Dongshan Island
Dongshan Island, located in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, is a national AAAA-level scenic area and China’s seventh-largest island. Spanning 220.18 square kilometers, it’s renowned for its unique "Wind-Moving Rock" (Fengdongshi), 16 golden beaches, and historical ties to Ming Dynasty heroes like Qi Jiguang. Dubbed "Oriental Hawaii," the island attracts over 3 million visitors annually for surfing, hiking, and cultural exploration.
Historical Overview
The island’s history dates to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), when General Qi Jiguang stationed troops here to repel Japanese pirates. In 1661, Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) trained soldiers on the island before reclaiming Taiwan from Dutch colonizers. The Wind-Moving Rock, a 200-ton granite boulder balanced on a narrow base, became a symbol of resilience. In 2012, the island gained national scenic status, later expanding to include Hakka cultural zones.
Structural Layout
The island is divided into five zones:
- Wind-Moving Rock Scenic Area: Core attraction with the iconic boulder and Ming Dynasty relics.
- Ma’an Bay Coastal Zone: 2.5km stretch of white sand and turquoise waters.
- Jiulongjiang Estuary: Wetland reserve with migratory birds and fishing villages.
- Hakka Cultural Village: Traditional roundhouses and folk art exhibits.
- Mountain Hiking Trails: Trails linking historic forts and temples.
Key landmarks include the Dongshan Guandi Temple (15th-century shrine to the God of War) and Qi Jiguang’s Stone Inscription (1562 carving).
Major Attractions
- Wind-Moving Rock: A 5.6m-tall granite boulder shaken by wind but never toppled.
- Ma’an Bay: Awarded "China’s Most Beautiful Bay" in 2015, ideal for swimming and kiteboarding.
- Dongshan Guandi Temple: Ming Dynasty temple with intricate woodcarvings and daily incense ceremonies.
- Hakka Cultural Village: Showcases Hakka architecture, including a 300-year-old circular house.
- Jiulongjiang Estuary: Birdwatching platform for egrets and black-faced spoonbills.
- Qi Jiguang’s Fort: Reconstructed Ming-era barracks with cannon demonstrations.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (4–5 hours):
Wind-Moving Rock → Ma’an Bay → Dongshan Guandi Temple → Jiulongjiang Estuary → Exit
Highlights: Iconic rock, bay views, and temple culture. - Adventure Route (6–7 hours):
Add Hakka Cultural Village hike and Qi Jiguang’s Fort cannon experience. - Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Explore all zones, including seafood market tours and sunset cruise.
Ticket Purchase
- Main Attractions: ¥100 (adults), ¥50 (students/seniors).
- Discounts: 50% off for children under 1.4m; free for disabled visitors.
- Purchase: Book online via Ctrip or WeChat (search "Dongshan Island Tickets").
Transportation
- By High-Speed Rail: Xiamen North Station → Yunxiao Station (30 mins), then taxi (40 mins).
- By Bus: Xiamen Hubin Bus Station → Dongshan Island (2.5 hours).
- By Car: Xiamen → Dongshan Island via G15 Expressway (2 hours).
Best Time & Tips
- Ideal Seasons: Summer (June–August) for beaches, autumn (October–November) for clear skies.
- Essentials:
- Wear swimwear and reef shoes for rocky beaches.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat (summer UV levels are high).
- Photography allowed except in temple inner sanctums.
- Prohibited Items: Drones, large bags, and outside food (picnics allowed in designated areas).
- Cultural Note: Remove hats in temples; avoid pointing at sacred objects.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
