Live Your Best Lives
In the face of the pandemic, I heard that a certain island country has adopted a "completely flat" attitude, opening its borders, resuming tourism, and even exempting nucleic acid tests. The entry quarantine time has also been reduced to 5 days, attracting many "carefree" tourists.
But expensive flights aside, returning home can be a bit of a hassle (check Baidu for the exact policy). So, isn't it easy to visit an island? Instead of going through all that trouble, why not explore China's islands? They offer stunning treasures, are uncrowded, and are clean, all for less than a tenth of the cost of traveling abroad. Isn't that a great idea?
Today, I'm back with another roundup of 17 stunning islands in China that are packed with treasures, stunning scenery, and sparsely populated. Save them for later, and plan your trip during May Day if you can!
Departure place: Any
The beautiful marine oasis "Nan'ao Island" is located in the sea where Fujian, Guangdong and Taiwan provinces meet, with a very advantageous geographical location.
Since ancient times, Nan'ao has been an essential port and transit station for trade along the southeastern coastal area. As early as the Ming Dynasty, it was known as the "Maritime Trade".
Qing'ao Bay on Nan'ao Island boasts a gently sloping beach with fine sand and clear, moderately saline waters, making it a prime natural bathing spot and one of Guangdong Province's 2A-rated bathing beaches. Blue skies, azure seas, green islands, golden sands, and white waves together define the essence of Nan'ao's ecotourism.
Departure place: Any
Wai Lingding Island, located in the Wanshan Islands in Zhuhai's eastern district, is a secluded island paradise nestled between the four major cities of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Macao. It boasts a stunning coastline rivaling any tropical island, with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand beaches.
There is no scorching heat in summer and it is like spring all year round. It has both mountains and rivers and rich tourism resources. It has typical subtropical rainforest scenery and island Eden scenery. It is a shining pearl inlaid at the intersection of the Pearl River Estuary and the South Pacific.
Departure place: Any
Xiazhi Island is shaped like a shrimp floating on the sea, with many aoes forming a horn-like confrontation, hence the name Xiazhi Island.
There are many authentic fishing villages on Xiazhi Island, all of which still retain their own unique charm. The most important thing not to miss here is going fishing with the fishermen. It is a one-hour boat ride away from the port, with the whistling sea breeze and the roaring motors. If you are lucky, you can really reap a lot.
Departure Place: Hangzhou/Zhoushan
While there are the South Pole and the North Pole, there's also a dazzling pearl nestled in the East China Sea: the East Pole. It's the filming location for "See You Tomorrow," the "Lijiang on the Sea," the "first ray of light in the new century," and the "Potala Palace on the Sea."
The blue here is unique to the open sea, deep and intoxicating. The rich marine culture and fishermen's customs here will make you linger.
It is something to look forward to, to go to Dongji Island, the easternmost island in China's maritime territory, to pursue the real blue sea, to keep a date with "See You Tomorrow", and to wait for a sunrise and sunset.
Departure Place: Hangzhou
Goji Island is the easternmost inhabited island and is known as the "Hometown of Chinese Mussels". It has vast blue sea pastures and endless ocean, and is also known as the "Little Greece" of the East.
The heart of Goji Island is Dawang Beach, where the sand near the coast is incredibly fine, approaching the quality of Phuket, Thailand. Houtouwan Village, also located on Goji Island, was described by the British Daily Mail as a "beautiful abandoned attraction." Its lush greenery is comparable to a real-life version of The Wizard of Oz.
Looking out from the railing, you can see the golden light shining on the mussel farm that stretches for a thousand meters, and the fishing boats shuttling back and forth in the sunset, forming a picture of a vast and fertile sea pasture.
You can also ride your bike to the East Cliff for a dreamy sunrise. Located at the easternmost tip of Shengshan Island, and also the easternmost tip of the Zhoushan Archipelago, the East Cliff rises tens of meters high and stretches for thousands of meters straight into the sea. The clifftop is the perfect spot for watching the sunrise, the seascape, and even the returning fishing boats.
Departure Place: Hangzhou
Hua'ao Island Zhejiang Marine Geopark, once recommended by China National Geographic, boasts 36 valleys and 108 caves, each offering a unique landscape and each cave a breathtaking spectacle.
Hua'ao Island boasts a rare coastal, sea-eroded, and marine-deposited landform in China, one of the world's three major primary volcanic landforms. The marvel of columnar joints, even more massive than the Giant's Causeway in England, and its long beams and massive rocks appear like a work of art.
The salt-making history of Xiangshan can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. It was once a famous "tribute salt town". An original salt field in Xiangshan is still preserved on Hua'ao Island.
