A Hidden Gem Island Ten Times Quieter Than Xiamen and Three Times Cheaper for Seafood Than Sanya

Here’s a comprehensive Dongshan Island travel guide with the latest info, covering transportation, attractions, food, accommodations, and practical tips to help you plan your trip efficiently:

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🚗 1. Transportation Guide

1. Major Transport:

◦ High-speed rail: Arrive at "Yunxiao Station," then take Bus No. 15 (¥10/person) or a shared car (¥30/person) for about 1 hour to Dongshan Island.

◦ Self-drive: About 2 hours from Xiamen; navigate to Tongling Town or Jinluan Bay on Dongshan Island.

2. Island Transport:

◦ Rent an e-bike: The top choice! ¥50-80/day for flexible island exploration (recommended route: Maluan Bay to Sufeng Mountain).

◦ Tourist shuttle: Newly launched "Tourist Line 7" (Wind-Rock Stone ↔ Aojiao Village), segmented fares ¥5-10, connecting major attractions (e.g., Maluan Bay, Sufeng Mountain, Gu Wenchang Memorial Hall), 4 trips daily.

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🌊 2. Must-Visit Attractions

Free Attractions:

• Nanmen Bay: Filming location for the movie "The Left Ear," featuring colorful fishing villages + azure coastline, perfect for sunset photos on the dam.

• Jinluan Bay: Mirror-like beach sunrise ("Sky Mirror"), reflecting the sky at low tide, free entry.

• Sufeng Mountain Ring Road: Half-mountain, half-sea blue bridge, ideal for driving/biking at sunset (ancient fishing village at Yanya Village entrance).

• Fishbone Sandbar: A sandbar that appears at low tide (check tide tables!), resembling a fishbone in aerial shots.

Paid Attractions:

• Wind-Rock Stone Scenic Area (¥45): Includes the "World’s Most Unique Rock," Guandi Temple, and coastal boardwalk, blending culture and nature.

• Maluan Bay (free entry, paid water activities): Natural bathing beach with sailing and snorkeling (around ¥100/person).

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🍜 3. Food Recommendations

Must-Try Seafood:

• Small squid: Boiled or braised, seasonal price ~¥30/jin.

• Oyster omelet: Crispy sweet potato starch + tender oysters, ¥15/serving (try the old shop "Zhongyi Oyster Omelet" at Tongling Night Market).

• Hidden seafood gems: Sandworm porridge, stir-fried clams, boiled conch—available at local seafood stalls.

Local Snacks:

• Shao Jian Ling: Charcoal-grilled pork net-wrapped meat rolls, served with sweet-spicy sauce.

• Xiao Mai (Shaomai): Radish shreds + seafood filling, a breakfast staple at Tongling Town’s old eateries.

• Seaweed Jelly: Made from reef algae, served chilled with honey, ¥5/bowl for summer relief.

Budget-Friendly Restaurants:

• Guo Tiezhu Seafood Stall: DIY seafood platters (¥6-15/plate), ~¥50/person for a feast.

• Beer & Braised Hero: Satay seafood pot + Minnan-style oyster omelet, near Nanmen Bay.

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🏠 4. Accommodation Tips

• Nanmen Bay: Artsy B&Bs with sea views (e.g., "Island Language Homestay"), ¥200-400/night, great for photo lovers.

• Jinluan Bay: Sea-view apartments (e.g., "Guantao Apartment"), ¥150-300/night, steps from the sunrise beach.

• Tongling Town: Budget-friendly, ¥100-200/night, convenient for food and transport.

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📅 5. Itinerary (3-Day Classic Route)

• Day 1: Jinluan Bay sunrise → Sufeng Mountain Ring Road (Yanya Village) → Maluan Bay water activities → Golden Bauhinia Square BBQ night market.

• Day 2: Wind-Rock Stone Scenic Area → Nanmen Bay → Wengong Temple (panoramic Nanmen Bay view) → Tongling Night Market seafood feast.

• Day 3: Fishbone Sandbar (at low tide) → Aojiao Village (X-shaped bay, lighthouse) or off-the-beaten-path Wujiao Bay Windmill Road.

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⚠️ 6. Practical Tips

1. Sun & Tide Protection: Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must! Check Fishbone Sandbar tides daily (WeChat mini-program "Tide Table Wizard").

2. Money-Saving Tips:

◦ Buy seafood at "Xipu Market" and pay for cooking (¥10/jin processing fee).

◦ Avoid holidays when accommodation prices double; book 2 weeks ahead.

3. Pitfalls to Avoid:

◦ Be cautious with "blue tears" tours (peak season April-June, rare in summer).

◦ Choose certified dive clubs (e.g., "Hai Li Wan Club," Maluan Bay Pier).

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💰 Budget Estimate (2 Days 1 Night/Person)

• Transport: Round-trip high-speed rail ¥200 + e-bike rental ¥50 = ¥250

• Accommodation: Homestay ¥150

• Food: Seafood feast ¥80 + snacks ¥50 = ¥130

• Tickets: Wind-Rock Stone ¥45

• Total ~¥600 (excluding interprovincial transport)

Dongshan Island charms with its "semi-pristine fishing village + cinematic seascape" blend, perfect for slow-paced travelers and photographers. Follow for real-time updates before your trip!