Dongshan Island Travel Guide: Beaches, Attractions & Tips

Dongshan Island Travel Guide: Fujian’s Maldives

If you are looking for an island getaway with clear water, white sand beaches, and no overdevelopment, Dongshan Island is your best choice. Dongshan Island is located off the southern coast of Fujian Province, under the administration of Zhangzhou City. It is the second‑largest island in Fujian. With its azure blue water, the famous Wind‑Swaying Rock, fresh seafood, and a relaxed pace of life, it is often called “Fujian’s Maldives.” Compared to Xiamen, Dongshan Island is quieter, more natural, and cheaper. This guide provides complete information to help you plan a perfect island trip.

1. Dongshan Island Overview

Dongshan Island, historically known as “Tongshan,” covers a total area of about 220 square kilometers (85 square miles). It is a continental island connected to the mainland by a bridge, so you can drive or take a bus directly onto the island – no ferry required. Dongshan Island is famous for the Wind‑Swaying Rock, Maluan Bay Beach, Sufeng Mountain Ring Road, and fresh seafood. It was also a filming location for the movie The Left Ear, attracting many young travelers.

2. How to Get to Dongshan Island

From Xiamen

Bus: Xiamen Fanghu Bus Center has direct buses to Dongshan Island. The ride takes about 2.5–3 hours, and the ticket costs about 70–80 RMB. Get off at “Tongling Town” – the central area of the island.
High‑speed train + bus: Take a high‑speed train from Xiamen North Station to Zhangzhou Station (about 30 minutes), then transfer to a bus to Dongshan Island (about 2 hours). This is the fastest combination of public transport.
Private car/self-drive: From Xiamen city, take the Shenhai Expressway to Dongshan Island. The drive takes about 2.5 hours, covering about 170 km (106 miles). Suitable for families or small groups.

From Zhangzhou city

Bus: Zhangzhou Bus Center has direct buses to Dongshan Island. The ride takes about 2 hours, and the ticket costs about 40 RMB.

Getting around the island

Electric scooter rental: The most recommended way to get around. Rent costs about 40–60 RMB per day, making it easy to tour the island. Most guesthouses and rental shops offer electric scooters.
Bus: Dongshan Island has a few bus routes, but service is infrequent.
Ride‑hailing / taxi: Didi Chuxing is available on the island at reasonable prices. From Tongling Town to Wind‑Swaying Rock costs about 10–15 RMB.

3. Best Time to Visit

Best seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). Temperatures range from 20–28°C (68–82°F). The sea is warm, great for swimming and water activities.
Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, but excellent for beach activities. Watch out for typhoons (July–September) – ferries and boats may be cancelled.
Winter (December–February): Mild with little rain, average temperature 10–18°C (50–64°F). The sea is too cold for swimming, but good for sightseeing and hiking.

4. Must‑See Attractions

Wind‑Swaying Rock Scenic Area

Wind‑Swaying Rock is the most famous landmark on Dongshan Island. It is a huge granite boulder weighing about 200 tons, resting on another rock with only a few square centimeters of contact. It sways slightly in the wind but has never fallen for hundreds of years. The scenic area also includes:

Dongshan Guandi Temple: First built in the Ming dynasty (1387). It is the ancestral temple for many Guandi temples in Taiwan and Southeast Asia – beautifully decorated.
Huang Daozhou Memorial Hall: Dedicated to Huang Daozhou (1585–1646), a famous scholar of the Ming dynasty who died resisting the Qing invasion.
Ancient city wall: A Ming‑dynasty coastal defense wall, partly well preserved.
Ticket: About 60 RMB.
Visit duration: 1.5–2 hours.

Maluan Bay

Maluan Bay is the best natural beach on Dongshan Island. The beach is about 2 km (1.2 miles) long, with fine white sand and clear, calm water – ideal for swimming. Water sports such as sailing, jet skiing, and beach volleyball are also available. There are restaurants, changing rooms, and shower facilities on the shore.

Ticket: Free (water sports activities are charged separately).
Visit duration: 2–3 hours or a whole afternoon.
Tip: It gets crowded in summer. Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.

