Around Dongshan Island: Encountering a Breathing Blue on Butterfly Wings – The Ultimate Travel Guide

Meta Description: Discover Dongshan Island, Fujian’s hidden gem shaped like a butterfly. From Nanmen Bay sunsets to Wind Stone boardwalks, this 4-day itinerary covers seaside escapes, seafood feasts, and local secrets. Start planning your island adventure today.

Introduction: Why Dongshan Island Deserves a Spot on Your Travel Bucket List

Have you ever stood by the sea and felt your worries shrink into nothing? The sound of waves, like a song that never ends, sweeps away every burden you carry. I’m a devoted follower of the sea—not for romance, but for authenticity. Every stretch of ocean has its own temperament: some are as boisterous as a city, some as gentle as first love, some wild and untamed, others as quiet as an unfinished poem.

This spring, on Dongshan Island in Fujian Province, I found that breathing shade of blue. Shaped like a butterfly and often called Butterfly Island, Dongshan lies quietly between Xiamen and Shantou. It’s the second-largest island in Fujian, yet it remains free from over-commercialization. No crowds, no noise—only pure island life. If you’re looking for a place where you can see the sea, feast on seafood, and capture photos that will blow up your social feed, then add Dongshan Island to your travel list.

Trip Overview: Four Days, Three Nights, Free as the Wind

Travel Dates: Late March (ideal for spring travel)
Travel Companions: Two women, independent travel
Per Person Cost: Approximately 1,500 RMB (including transportation, accommodation, and meals)
Travel Style: No check-in tourism—moving with the flow

Getting to Dongshan Island

High-Speed Rail: Take the train to Yunxiao Station, then transfer to a public bus—about one hour to Tongling Town, fare 10 RMB (bring cash)
Getting Around the Island: Shared e-scooters are everywhere. You can also take a tuk-tuk—5 minutes to the beach, fare about 6 RMB

Where to Stay: Guesthouse “I Want Quiet”

We stayed at a guesthouse called “Wo Xiang Jing Jing” in Tongling Town, about 200 RMB per night. The decor is simple and Japanese-style, as clean as a neighbor’s living room. The owner, a laid-back middle-aged man, came to the island for love and never left. His younger brother, Awen, a local native, became our private guide.

What to Eat: Dongshan Island Food Guide

Local Snacks: Shumai (steamed pork dumplings), caitou wan (turnip balls), fried radish cake
Seafood Recommendations: Oyster omelet, grilled oysters, silverfish omelet, spicy stir-fried clams, flash-fried prawns, seaweed and clam soup (Dongshan seaweed has an incredible texture)
Drinks: Passion fruit and sugarcane juice—sweet and tangy, but don’t drink it too fast, or your stomach will protest

4-Day Dongshan Island Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in the afternoon, check into guesthouse, visit Nanmen Bay and Twin Seas, explore old streets at night
Day 2: Wind Stone Scenic Area, seaside boardwalk, coastal road, Sufeng Mountain, Maluan Bay
Day 3: Guandi Temple, Wengong Temple, Jiuxian Mountain, back to Maluan Bay for daydreaming
Day 4: Sleep in, wander the town, afternoon sea breeze, evening seafood street stalls

First Glimpse of Dongshan: Sunset at Nanmen Bay and the Stillness of Twin Seas

Nanmen Bay: A Movie Scene of Youth

If you’ve seen the film The Left Ear, you’ll recognize Nanmen Bay. But only when you stand here do you understand why the director chose it—every inch of sand, every stone slab, every row of uneven old houses seems to tell a story of youth.

At dusk, we rode our scooter here. In the distance, houses looked like toys tucked away in an old box—delicate and quiet. Waves gently lapped the shore, and the setting sun painted the entire sea gold. If you’re in a bad mood, come here. Let all the past slowly dissolve in the twilight.

By the pier, fishermen returned with full loads. Fishing nets were piled up, wooden bridges swayed, seabirds swept across the sky. The air was thick with a salty, fishy scent—the truest smell of the ocean. At this moment, the sea was no longer that gentle, soft image. It was a vast hunting ground, wild and full of life.

[Link: Best sunset photography spots in Fujian]

Twin Seas: A Hidden Treasure

Following the sunset, we arrived at a spot almost no one knows about—Twin Seas. It’s like an inconspicuous button on a shirt, yet it hides the most stunning scenery.

The butterfly-shaped coastline was impossibly graceful. In the distance, waves gently lapped at a lighthouse; small islands floated quietly on the water. The moment you step onto this fine sand, the whole world falls silent. All your worries are swallowed by the sea, and you become part of the emptiness.

On the hillside, there were wild grass paths; at the cliffs, waterfalls cascaded down; among the reefs, a green lighthouse peeked in and out of view; and on the mountain stood a crumbling temple. These things were small yet persistent, independent yet keeping each other company. This place is perfect for the literary-minded to ponder life, but also for first-time beachgoers to run barefoot and go wild—after all, no one’s watching.

