A Hidden Gem Island Quieter Than Xiamen and Cheaper Than Sanya

Tired of crowded Xiamen and Sanya draining your wallet? Don't worry! Today I'm sharing two amazing hidden gem islands that offer unbeatable value for money – perfect for your next vacation!

Dongshan Island

🎬 Filming location for movies like "The Left Ear" and "Your Wedding," every frame looks like a cinematic masterpiece!
🚗 Transportation:

- High-speed rail: Take the train to Yunxiao Station, then transfer to Bus No. 15 (¥10, about 1h15min to Tongling Town) or share a taxi (¥30-50/person, ~30min).
- Self-drive: Navigate directly while enjoying beautiful coastal views. Note some island roads are narrow with one-way sections – drive carefully.
- Island transport: Highly recommend e-bikes (¥40-120/day) to access most attractions – check battery and brakes before renting! Taxis are available but scarce during holidays. Buses have limited schedules and long waits – not recommended.
🏠 Accommodation:
- Near Tongling Town/Nanmen Bay: Super convenient, walkable to Nanmen Bay and food streets. Recommended B&Bs: "Huatiancuo" (Japanese style) and "Dongshan Island Haiyu Homestay" (sea view).
- Near Jinluan Bay: Perfect for sunrise with great ocean views, though fewer dining options. Try "Jinluan Bay Seaview Apartment" (beachfront) or "Dongshan Island Haiyue Resort Hotel" (luxury sea view). Book 1 month in advance during peak season to avoid price hikes.
🌟 Attractions:
- Nanmen Bay: Colorful houses against azure waters – stunning for sunrise and sunset strolls along the embankment. Note: Locals may charge ¥5-10 to guide you to "Left Ear" rooftop viewpoint. Please help keep the area clean as garbage collection can be delayed.
- Sufeng Mountain Ring Road: Cycle between green mountains and blue sea like a Ghibli anime scene! Multiple photo spots along the way, but steep slopes require full e-bike battery. Avoid riding in rain.
- Jinluan Bay: Pristine sandy beach with crystal water – ideal for sunrise. At low tide, the beach becomes a giant mirror reflecting sky and clouds. Note: Umbrella rentals cost ¥80/day (bring your own gear), and watch for jellyfish in summer.
- Nanyu Twin Seas: Featuring the green lighthouse from "Your Wedding" – a sand path appears at low tide. Check tide times via "Tide Elf" mini-program to avoid getting stranded. Drones/wide-angle lenses recommended for epic shots.
- Wind-Rock Scenic Area (¥45, half-price for students/elders): See the 4m-tall rocking boulder and Tiger Den Dripping Jade sea cave. Commercialized – free old streets outside are worth exploring. Arrive by 7:30am to beat 9-11am crowds.
🍱 Food:
- Seafood: Steamed horse mackerel, blanched squid, crab congee – best at Tongling Night Market or beach stalls. Always confirm prices to avoid overcharging for "market price" items.
- Snacks: Shao mai (shrimp dumplings), grilled skewers, oyster omelet, cat porridge – must-tries!
- Desserts: Four-fruit soup and seaweed jelly – perfect refreshing treats.

Xisha Islands (Paracel Islands)

🌍 Pristine pearls of the South China Sea with crystal-clear waters!
📄 Preparation:

- Documents: Bring ID/passport (household register for children).
- Cruise tickets: Book 1-3 months in advance via official sites (e.g., "Changle Princess," "Nanhai Cruise") – choose cabins by budget.
- Supplies: Summer clothes, sunscreen, swimwear, diving gear, medicine, power bank, camera.
🚢 Transportation:
- To Sanya: Fly to Phoenix Airport or take train/bus.
- To islands: Depart from Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Terminal.
- On islands: Sightseeing buses or walking.
📅 Itineraries:
- 5-day tour:
Day1: Board cruise + educational lectures.
Day2: Visit Yongxing Island (Xisha Museum, recovery monument).
Day3: Morning at Shi Island, afternoon at Quanfu Island (snorkeling).
Day4: Silver Islet (fishing + shallow water walks).
Day5: Return while enjoying sea views.
- 7-day relaxed tour:
Day1: Cruise activities.
Day2: Yongxing Island (lighthouse + military camp).
Day3: Shi Island morning, Quanfu Island afternoon dive.
Day4: Silver Islet (fishing + beach walk).
Day5: Jinqing Island (beach yoga).
Day6: Jinqing sunrise + aquaculture base.
Day7: Return.
🍱 Food:
- Stir-fried squid: Crispy with spicy seasoning.
- Seaweed soup: Made with local seaweed – delicious!
- Coconut cake: Soft, fragrant, and sweet.

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