Sufeng Mountain Ring Road

Sufeng Mountain is the highest peak on Dongshan Island, about 274 meters (899 feet) above sea level. The ring road runs along the southeastern coastline of Sufeng Mountain for about 17 km (10.5 miles). The blue railings, black asphalt road, blue sea, and green hills create a beautiful scene. This is the most popular photo spot on the island.

Best way to experience: Rent an electric scooter and ride along the road. There are several viewing platforms for stopping and taking photos. The full ride takes about 1–2 hours (including photo stops).
Best time: Late afternoon for a spectacular sunset.
Ticket: Free.

Nanmen Bay (Filming Location of The Left Ear)

Nanmen Bay is a small bay on Dongshan Island that became a popular spot after the movie The Left Ear was filmed here. The bay is crescent‑shaped, with a row of colorful houses along the beach – great for photos. It is also a good place to watch the sunset. A long seawall runs along the bay – you can walk or sit on the wall and enjoy the sea breeze.

Ticket: Free.
Visit duration: 1–2 hours.
Tip: Come in the late afternoon for sunset. The nearby night market has seafood barbecue in the evening.

Fishbone Sandbar

The Fishbone Sandbar is a unique natural phenomenon – a sandbar that emerges only at low tide, shaped like a fish skeleton. At high tide, it is completely submerged. When exposed, you can pick up shells, dig for small crabs, or take drone photos (if you have one). To reach the sandbar, you need to take a fishing boat from the pier (about 10 minutes).

Location: Southwestern part of Dongshan Island (take a taxi from Tongling Town to Qixia Pier – about 30 minutes – then transfer to a fishing boat).
Cost: Shared boat about 20–30 RMB per person; private boat about 150–200 RMB.
Best time: Check the tide table and go around low tide.
Ticket: The sandbar itself is free.

Dongshan Coastal Boardwalk

This is a walking path along the coastline, extending from Wind‑Swaying Rock Scenic Area to Nanmen Bay. The boardwalk is about 2 km (1.2 miles) long, offering views of the sea, rocks, and fishing boats. Perfect for an evening stroll.

Ticket: Free.
Visit duration: 1 hour.

5. Dongshan Island Food Recommendations

Dongshan Island is surrounded by the sea on three sides, so seafood is the star of the local cuisine. The seafood here is fresh, affordable, and simply prepared to preserve the natural flavor.

Dongshan Baby Squid (Xiaoguan): A local specialty. Boiled and served with soy sauce and mustard – fresh, sweet, and chewy. Price: about 40–60 RMB per serving.
Steamed sea fish: Local fishermen go out daily. Restaurants serve the day’s catch (such as grouper or yellowfin seabream). Steaming is the most common preparation. Price: about 50–100 RMB per 500 grams.
Seafood porridge/seafood noodles: Cooked with fresh shrimp, crab, squid, clams, etc. – extremely delicious. Price: about 20–40 RMB.
Oyster omelet (Hai Li Jian): Similar to Xiamen’s version, but Dongshan Island uses more oysters. Price: about 20 RMB.
Seaweed soup: Dongshan Island produces high‑quality seaweed. A simple seaweed and egg drop soup is light and warming. Price: about 10 RMB.
Cat’s Porridge (Maozi Zhou): Despite the name, it is a rice porridge with seafood and meat slices – a local breakfast choice. Price: about 15 RMB.

Recommended dining places:

Tongling Town Night Market: Opens after 5 PM, with many seafood stalls.
Restaurants around Maluan Bay: Seaside restaurants – slightly more expensive but with great views.
Hexiang Seafood Restaurant: A locally recommended old‑brand restaurant with fair prices.

6. Accommodation Recommendations

Dongshan Island offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to seaside resort hotels.

Tongling Town: The most convenient area, close to Wind‑Swaying Rock, Nanmen Bay, and the night market. Many budget guesthouses (about 100–200 RMB/night).
Around Maluan Bay: Concentrated area for seaside hotels and resorts – suitable for families and couples. Price: about 200–500 RMB/night.
Around Sufeng Mountain: Quiet, great views, but fewer dining options. Suitable for self‑driving travelers.

Booking platforms: Ctrip (Trip.com), Agoda, booking.com. It is recommended to book at least one week in advance, especially during holidays.