Catching clams, crabs, jumping fish, and mud fights on the mudflats can make children of all ages happy in a simple way.
Departure Place: Hangzhou
This is a small, untouched island, pristine and untouched by commercial development. It boasts abundant marine resources and delicious seafood. While there's no entrance fee, the scenery rivals that of a domestic 5A-rated scenic spot.
This is Qushan Island, the "Yingzhou on the Sea" in your dreams.
The summit of this fairyland-like Guanyin sanctuary is often shrouded in white mist, earning it the name "Guanyin Driving the Mist." Forty-eight wind turbines line the island's mountain ridges, creating a magical "windmill kingdom." From afar, the island resembles a cartoon world.
If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and want to find a pure land to calm yourself and your mood, then Qushan Island must be an ideal choice.
In this romantic early summer, take a trip around the island in a Xiangye RV! Enjoy all the scenery you could want on the island: windmills, sunrises, starry skies, beaches, blue seas...
We parked the RV by the sea, experienced an outdoor aesthetic camping, tasted delicious coastal hot pot, and spent a wonderful night.
Departure Place: Hangzhou
In the southeastern corner of the Zhoushan Archipelago, there's an island measuring just 0.75 hectares, yet boasting a 90% vegetation coverage rate. This is Yanwa Island, China's first privately contracted island.
The entire island has no residents and the number of people allowed is limited to 100 per day. There is only one hotel, one restaurant, one beach, one yacht, one fishing boat and a mountain behind.
The 2.58-kilometer circular trail circumnavigates the island in just 1.5 hours. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you walk and take photos, enjoying the sea breeze, the sun dancing across the island, and the gentle whisper of waves beside you.
Kayaks and water bikes on the beach are open all day, and touching crabs on the reefs, picking snails, sea fishing, and catching rabbits are all great experiences.
Yanwa Island also has a super beautiful sea view swing. Imagine the beautiful scene of facing the sea and welcoming the sunrise. Isn’t it very exciting?
Departure Place: Hangzhou
May is the season when flowers bloom on Yushan Island. The island is full of blooming radish flowers, which are particularly spiritual.
Enjoy the unparalleled sea view during the island hike, see the majestic waves crashing against the shore at Wuhu Reef, climb the largest lighthouse in the Far East, take in the vastness of the sea and sky, and visit the local fishing village to experience the real fisherman's life.
On the rocky beach by the sea, you can touch conchs, catch crabs, and look for oysters. If you like sea fishing, Yushan Island also has the best sea fishing base in my country's East China Sea, which can satisfy all your imaginations of sea fishing.
A passionate seaside party at night can keep you entertained from day to night.
Departure Place: Hangzhou/Zhoushan
Daishan Island, also known as Penglai Fairy Island, is like lotus flowers scattered on the vast blue East China Sea.
There is a Lulan Qingsha Scenic Area on Daishan Island. The beach is 3,600 meters long from north to south, which is said to be the longest in East China. The sand is fine and hard, and cars can drive on the sand. Unlike the bustling Zhujiajian Nansha, Lulan Qingsha is usually quiet.
Cycling on Daishan Island is a very worthwhile activity when visiting Daishan Island. Cycling on the colorful highway, passing through China Cape Park, Typhoon Museum, coastal highway, Xiaoao Fishing Village, Dongsha Ancient Town and other places, you can take in the unique beautiful scenery of Daishan Island.
Departure Place: Guangzhou
Dapeng Ancient Town is well-deserved to be called "Guangdong's Beautiful Ancient Village." It's also considered one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Shenzhen." It boasts a majestic ancient city gate, quaint old houses and streets, and even a magnificent general's mansion.
Food is also one of the characteristics of the ancient city. There are rice noodles, general duck, baked chicken, sea grapes, Nan'ao seaweed, salt-baked hairy crabs, blanched red shrimps, sea urchin fried rice, etc. There are so many varieties that you are sure to find your favorite dishes.
This is also the filming location for Stephen Chow's movie "The Mermaid". Follow China-TravelNote to find the dreamy scenes in the movie.
Departure Place: Guangzhou
Yanzhou Island, also known as Dazhou Island, is named after its abundant production of raw salt. It is an island town in Huizhou that still retains the authentic fishing and farming life.
Guanyin Mountain is shrouded in clouds and mist all year round, and the towering silver-white windmills, together with the blue sea, blue sky, beach, wetlands and pristine countryside, form a beautiful scene on earth.
Hidden in seclusion, the island offers little-known attractions. The mangroves, mudflats, egrets, basalt rocks, sunrises, and sunsets are all sought-after destinations for hikers and photographers. Of course, you can also explore the island by boat, experiencing the tranquility of the evening and seeking even more stunning scenery.
