island life. • Maluan Bay: As shown in Figure 3, this is Dongshan Island's "natural bathing beach." The sand is fine and soft, and the water is clear and azure, perfect for swimming and playing in the sand. A lifeguard station is also stationed on the shore to ensure visitor safety. You can unleash your energy with a refreshing swim in the sea or try out water activities like sailing and motorboating. • Jinluan Bay: The sunrise here is truly breathtaking. In the early morning, when the first rays of sunlight hit the ocean, the sky and sea are dyed a golden hue, creating a truly romantic scene. Arrive early at the beach to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the sea. • Sufeng Mountain Ring Road: The blue ring road (Figure 5) is a popular check-in spot at Sufeng Mountain. The road winds along Sufeng Mountain, with its blue guardrails contrasting beautifully with the azure sky and sea, creating a refreshing Instagram-worthy photo. Rent an electric scooter and cycle along the ring road, enjoying the sea breeze and the breathtaking mountain and sea scenery. • Fishing Harbor Old Bridge Ruins: The old bridge ruins (Figure 4) are imbued with a sense of time. The mottled bridge piers stand tall amidst the waves, and the crashing waves create a unique, lonely beauty, perfect for those who enjoy artistic photography. 🦀 Recommended Food: Delicious Island Flavors • Seafood Feast: Dongshan Island's seafood is truly exceptional, featuring fresh and plump squid, crab, shrimp, mushrooms, and oysters. Visit the seafood stalls near Nanmen Bay and order steamed squid, salt and pepper shrimp, mushrooms, or pan-fried oysters to fully savor the authentic flavors of the seafood. • Tongling Rice Balls: A traditional Dongshan Island snack, these balls have a chewy texture and are paired with a rich broth and a variety of toppings. A bowl of them leaves you feeling warm and satisfied. • Xiaomi (Shumai): Filled with meat, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms, the thin skin and generous fillings make each bite a delicious and filling treat. • Sweet Potato Porridge with Salted Fish: Simple sweet potato porridge paired with local salted fish is a Dongshan Island favorite. It's a savory and delicious dish, showcasing the island's distinct flavors. 🏠 Accommodation Options: Choose from a variety of styles. • Near Nanmen Bay: Choose a seaside B&B with a breathtaking view from your window, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves – a truly immersive experience. • Tongling Town: B&Bs in this town offer a variety of styles, from retro to Instagram-worthy, with convenient transportation and easy access to shopping, dining, and drinking. • Jinluan Bay/Maluan Bay: Suitable for travelers seeking a quieter, more relaxing vacation experience. Most of the hotels and B&Bs here feature a seaside resort feel and are well-equipped. 📅 Suggested Itinerary (3 Days, 2 Nights) • Day 1: Arrive at Dongshan Island → Stroll through Nanmen Bay → Visit the filming location of "The Left Ear" → Explore and eat in Tongling Town → Enjoy the night view of Nanmen Bay. • Day 2: Watch the sunrise at Jinluan Bay → Cycle along the Sufengshan Island Circumference Road → Play in the water at Maluan Bay → Enjoy a seafood feast → Take photos at the ruins of the old fishing bridge. • Day 3: Visit local fishing villages (such as Aojiao Village and Yanya Village) → Purchase seafood specialties → Return. Dongshan Island's beauty is a gift from the mountains and sea, the vibrant life of the fishing village, and the lingering beauty of time. Here, you can unwind amidst the azure sea and golden sands, experience the slow pace of life in quaint fishing villages, and create unique memories at popular tourist attractions. Come to Dongshan Island and embark on a relaxing island trip! #NewYearGoodDestinations2025 #FujianTravel