The sky above the salt pans: exploring the unrecorded beauty of Yanzhou Island

[RedHeart] In late spring, Yanzhou Island is always foggy in the early morning. When the first ray of sunlight pierced through the mist, the entire island gradually emerged in the salty sea breeze like an emerald soaked in salt water. [RedHeart] The silvery-white salt fields look like a chessboard left behind by the sea god, with a glimmer of crystal light between the criss-crossing ridges. The footprints left by blue crabs on the mudflats have not yet been wiped away by the tide, winding their way towards the Song Dynasty Salt Temple in the center of the island, which is dyed dark green by moss. [RedHeart] This isolated island suspended in the sea of ​​eastern Fujian has always guarded China's oldest solar salt-making technique with a stubborn attitude. Even the salt particles floating in the air carry the lingering charm of the sea breeze from the Tang and Song dynasties. [RedHeart] While other islands are busy painting tourist postcards with coconut trees and white sand beaches, Yanzhou Island still maintains a posture of negotiation with time - the sound of salt workers stepping barefoot across the brine pools still resonates with the rhythm recorded in "The Exploitation of the Works of Nature". Game guide 📌 Itinerary planning suggestions (2-3 days) Day 1: Natural Ecological Exploration Morning: Arrive at Baisha Village and take a fishing boat through the mangrove wetlands (about 50 yuan/boat). Watch egrets and herons flying in groups. When the tide is low, you can walk on the beach to pick up shells. Afternoon: Go to Hei Pai Cape Geopark (Yangwu Village), hike along the black volcanic rock coastline, and take photos of the stunning scene of waves crashing against the basalt (pay attention to the tide times). In the evening: Climb up to Guanyinshan Windmill Farm (drive yourself or rent a motorcycle) and watch the stunning view of the windmills and the sunset over the sea. Day 2: Slow life on the island Early morning: Waiting for the sunrise over the "Two-Colored Sea" at Wan Chai Beach. The left side is as calm as a mirror, while the right side is surging with waves. Morning: Take a boat to an uninhabited island (such as Dazhoutou) for snorkeling or fishing. You need to contact local fishermen to charter a boat (about 300 yuan/boat). Afternoon: Visit the century-old salt field ruins in Huangbu Town, learn about the ancient salt-making process, and taste salt-baked seafood. Night: Stay in a fishing village B&B and catch crabs on the beach at night (the B&B can provide tools). 🚗 Transportation Guide Self-driving: Navigate to "Yanzhou Island" and take Guanghui Expressway → Shenhai Expressway → Yanzhou Cross-sea Bridge to get there directly. Parking on the island is free. Public transportation: Huidong High-speed Railway Station → Transfer to the "Huidong-Huangbu" bus (about 1.5 hours), and take a taxi to the island after arrival. Transportation on the island: Rent an electric car (80 yuan/day) or take a motorcycle. Some attractions require walking. 🏡 Accommodation recommendations High-end experience: "Luyu Wild Luxury Camp" next to the mangroves, with tent rooms facing the wetlands, including ecological tour (about 800 yuan/night). Best value for money: Cape No. 7 B&B in Wan Chai Village, with a terrace overlooking the beach (about 300 yuan/night). Fisherman's Style: Baisha Village Fisherman's House, stay in a wooden house and enjoy freshly caught seafood (150 yuan per person including meals). 🦀 Must-eat food Fishing Raft Restaurant: Take a boat from Baisha Wharf to the offshore fishing raft and order grouper sashimi and salt-baked conch. Market delicacies: New Fishing Village Food Stall: Signature "Sea Urchin Fried Rice" with golden grains Yeung Uk Village Grandma's Tea Cake: Radish Cake with Homemade Chili Sauce Recommended supper: Huangbu Town's "Auntie Fatty's Charcoal Grilled Oysters" with local rice wine 📸 Photography check-in point Windmill Mountain Milky Way: On a moonless night at the end of the lunar month, you can take photos of the windmill silhouette and the starry sky. Reflection of the salt fields: After the rain, the water in the salt fields is like a mirror, so you can take symmetrical pictures. Fishing village culture: scenes of fishing boats returning to the port and drying fishing nets in Baisha Village. ⚠ Notes The reefs in some areas of Heipai Cape are sharp, so it is recommended to wear non-slip river trekking shoes. There are only two ATMs on the island (Huangbu Town Rural Commercial Bank), so please stock up on cash. The mangrove wetlands are protected areas and breeding birds should not be disturbed (entry into the core area is prohibited from April to July). Some restaurants are closed during the off-peak season (November-March), so it is recommended to contact the B&B in advance to make reservations.