Departure Place: Haikou/Sanya
We'll walk through a large coconut grove, offering stunning sea views and a sandy beach. We'll experience the outdoor aesthetics of Glamping, a trek through the coconut grove, hand-picking coconuts, and making our own coconut chicken.
Come to the Leiqiong Haikou Volcanic Group World Geopark, go deep into the volcanic crater, overlook the Qiongzhou Strait from a vantage point, explore the niche Li and Miao ancient villages, taste Miao specialties, and experience Miao skills with inheritors of intangible cultural heritage.
Hike through the pristine rainforest of Qiongzhong, experience the Wizard of Oz, feel like you're back in Jurassic Park, visit the water gypsy Tanka families, and learn about the water nomadic culture.
Take a motorhome and drive along the most beautiful tourist highway in Hainan, enjoying the fun of the coastal highway. You can take in all the beautiful scenery of Riyue Bay, Shimei Bay and Shenzhou Peninsula.
When visiting Hainan, a luxurious staycation is a must! Besides Yalong Bay, there are many other hidden gems for an immersive holiday.
Walking along the Silver Beach of Clear Water Bay, your feet will evoke the crisp, melodious sound of silver bells. For the night, stay at the Raffles Hainan, a hotel that combines captivating coastal elements with distinctive cultural characteristics.
The Mandarin Oriental Coral Bay is hidden in 120,000 square meters of tropical gardens and has an extra-long private beach. From the Guanhaixuan rooms, you can enjoy the charming sea view and take in the tropical scenery.
In the most beautiful sunset restaurant with a fully open-air design, you can breathe with the sea, be intoxicated with the sunset, and feel every moment of being moved by nature.
Departure Place: Xiamen
Take a stroll in the literary city of Xiamen, cross the windmill avenue, and witness the vast beach with hundreds of windmills standing there.
Check in at the internet-famous volcanic island and encounter the secret little Santorini.
Go to Liuao, the Chinese version of Florida Beach, to find the limited fluorescent sea and see the mysterious and magnificent blue tears.
There are also different ways to play in RVs, such as Glamping afternoon tea on the mysterious beach and breakfast facing the sea. Take a coastal nomadic trip to satisfy all your romantic fantasies.
Departure Place: Fuzhou
When talking about islands, most people will think of Sanya first, but few people would think of Pingtan, Fujian, which is known as the "Maldives of China".
Not only can you find the magical blue tears here, but also a beautiful coastline and the same ring road as Taiwan, white dreamy windmill fields, and beautiful sunsets walking in the clouds.
Countless stone houses dot the landscape, creating a pristine, fortress-like landscape. The poetic ideal of "building a house facing the sea, where spring blossoms bloom" is perfectly embodied here. Live at the highest point of the island and enjoy unparalleled views! Overlooking the majestic and vast ocean.
Departure Place: Weihai
Weihai, located on the eastern tip of the Shandong Peninsula, is a beautiful coastal garden city. Its flower-filled streets, shady trees, and tranquil, clean environment make it one of China's most livable cities.
Picture @Photo.net
Weihai's geographical location, surrounded by mountains and the sea, gives it a long coastline. There is no scorching heat in the summer and no severe cold in the winter. It is suitable for tourism all year round and you can swim and play in the sea.
Go to the Sino-Japanese War Memorial Hall on Liugong Island to remember history and the past; go to Xixiakou Chengshantou to see China's earliest sunrise over the sea; and then go to Rushan Silver Beach, one of the best beaches in northern China, to swim, watch the sunrise and catch crabs.
The picture below is from @photo.net
Dreams of beautiful beaches and delicious seafood, this small city has collected all the dreams about vacation, food and shopping.
Picture @Photo.net
Departure Place: Dalian
Dalian is located at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, across the sea from Shandong Province. It is an important coastal commercial city in China and is known as the "City of Romance".
Picture @Photo.net
The narrow coastline of over 100 miles has created many natural beauties, and the countless spots for enjoying and playing in the sea are the best business card of this city.
Picture @Photo.net
Whether you are walking along the coastal area and stopping to take photos, or going to the Little Black Stone Bedrock Coast to encounter the "Blue Tears".
Picture @Photo.net
Or you can go to Xinghai Square and wait for the setting sun to slide across the sky, and feel the unique and infinite charm of this romantic coastal city.
Picture @Photo.net
Spring and summer would be incomplete without a trip to the island. Only by walking on the sand, stepping on the waves, drinking a sip of ice-cold soda, chatting with friends on the beach and watching the sunset, can you make the most of this beautiful season.
