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Dayushan Island is located in the southeastern waters of Fuding, 5 nautical miles from the ancient port of Sansha Town. It is the largest archipelago in eastern Fujian. It consists of eleven islands, including Dayushan, Xiaoyushan, Yuanyang Island, and Yinyu Island. It has a land area of 28.3 square kilometers and a coastline of 30.12 kilometers.
Dayushan Island, ranked eighth among the "most beautiful islands" in China's "Most Beautiful Places" by National Geographic magazine, offers a culmination of mountains, lakes, grasslands, and the sea. Datian Lake covers over 1,000 mu, while Xiaotian Lake, over 200 mu, is separated by over 1,000 meters. Each lake boasts a spring that flows year-round, offering sweet, crystal-clear water. Wild turtles frequent the lakeshore. The lakes are surrounded by gentle slopes, encompassing thousands of mu of grassland known as the "Tianshan Mountains of the South."
The island is rich in granite, high-quality mineral springs, grassland resources, etc. The sea is rich in eels, hairtail, hair shrimp, shrimp fry, seven-star fish, eels and other marine creatures; the natural landscape includes the Tianhu Mountain with thousands of acres of grassland in the "Southern Tianshan Mountains", the mysterious Big and Small Tianhu on the top of the mountain, the hundred-acre golden sand of Dashiao, Bird Island, Hongji Cave, etc.; the cultural relics and historical sites include: Dashi Palace, Mazu Palace, Tianfu Temple. The natural landscape of the Fuyao Islands has been identified by the Ministry of Construction as one of the four major landscapes of the national Taimu Mountain Scenic Area.
Mid-subtropical monsoon climate
Best travel period: May to October
Yushan Island (Fuyao Islands)
Anciently known as the Fuyao Islands, meaning "blessed land and beautiful jade," the islands are named after the two volcanic-like lakes, one large and one small, situated at an altitude of 300 meters. Rich in natural beauty, they boast the vast grasslands of Tianhu Mountain, known as the "Southern Tianshan Mountains," the mysterious Tianhu Lakes, Bird Island, and Hongji Cave. In 2006, China National Geographic magazine named it one of China's ten most beautiful islands, alongside the Xisha Islands, Weizhou Island, and the Nansha Islands in the South China Sea, as well as the Penghu Islands in the Taiwan Strait.
Opening hours: 08:30-17:30
Ticket price: 55 yuan/person
Xiaotian Lake
The Big and Small Tianhu Lakes are two alpine lakes on the island, one large and one small. The mountain rises approximately 500 meters, with the Big Tianhu Lake covering over 1,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) and the Small Tianhu Lake over 200 mu (approximately 2,000 acres) respectively. Separated by over 1,000 meters, the two lakes boast springs at their bottoms, which flow year-round. The waters are clear, sweet, and naturally high-quality mineral water, known for its health benefits. The lakes are surrounded by gently sloping slopes and thousands of mu (approximately 1,000 acres) of grassland, creating excellent natural pastures and earning them the nickname "Southern Tianshan." Wild turtles frequent the lakeside. The blue sky, white clouds, scorching sun, bright moon, and the surrounding mountains and hills are reflected in the lakes, creating a beautiful "Sky Lake Reflection" landscape.
Tickets: 40 yuan + 15 yuan for up and down the mountain tourist bus
Opening hours: 8:30-17:30
Sansha Town
Sansha is a major coastal town in Fujian Province. Guzhen Port, located in the northeast corner of Sansha Town, is a renowned deepwater port. The harbor is 800 meters wide and 2,500 meters long, with a main channel depth of 15-44 meters. The calm waters of the harbor allow for berthing of ships of tens of thousands of tons. It has become a port for large passenger ships traveling between Shanghai and Fuzhou, making Sansha a key port for Fujian Province's trade with Taiwan.
All day, free
Dayushan Island is a scenic coastal island in Fuding, Fujian, known for its natural beauty, marine landscapes, and cultural sites. It is popular for eco-tourism, local seafood, and as a getaway for beach activities and nature exploration.
Booking is recommended during weekends and Chinese holidays; 2–3 days in advance is usually sufficient.
Half a day to one full day is sufficient to explore beaches, trails, viewpoints, and take a boat tour.
Guided tours are available on request, mostly in Chinese; English guides may be arranged with prior booking. Audio guides are limited.
Night visits are limited; some local festivals or cultural events may be held seasonally, check with local tourism offices.
Most areas are accessible for children and elderly with moderate walking; steep cliffs or trails may be challenging. Wheelchair access is limited.
Cash is accepted; mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely used on the island and at ferry terminals.
Vegetarian options are available; halal options are limited and may require advance inquiry in Fuding City.
