Four Days, Three Nights on Dong'ao Island: The Ultimate China Island Getaway (Where "Go Fighting!" Was Filmed)

Meta Description: Discover Dong'ao Island, China's hidden paradise where Go Fighting! Season 4 was filmed. This 4-day, 3-night itinerary covers ferry routes, resort stays, and island activities. No visa needed—just pure tropical bliss.

Have you ever caught yourself scrolling through travel videos, watching turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, silently wishing, "One day, I'll go there"? That "one day" keeps getting postponed by work, bills, and life. But what if I told you that dream island exists right here in China—no passport, no long-haul flights, and costing less than the latest smartphone?

In November 2018, my girlfriend and I flew from Xi'an to Zhuhai for a four-day, three-night island escape. Our destination: Dong'ao Island—the filming location for the season finale of Go Fighting! Season 4. I went initially to "check in" at the celebrity spot. What I found was far more: an affordable, accessible, and utterly stunning tropical retreat.

Why Zhuhai's Dong'ao Island Should Be Your Next Vacation

Zhuhai, known as the "City of a Hundred Islands," boasts 149 islands. Dong'ao Island is just one tiny speck—covering only 4.663 square kilometers with a permanent population of just over 400. But this unassuming island hides a five-star resort experience: pristine white beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, and a resort hotel that rivals any luxury destination.

Zhuhai itself deserves attention. With 95% of its population from elsewhere, "inclusiveness" defines it. It lacks Hong Kong's hustle and Macau's glitz, offering peace and comfort instead. It's officially a "City of Happiness," "National Forest City," and "National Livable City." The first time I visited Zhuhai was in high school, traveling solo through Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Macau, and Shenzhen. What stuck with me was the phrase I heard in both Shenzhen and Zhuhai: "Once you're here, you're a local." No exclusion, no barriers—everyone is an outsider, making it easy to fit in.

A few years later, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge opened—a monumental engineering feat. And my girlfriend, a Go Fighting! fan, kept nagging about visiting the filming location. We were on the same page. We booked our tickets and set off.

Pre-Trip Preparation: Don't Let "Spur of the Moment" Ruin Your Island Adventure

Traveling without a plan is a recipe for disaster—especially for an island trip. Here's your checklist:

Essential Documents: - ID card, bank card, student ID (if applicable) - Exit-Entry Permit for Hong Kong and Macau (港澳通行证) and passport if visiting Hong Kong/Macau

Camera Gear: Dong'ao Island is all about coastal scenery. A wide-angle lens is a must. I brought my Canon 5D Mark III and DJI Mavic Pro, but without an ultra-wide-angle lens, my photos felt incomplete. That was my biggest regret.

Sunscreen: Even in November, coastal UV rays are relentless. If you don't want to end up looking older than you are—like me, a 1995-born guy resembling someone from the 1980s—slather on that sunscreen.

Swimwear: If you come to an island and don't get in the water, did you even come? Bring your favorite swimsuit—it's a joy for photos and swimming.

Final Reminder: Supplies are limited on the island. Bring your own camera memory cards, chargers, and common medications. You won't find them for sale there.

[Link: Essential packing list for island travel in China]

How to Get to Dong'ao Island: Ferry Routes and Tips

Ferry tickets can be purchased through the "Gree Dong'ao Grand Hotel" (格力东澳大酒店) WeChat official account or "Zhuhai Local Treasures" (珠海本地宝). Three main routes serve Dong'ao Island:

We chose Xiangzhou Port—a 1-hour 30-minute journey. Along the way, we got a close-up view of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, a "giant dragon" spanning the sea. Passing beneath it was truly awe-inspiring.

Pro tip: Book ferry tickets at least 3 days in advance during peak season. [Link: Zhuhai ferry booking guide]

Day 1: From the Great Northwest to the Coastal City (1,462 Kilometers)

From Xi'an to Zhuhai, the flight took 2 hours 40 minutes. Our Boeing 737 carried us from the cold northwest to this warm coastal city. Even in November, Zhuhai was hot. The first thing we did after landing? Rush to the bathroom to change into shorts and a T-shirt.

Zhuhai Jinwan Airport isn't huge, but it's a ten-million-passenger airport. After the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge opened, getting to Hong Kong or Macau became very convenient. The airport bus costs 28 yuan per person and goes directly to Gongbei Port.

For our first night, we stayed at Wuyu Select Hotel (吾遇精选酒店). Location was decent—right next to the Zhuhai Grand Theater, just a five-minute walk. But the experience wasn't great: poor service, slow Wi-Fi, and a broken elevator on checkout day. We had to carry luggage down from the seventh floor—maddening. Fortunately, the hotel on Dong'ao Island made up for everything.

