Four Budget-Friendly Hidden Island Gems Under 2K!

Nan'ao Island

- Must-visit spots: Enter via Nan'ao Bridge and check out Changweishan Lighthouse. Drive along the island loop road passing Tianzai Geological Park and Qian'ao Bay Lighthouse. The Song Well in Yun'ao Town has miraculously fresh water despite being near the sea. The cliffside Sancongya Lighthouse offers breathtaking views. Qing'ao Bay is a natural bathing beach with the "Nature's Gate" Tropic of Cancer landmark. Also worth visiting: Golden Silver Island and Commander-in-Chief's Residence.
- Stay: Qing'ao Bay area is ideal. Try ibis Styles Nan'ao Seaview Hotel near the beach, or Nan'ao Shuxin Yunhai·Shiyuzhou Seaview B&B for tide-pooling experiences.
- Eat: Try Yu Xiang Seafood Restaurant or Sister Xu's Kitchen for local seafood and Chaoshan-style stir-fries.

Hailing Island

- Must-visit: Dajiao Bay Maritime Silk Road Tourism Zone surrounded by mountains is perfect for water activities. Explore ancient shipwrecks at Guangdong Maritime Silk Road Museum. Stroll along the 10-mile Silver Beach, go tide-pooling at Washai Bay, or catch stunning sunsets at Mawei Island.
- Stay: Yangjiang Hailing Island Zhapo Haizhiguan Hotel at Dajiao Bay entrance offers great sea views. Element Yangjiang Hailing Island features high-floor ocean vistas.
- Eat: Numerous seafood stalls serve freshly caught local specialties.

Xiangshan

- Must-visit: Experience fishing culture at China Fishing Village. Xiangshan Film Studio (where "Nirvana in Fire" was shot) offers behind-the-scenes glimpses. The 100-year-old Shipu Fishing Port features Ming-Qing architecture. Songlan Mountain Resort is great for beach fun, while Hua'ao Island's sea stone forest is uniquely spectacular.
- Stay: Crowne Plaza Ningbo Xiangshan offers sunrise views and beach activities. Xiangshan Banshan Guantang provides tide-pooling experiences.
- Eat: Try Yu Mancang Seafood or Haixia Seafood Restaurant for authentic Zhejiang-style seafood.

Shitang

- Must-visit: The Ring Viewing Platform overlooks sea and stone houses. Golden Beach offers various water sports. Colorful Xiaoluo Village is dubbed China's "Cinque Terre". Qilin Mountain provides panoramic sunset views. The free 8km coastal greenway is perfect for photos.
- Stay: Wenling POCOaPOCO B&B features stylish design, while Wenling Zaihaibian offers premium sea-view rooms.
- Eat: Shitang Renjia serves delicious local seafood specialties.