Dong'ao Island, Zhuhai: I Flew Three Times Just for This Glass-like Sea!

Hidden around Zhuhai is a treasure island that 99% of people don't know about! ๐Ÿ๏ธ Diamond Beach, ๐ŸŒ… stunning sunsets, ๐Ÿฆž seafood feasts... This 3-day, 2-night in-depth guide to Dong'ao Island will help you unlock the most healing island getaway in Guangdong!

๐Ÿšข Transportation Guide
โ›ด๏ธ Departing from Zhuhai:
- Hengqin Pier (40-minute journey/CNY 85)
- Xiangzhou Port (50-minute journey/CNY 100)
๐Ÿš— Self-driving bonus: Don't sleep when passing through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge! The sea view along the way is stunning!
๐ŸŽซ Ticketing tips: Book tickets 3 days in advance on the "Xiangzhou Port" official account

๐ŸŒŸ Top 5 Must-Visit Spots

1๏ธโƒฃ Nansha Bay Diamond Beach ๐Ÿ’Ž
- A rare white sand beach in Guangdong! The seawater is crystal clear
- Hidden trick: Go beachcombing at low tide (lots of small crabs)
- ๐Ÿ“ธ Best time: The golden hour from 4-6pm
- ๐Ÿ–๏ธ Beach facilities: Showers/lockers/water activities

2๏ธโƒฃ Honeymoon Pavilion 1008 Steps ๐Ÿ’•
- A must-visit for couples! Each step is engraved with love poems
- ๐ŸŒ„ Climbing reward: 270ยฐ panoramic sea view
- โš ๏ธ Reminder: Bring a bottle of water + wear comfortable shoes

3๏ธโƒฃ Chongcheng Ruins ๐Ÿฐ
- Ruins of a military fortress from the Qing Dynasty
- ๐ŸŽž๏ธ Filming paradise: Get retro blockbusters easily
- ๐ŸŒ… Added bonus: This is a great place to watch the sunrise

4๏ธโƒฃ Stone Scenic Gallery ๐Ÿชจ
- Superb sea erosion wonders
- Must-take photo spot: Glass viewing platform (not for the faint of heart)
- ๐Ÿšถ Recommended route: Shoot silhouettes against the backlight in the evening

5๏ธโƒฃ Seafood Pier ๐Ÿฆ€
- Fishing boats return to port at 4pm for direct purchase
- ๐Ÿ’ฐ Bargaining skills: The boss will definitely lower the price if you pretend to leave
- ๐Ÿด Processing recommendation: "Seajack No.1" next to the pier

๐Ÿฆž Dong'ao Island Cuisine
๐Ÿฆช Must-eat three-piece set:
1. Grilled oysters with garlic (CNY 15/piece, super big!)
2. Plain boiled sea snails (so fresh and sweet you'll stomp your feet)
3. Typhoon shelter-style fried crab (so fragrant you'll lick your fingers)

๐Ÿช **Hidden Gems:
- Old-fashioned sesame cakes (amazing with coffee)
- Sea urchin fried rice (limited supply, grab it while you can)

๐Ÿจ Accommodation Guide
๐Ÿ’ฐ Value for money options:
- Gree Dong'ao Hotel (private beach)
- Homestay clusters (CNY 200+/person)

๐ŸŒŒ Stargazing Bonus:
Some homestays offer rooftop telescope stargazing services!

๐Ÿ“ท Photo Tips
๐Ÿ‘— Outfit plan:
- White dress + straw bag = island blockbuster
- Bikini + cover-up = hot beach babe

๐Ÿ“ Niche angles:
1. Honeymoon Pavilion corner window frame composition
2. Arch silhouette of Chongcheng Ruins
3. Nansha Bay swing backlit shot

โš ๏ธ Important Tips
โœ… Sun protection three-piece set: Anessa sunscreen + sunglasses + arm sleeves
โœ… Mosquito repellent spray! The mosquitoes on the island are super fierce
โœ… Prepare CNY 500 in cash (some stalls only accept cash)
โœ… Book a room 2 weeks in advance on weekends (very popular!)

๐Ÿ’ก This small island, only a 1-hour ferry ride from Zhuhai, has both the glass-like sea of the Maldives and the cliff views of Santorini. The key is that there are fewer people, beautiful scenery, and cheap seafood! Take this guide and set off this weekend!

Post by Andrew Kingsley | Apr 10, 2025

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