Zhuhai Dong'ao Island Travel Guide, This One Article Is Enough
by AimoKoivisto
Sep 15, 2025
Hidden around Zhuhai is a treasure island that 99% of people don't know about! 🏝️ Diamond Beach, 🌅 stunning sunsets, 🦞 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!
🚢 Transportation Guide
⛴️ Departing from Zhuhai:
- Hengqin Pier (40-minute journey/CNY 85)
- Xiangzhou Port (50-minute journey/CNY 100)
🚗 Self-driving bonus: Don't sleep when passing through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge! The sea view along the way is stunning!
🎫 Ticketing tips: Book tickets 3 days in advance on the "Xiangzhou Port" official account
🌟 Top 5 Must-Visit Spots
1️⃣ Nansha Bay Diamond Beach 💎
- A rare white sand beach in Guangdong! The seawater is crystal clear
- Hidden trick: Go beachcombing at low tide (lots of small crabs)
- 📸 Best time: The golden hour from 4-6pm
- 🏖️ Beach facilities: Showers/lockers/water activities
2️⃣ Honeymoon Pavilion 1008 Steps 💕
- A must-visit for couples! Each step is engraved with love poems
- 🌄 Climbing reward: 270° panoramic sea view
- ⚠️ Reminder: Bring a bottle of water + wear comfortable shoes
3️⃣ Chongcheng Ruins 🏰
- Ruins of a military fortress from the Qing Dynasty
- 🎞️ Filming paradise: Get retro blockbusters easily
- 🌅 Added bonus: This is a great place to watch the sunrise
4️⃣ Stone Scenic Gallery 🪨
- Superb sea erosion wonders
- Must-take photo spot: Glass viewing platform (not for the faint of heart)
- 🚶 Recommended route: Shoot silhouettes against the backlight in the evening
5️⃣ Seafood Pier 🦀
- Fishing boats return to port at 4pm for direct purchase
- 💰 Bargaining skills: The boss will definitely lower the price if you pretend to leave
- 🍴 Processing recommendation: "Seajack No.1" next to the pier
🦞 Dong'ao Island Cuisine
🦪 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)
🍪 **Hidden Gems:
- Old-fashioned sesame cakes (amazing with coffee)
- Sea urchin fried rice (limited supply, grab it while you can)
🏨 Accommodation Guide
💰 Value for money options:
- Gree Dong'ao Hotel (private beach)
- Homestay clusters (CNY 200+/person)
🌌 Stargazing Bonus:
Some homestays offer rooftop telescope stargazing services!
📷 Photo Tips
👗 Outfit plan:
- White dress + straw bag = island blockbuster
- Bikini + cover-up = hot beach babe
📍 Niche angles:
1. Honeymoon Pavilion corner window frame composition
2. Arch silhouette of Chongcheng Ruins
3. Nansha Bay swing backlit shot
⚠️ Important Tips
✅ Sun protection three-piece set: Anessa sunscreen + sunglasses + arm sleeves
✅ Mosquito repellent spray! The mosquitoes on the island are super fierce
✅ Prepare CNY 500 in cash (some stalls only accept cash)
✅ Book a room 2 weeks in advance on weekends (very popular!)
💡 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























