Dongshan Island | Quieter than Xiamen, More Pristine than Pingtan

Hidden in Zhangzhou, Fujian, lies Dongshan Island, an island brought to fame by the movie *The Left Ear* yet still maintaining its low-key charm! 🌊 Here, you'll find not only the "dancing" Wind-Moving Rock but also a coastal road comparable to Kenting. Enjoy a fantastic trip for just 500+ RMB per person. This 3-day, 2-night itinerary will guide you through this hidden gem of Southern Fujian!

🚗 Transportation Guide (Avoid the Pitfalls)
🚄 High-Speed Rail:
- Xiamen North Station → Yunxiao Station (40 mins by high-speed train)
- Share a car from the station to Tongling Town (30 RMB/person)
🚗 Self-Driving:
- 2-hour drive from Xiamen (Shenhai Expressway + Dongshan Connecting Line)
⚠️ Caution:
• Don't go to "Dongshan Station" (It's a freight station!)
• Remember to bargain when renting electric scooters on the island (average price 80 RMB/day)

🌟 Top 5 Must-See Attractions

1️⃣ Wind-Moving Rock 🌬️
- The "Number One Wonder Stone in the World," weighing 200 tons yet movable by wind
- 📸 Photo Tip: Take creative "pushing the rock" photos
- 🏯 Nearby: Explore the 600-year-old Tongshan Ancient City

2️⃣ Jinluang Bay Sunrise 🌅
- Stunning sunrise resembling a "Sky Mirror"
- 🏖️ Hidden Gem: Capture amazing reflection shots during low tide
- ⏰ Best Time: Arrive before 5:00 am in summer

3️⃣ Sufeng Mountain Coastal Road 🛵
- Fujian's version of "Kenting"! Blue bridge + cliffside ocean views
- 🚴 Cycling Tip: Ride after 4:00 pm to avoid the sun
- 📱 Filter: Xingtu "Little Kenting" + 50%

4️⃣ Nanmen Bay 🌊
- The colorful fishing village featured in *The Left Ear*
- 🏠 Must-See: Rainbow dam + macaron-colored houses
- ☕ Bonus: Ocean-view cafes hidden in the alleys

5️⃣ Yugu Sandbar 🐠
- A magical sandbar appearing during low tide (perfect for aerial photography)
- ⚠️ Note: It only appears for 2 hours each day! Check the tide times

🏡 Accommodation Recommendations
🌊 Ocean-view Guesthouses:
- Daoyu Hotel (featured in *Up Idol*)
- Yijian Guesthouse (prime ocean view in Nanmen Bay)
- Hua Jian Ling Hai (artistic and refreshing)
💰 Price Range: 200-800 RMB/night

🦞 Seafood Foodie Map
🦀 Must-Try:
- Dongshan Squid (blanched and dipped in mustard soy sauce)
- Seafood Porridge (30 RMB for a large pot)
- Maozai Porridge (locals' favorite breakfast)

🍢 Night Market Recommendations:
- Tongling Night Market (opens at 6:00 pm)
- Tuanjie Road Food Street (seafood barbecue hub)

📷 Photo Guide
👗 Outfit Suggestions:
- White dress + straw hat = island vibes
- Denim shorts + tank top = coastal road cycling style
- *Hanfu* + oil-paper umbrella = ancient city charm

📍 Hidden Photo Spots:
1. Nanmen Bay rooftop (navigate to "Wengong Ancestral Hall")
2. The second blue bridge on Sufeng Mountain
3. The mirror-like beach at Jinluang Bay

⚠️ Important Reminders
✅ Best Time to Visit: April-June/September-November (avoid summer holidays)
❌ Avoid: July-August typhoon season (frequent ferry cancellations)
☀️ Sunscreen Focus: Back of the neck! Tops of your feet! (Don't ask why)
🦟 Mosquito Repellent: A must! The mosquitoes here are fierce!
💧 Special Note: You need to charter a boat to Yugu Sandbar (50 RMB/person)

🗓️ 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary
Day 1:
• Afternoon: Explore and take photos at Nanmen Bay + afternoon tea
• Evening: Sunset at Jinluang Bay
• Night: Explore Tongling Night Market

Day 2:
• Morning: Sunrise at Jinluang Bay
• Morning: Wind-Moving Rock Scenic Area
• Afternoon: Sufeng Mountain Coastal Road
• Evening: Seafood dinner

Day 3:
• Morning: Yugu Sandbar (check the tide times)
• Noon: Buy dried seafood
• Afternoon: Return trip

💡 The beauty of Dongshan Island lies in the first rays of sunlight on the mirror-like beach at dawn, the azure seascape encountered at a turn on Sufeng Mountain, and the lively atmosphere of the night market... When will you set off for this most healing island in Southern Fujian?