"Xiaochangshan Island": Escape the 40°C Heatwave!

Hidden deep in the Yellow Sea, Xiaochangshan Island is undoubtedly the most picturesque northern island! Part of Dalian's Changhai County and connected to Dachangshan Island by the Changshan Bridge, it resembles a string of emerald necklaces floating on azure waves. With seawater visibility up to 10 meters, powder-fine sand, and average summer temperatures of just 22°C, it was named "Northeast China's Best Summer Retreat Island" by China National Geographic. Legend has it that the island is protected by the Sea Goddess, a belief preserved through the ancient tradition of releasing sea lanterns on the 13th day of the lunar new year. Volcanic rock coasts, jelly-like waters, starry skies, and drinkable natural mineral springs await in this forgotten maritime paradise!

⛺【Must-Visit Spots】
🌊 Top 3 Scenic Highlights
Xiaoshukou Forest Park
The 360° glass walkway is breathtaking! Stroll 550 meters on wooden paths above crystal-clear "jelly sea," then capture Instagram-worthy shots from the 30-meter-high glass platform. Best visited at 4 PM when sunset paints the sea gold. Tickets: ¥40 (includes floating bridge), half-price for students.

Golden Sand Beach
The "Maldives of the North" lives up to its name! The sand is fine enough for hourglasses, and waters glow like a palette. From July-August, you might witness bioluminescent "blue tears" (best during night tides). Bring a drone for aerial "sea ribbon" shots!

Dachangling Tidal Flat
Locals' secret hunting ground! At low tide, hunt for razor clams (sprinkle salt to lure them out), crabs, even sea cucumbers. Check tide tables and arrive 1 hour before ebb tide.

🐚 Cultural Experiences
Bashao Island Sea Ranch: Charter a boat (¥150) to harvest scallops with fishermen, feed seagulls, and savor fresh sashimi. Free fishing gear provided—keep your catch or have it grilled onboard!

Xiaoshukou Lighthouse: Straight out of a Japanese film! Shoot at 3 PM for perfect side lighting against the white tower and blue sea. Nearby volcanic "sea stone forest" offers stunning archway silhouettes.

Sea Goddess Temple: A millennium-old shrine where locals pray for love and safety. The annual lantern festival (13th lunar January) transforms the sea into a galaxy of floating lights.

🦀 Foodie Paradise
✅ Beile Fisherman's House: ¥120/person for mountains of live crabs and mantis shrimp. Must-try: "Fisherman's Pot" (crab + clams + corn + potatoes) with homemade Spanish mackerel sauce.

✅ Haipanyunshan B&B Seafood Buffet: ¥298/person for unlimited premium oysters, abalone, and Arctic surf clams. Includes roast lamb and bonfire parties—book window seats early!

✅ Auntie Zhao's Noodles: Local legend! ¥15 clam noodles are umami bombs. Upgrade to seafood deluxe (+¥5) with fried fish balls.

🚫 Avoid: "Wild sea cucumbers" at scenic spots are often farmed. Wormwood buns are bitter—taste before buying!

🛬【Itinerary】
📅 4D3N Guide
D1: Arrival
🚢 Take ferry from Pikou Port (¥55, 50min) → Taxi to B&B (¥10)
Sunset at Xiaoshukou → Seafood feast
🏨 Haipanyunshan B&B (¥580/night, private beach)

D2: Island Hopping
🚗 Rent e-bike (¥80/day)
Golden Beach (tide pooling) → Bashao Sea Ranch → Lighthouse nightscape
🍚 Lunch: Grilled scallops + fish dumplings onboard
🏨 Beile Fisherman's House (¥480/night, meals included)

D3: Adventure Day
🚶 Free tidal flat hike → Afternoon fishing (¥200, gear included)
🍢 Dinner: Grilled squid (¥10/skewer) under stars
🏨 Island Impression Hotel (¥880/night, watersports)

D4: Farewell
🌅 Sunrise at Golden Beach → Seafood market (50% cheaper) → Hot springs (¥98+)
🏨【Accommodation】
⭐️ Luxury: Island Impression Hotel (¥880/night)
Private beach, smart toilets, perfect for families.

⭐️ Authentic: Changhai Quanfu Fishing Club (¥680/night)
Direct dock access, gear-cleaning stations.

⭐️ Budget: Salty Fish B&B (¥280/night)
5 mins to beach, local hosts provide mosquito spray.

🧡【Tips】
⚠️ Transport:
Only 1 direct ferry to Xiaochangshan (10:50 AM). Better take frequent ferries to Dachangshan + taxi (¥50) via bridge.

🌞 Essentials:
Quick-dry clothes + UV protection (intense sun!).
Mosquito repellent, waterproof shoes, tripod for stars.
Drones allowed (some no-fly zones—register first).

💡 Know Before You Go:
Cash needed in remote villages.
"Changhai Market" for fresh seafood (processing: ¥10/jin).
Book ferries via WeChat "Dalian Puhui Port" (sells out fast!).

Xiaochangshan's summer is a seafood-scented fairytale. While city dwellers hide in AC, fishermen here haul the day's first scallop nets, children build sandcastles, and waves lull you to sleep. This season, elope to 22°C paradise and turn life into poetry! ✨