7. Suggested Itineraries for Dongshan Island

One‑Day Trip (Round-trip from Xiamen)

7:00 – Depart from Xiamen by bus, arrive at Tongling Town around 9:30.
9:30–11:30 – Visit Wind‑Swaying Rock Scenic Area.
11:30–12:30 – Lunch (try seafood noodles or oyster omelet).
13:00–15:00 – Swim or relax at Maluan Bay.
15:00–17:00 – Rent an electric scooter and ride along Sufeng Mountain Ring Road.
17:00–18:00 – Watch the sunset and take photos at Nanmen Bay.
18:30 – Take the evening bus back to Xiamen (check the bus schedule in advance).

Two‑Day Trip (Recommended)

Day 1: Arrive in the morning. Afternoon: visit Wind‑Swaying Rock Scenic Area + Nanmen Bay + watch sunset. Evening: seafood dinner at Tongling Town Night Market.
Day 2: Morning: swim at Maluan Bay. Afternoon: ride along Sufeng Mountain Ring Road. Return in the evening.

Three‑Day Trip (In‑Depth)

Based on the two‑day trip, add:

Day 3: Morning – visit Fishbone Sandbar (check tide times). Afternoon – walk along the Dongshan Coastal Boardwalk. Evening – enjoy a seaside barbecue.

8. Practical Travel Tips

Sun protection: The UV rays on Dongshan Island are strong. Bring high‑SPF sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses, especially from April to October.
Language: Locals speak Minnan (Hokkien), but younger people can speak Mandarin. Restaurants and shops in tourist areas can handle basic Mandarin. Use a translation app for better communication.
Currency & payment: The currency is RMB. Most restaurants and shops accept WeChat Pay and Alipay, but some small stalls only take cash – carry about 200–300 RMB.
Safety: Dongshan Island has good public security. However, do not swim in non‑designated areas. Pay attention to safety warning signs on the beach.
Gear: If you plan to ride the ring road, bring sun‑protective arm sleeves and a hat. A swimsuit, beach towel, and a waterproof phone pouch are also useful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to take a ferry to Dongshan Island?
A: No. Dongshan Island is connected to the mainland by the Bachimen Bridge. You can take a bus, drive, or take a taxi directly to the island.

Q: Which is better – Dongshan Island or Xiamen?
A: They are different. Xiamen is a bustling city by the sea – more attractions, more convenience, and more tourists. Dongshan Island is a pure island getaway – quieter, more natural, and cheaper. If you have time, visit both.

Q: Is Dongshan Island suitable for swimming?
A: Very suitable. Maluan Bay is an ideal natural beach – gentle slope, clear water, and designated safe swimming areas with lifeguards. Do not swim when the waves are rough.

Q: Are there shared bikes or electric scooters on Dongshan Island?
A: There are shared electric scooters (e.g., Hellobike, Meituan), but the numbers are limited, mostly concentrated in Tongling Town. The most convenient way is to rent from your guesthouse – about 40–60 RMB per day.

Q: What is the cost of living on Dongshan Island?
A: Much lower than Xiamen. A seafood meal costs about 60–100 RMB per person; budget guesthouses cost about 100–200 RMB per night. Budget travelers can have a very comfortable stay.

Q: Do foreign tourists need a special permit for Dongshan Island?
A: No. Dongshan Island is fully open to foreign visitors with a valid Chinese visa.

Q: Are there English‑speaking guides on Dongshan Island?
A: Very few. It is recommended to download a translation app (e.g., Google Translate) or book an English‑speaking guide through travel platforms (e.g., Klook, Trip.com), though this can be expensive. Self‑guided touring is entirely feasible, as there is some English signage.

Final Words

Dongshan Island is a hidden coastal gem that offers an authentic island experience without the crowds. Whether you come for the Wind‑Swaying Rock, the sunsets at Nanmen Bay, the fresh seafood, or just to relax on the beach, this island will not disappoint. It is a place where you can slow down, enjoy the simple life, and escape the hustle of big cities.

Plan your trip to Dongshan Island and experience the Maldives of Fujian for yourself!

Dongshan Island Travel Guide: Beaches, Attractions & Tips

Dongshan Island Travel Guide: Fujian’s Maldives

1. Dongshan Island Overview