The Boardwalk by Day and Night: From Crashing Waves to Starry Romance

The Wind Stone: A Rock That Looks Like a Dog

Day two was set for the seaside boardwalk and climbing Sufeng Mountain. Awen first took us for a local dim sum breakfast—steamed chicken feet, crystal shrimp dumplings, beef ribs, salted egg yolk buns, and coconut milk osmanthus cake. As a sweet tooth, I was very satisfied.

We climbed up a stone path and passed a Guandi Temple, said to be quite efficacious for fortune-telling about career and love. Then we arrived at Dongshan Island’s landmark—the Wind Stone (Fengdong Stone). But honestly, no matter how I looked at it, it resembled a little dog.

[Link: Top 10 unusual rock formations in China]

The Seaside Boardwalk: A Nightmare and a Paradise for Those Afraid of Heights

The boardwalk hugs the Wind Stone, suspended above the coastline. From afar, you can see seabirds lifted by passing ships; up close, you can hear waves crashing against the rocks. But if you’re afraid of heights, the moment you step onto it, you’ll wonder how Cao Cao, the ancient warlord, managed to “face the sea from a rocky cliff” without his knees giving way.

Still, the view is worth every penny. The sea glowed an impossibly bright blue, and the wind was strong enough to turn long hair into a mermaid’s mane. If you’re a woman with long hair, keep it under control when taking photos.

Night View: Even More Stunning Than Daytime

But if you’re short on time, make sure to come back to the boardwalk at night. The moment darkness falls, the whole world turns romantic. Moonlight spilled across the sea, reminiscent of that cliff scene from Stephen Chow’s film The Mermaid. In that moment, I suddenly understood why someone would give up the moon just to come down to earth.

Near the boardwalk, there was also a sailing museum, full of wooden charm. The most special feature was the floor-to-ceiling windows that reflected the color of the sea. With sunlight filtering through in a soft blue glow, the entire space felt elegant and peaceful.

Awen’s Cats and Sufeng Mountain: Another Way of Living

Awen’s Home: Cats and Spicy Seafood Noodles

After the boardwalk, we went to Awen’s place for a home-cooked meal. The spicy seafood noodle soup he made looked and tasted incredible, paired with local mangoes and wax apples—it was pure heaven.

Even better, he had two blue cats at home. The moment we walked in, we felt something watching us from the stairs. We looked up—a round, fluffy head was staring right at us. That big cat, named “Potato,” always wore an expression like a squished face emoji, so adorable you wanted to take it home.

In that moment, I fantasized: what if I could settle here, own a house, far from the city’s noise, living by the sea? Find a job I love, open a stylish guesthouse, cook occasionally, invite friends for singing and seafood street stalls in the evening. Why bother flying to Singapore, Malaysia, or other faraway places? This is Dongshan Island living—authentic, affordable, and deeply satisfying.

[Link: How to start a guesthouse in coastal China]

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Dongshan Island

1. What is the best time to visit Dongshan Island?

The best time is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Weather is mild, skies are clear, and crowds are thin. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is cool but less ideal for swimming.

2. How do I get to Dongshan Island from Xiamen or Shantou?

Take a high-speed train to Yunxiao Station (about 30 minutes from Xiamen, 1 hour from Shantou). From Yunxiao, take a bus to Tongling Town (1 hour, 10 RMB). Alternatively, drive directly to the island via the Dongshan Bridge.

3. Is Dongshan Island suitable for solo female travelers?

Absolutely. The island is safe, locals are friendly, and public transport is reliable. Many guesthouses are run by families, and you’ll find plenty of solo travelers exploring the coastal road and beaches.

4. What are the must-try foods on Dongshan Island?

Don’t miss shumai (steamed pork dumplings), oyster omelet, grilled oysters, silverfish omelet, and seaweed clam soup. For drinks, try fresh passion fruit juice and sugarcane juice—but sip slowly to avoid stomach upset.

5. How many days do I need to explore Dongshan Island?

Three to four days is ideal. This gives you time to visit all major attractions (Wind Stone, Nanmen Bay, Twin Seas, Sufeng Mountain) without rushing. You can also relax on Maluan Bay or explore old streets at your own pace.

Conclusion: Your Dongshan Island Adventure Awaits

Dongshan Island is more than a destination—it’s a feeling. A place where the sea breathes blue, where fishermen return with full nets, where cats watch you from stairs, and where you can truly slow down. Whether you’re chasing sunset at Nanmen Bay, conquering the boardwalk at Wind Stone, or simply daydreaming on Maluan Bay, this butterfly-shaped island will leave a mark on your soul.

Ready to experience the breathing blue for yourself? Start planning your trip today. Book your train to Yunxiao, pack your camera, and let Dongshan Island show you what authentic island life looks like. Share your journey with us—tag your photos with #DongshanButterfly and inspire others to discover this hidden gem.

Your island escape is just a click away. Don’t wait—let the sea call you home.