Dinner: We visited a "Premium Cantonese Restaurant" near the hotel. Cantonese cuisine includes Guangzhou dishes, Chaoshan dishes, and Hakka dishes. I love Chaoshan food most. This meal leaned toward Guangzhou cuisine—light in flavor but showcasing natural freshness. The hand-torn chicken (手撕鸡) had no spiciness, which felt strange, but the chicken quality was excellent. The steamed pork ribs with rice flour (粉蒸排骨) wrapped in leaves melted in your mouth with subtle fragrance.

Evening: We visited Sun Yat-sen University, founded by Dr. Sun Yat-sen himself. The school may not rank very high nationally, but its founder makes it worth a special trip. Unfortunately, the campus was under renovation, and several beautiful lakes had dried up—a pity.

Later, we went to the Zhuhai Grand Theater—the only opera house in China built on an island. The night view was beautiful, but the nearby seafood street's waste processing created a terrible stench that dampened the mood.

Day 2: Arriving on Dong'ao Island—Checking Into the Go Fighting! Hotel

The next morning, we set off from Xiangzhou Port. We picked up ferry tickets at the ticket hall—double-check the flight number, as many boats depart from here.

During the journey, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge appeared again. Passing beneath it, the awe at this "world wonder" was indescribable. The 21st century belongs to China.

When the ferry arrived at Dong'ao Island, the hotel's shuttle bus was already waiting at the dock. A few minutes later, we reached Gree Dong'ao Grand Hotel—yes, the same hotel where the Go Fighting! Season 4 crew stayed. The hotel consists of three main buildings, covering a large area with comprehensive facilities. Although it was overcast and rainy after we landed, the hotel experience more than made up for the weather.

The front desk service was excellent—quick check-in, and the staff provided a detailed map of the island. Our room had a sea-view balcony. Even in the rain, the view was breathtaking: waves crashing against the rocks, lush green hills in the distance.

Afternoon: We explored the hotel grounds. There's an infinity pool, a private beach, and several restaurants. The Go Fighting! filming locations are scattered around the property—you can spot where the celebrities played games and relaxed. My girlfriend was thrilled.

Evening: We had dinner at the hotel's seafood restaurant. The catch of the day was fresh—grilled fish, steamed prawns, and a local clam soup. The flavors were simple but exquisite. After dinner, we walked along the beach, the rain having stopped. The stars were beginning to appear.

Day 3: Island Exploration and Water Activities

Morning: We woke up to clear skies. After breakfast, we headed to the hotel's private beach. The sand was soft and white, the water turquoise and inviting. We spent the morning swimming, snorkeling, and taking photos. The water visibility was excellent—we saw colorful fish and coral.

Afternoon: We rented a scooter to explore the island. Dong'ao Island is small enough to cover in a few hours. We visited:

• The lighthouse – A picturesque spot with panoramic ocean views
• The fishing village – Where locals sell dried seafood and handmade crafts
• The hiking trail – Leading to a viewpoint overlooking the entire island

Evening: We returned to the hotel for a sunset cocktail at the beach bar. The sky turned orange and pink—a perfect end to a perfect day.

Day 4: Departure and Final Thoughts

Morning: We had a leisurely breakfast, packed our bags, and took the hotel shuttle to the ferry terminal. The return journey was smooth. Back in Zhuhai, we grabbed a quick lunch at a local noodle shop before heading to the airport.

Final Thoughts: Dong'ao Island exceeded my expectations. It's not just a "check-in" spot for Go Fighting! fans—it's a genuine tropical paradise that's affordable, accessible, and incredibly beautiful. If you're looking for a China island getaway without the hassle of international travel, this is it.

FAQ: Dong'ao Island Travel Tips

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Dong'ao Island? A: No. Dong'ao Island is part of mainland China. Chinese citizens need only an ID card. Foreigners with a valid Chinese visa can visit freely.

Q: What's the best time to visit Dong'ao Island? A: October to April offers the best weather—warm but not scorching. Avoid July and August, which are hot, humid, and crowded.

Q: How much does a trip to Dong'ao Island cost? A: A 4-day, 3-night trip for two people costs approximately 3,000–5,000 yuan, including flights, ferry, hotel, meals, and activities. It's cheaper than many domestic beach destinations.

Q: Can I visit Hong Kong or Macau from Dong'ao Island? A: Yes. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge connects Zhuhai to both cities. You'll need a valid Exit-Entry Permit for Hong Kong and Macau.

Q: Is Dong'ao Island suitable for families with children? A: Absolutely. The resort has kid-friendly facilities, a shallow swimming area, and plenty of outdoor activities. It's a safe, relaxed environment.

Ready to Book Your Dong'ao Island Adventure?

Dong'ao Island offers everything you'd want from a tropical getaway—pristine beaches, clear waters, luxury accommodation, and a touch of celebrity glamour from Go Fighting!. And it's all within China's borders, no visa required.

Don't wait for "one day." Book your ferry tickets, pack your sunscreen, and experience the vacation dream that's closer than you think.

[Link: How to book ferry tickets to Dong'ao Island] [Link: Best hotels on Dong'ao Island] [Link: Complete Zhuhai travel guide]

Your island escape is just a click away.