Lian Island Travel Guide: Exploring Jiangsu's "Little Maldives," Your 2-Day, 1-Night Escape

As one of the few natural islands in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai region, Lianyungang's Lian Island is like an emerald lost in the Yellow Sea. Its blend of mountains and sea captivated my island-loving heart. Avoiding the peak season crowds, I found the secluded "waves on my left, cliffs on my right" experience of my dreams in the cool early autumn sea breeze. --- 【Transportation Tips】 Driving: Navigate to "Lian Island Tourist Center." Parking is CNY 10/day. Transfer to the scenic shuttle bus (CNY 20 for unlimited rides). High-speed Rail: A taxi from Lianyungang Station takes about 40 minutes (approx. CNY 60). Driving is recommended for greater flexibility. Tickets: CNY 30 during the off-season (November–April), CNY 50 during peak season. Lian Island Underwater World charges an additional CNY 60. --- 【4 Must-Experience Romantic Moments】 1. "Island Postcard" at Dasha Bay Enjoy the 2,000-meter crescent beach at 7 a.m. Walk barefoot on the sand, polished smooth as silk by the tide, as waves carrying seashells gently kiss your ankles. The red and white lighthouse on the shore and the azure sea create a cinematic scene. Remember to bring a windproof cover for your drone when taking aerial shots. 2. Cliff Hiking at Suma Bay Walk along the 2.5 km seaside boardwalk, where every frame is a real-life version of *Ponyo*. Discover mini tide pools among the reefs, and after a 15-minute wait, you might see small crabs and mudskippers putting on their own "Finding Nemo" show. The peacock garden at the summit has release performances daily at 10:30 a.m./3:00 p.m. The moment the blue peacocks fly across the sea is breathtaking. 3. Lian Island Sunset Spectacle Head to Deng Xiaoping Sculpture Park in the evening and watch the sunset paint the sea orange from the 270° viewing platform. Local fishermen say that around the 15th day of each lunar month, you can experience the double romance of "the moon rising from the sea, sharing this moment from afar." 4. The Fishing Village That Never Sleeps After 5 p.m., when the tourists disperse, Lian Island transforms into a stage for fishing life. Follow the bucket-carrying uncles to the West Causeway and watch the returning fishing boats unload their shimmering silverfish. The pier stalls offer made-to-order seafood, with an average cost of CNY 80 for seafood freedom. --- 【Lian Island Culinary Delights】 Must-try Trio: Spicy Stir-fried Clams (plump and sand-free), Salt and Pepper Mantis Shrimp (with roe in September–October), Cold Sea Jellyfish Salad (crispier than potato chips) Hidden Menu: Sweet-talk the owner of the processing shop to unlock "Seafood Noodles," with a broth made from 10 kinds of small seafood that will make your taste buds sing. Avoid: Dishes with vague "market price" tags. We recommend buying your own seafood at Xugou Seafood Market and having it processed (CNY 15/dish). --- 【Accommodation Gems】 Sea View Lovers: Choose "Haizhou Bay Fisherman's House," the only seaside guesthouse on the island, and watch the fishing boats twinkle from your bed. Best Value: Choose chain hotels near Xugou Seafood City, where you can enjoy sea-view rooms for CNY 200+ and a 5-minute walk to seafood restaurants. Immersive Experience: Contact local fishermen in advance (not through platforms) for a stay including three meals and a boat trip for around CNY 150 per person. --- 【3 Secret Tips】 1. Don't be discouraged by cloudy days! Visit the suspension bridge when it's foggy for a "Misty Island" blockbuster shot. 2. Bring bread to feed the seagulls: The largest flocks gather at the reef area east of Dasha Bay during low tide in the afternoon. 3. Want to photograph an empty beach? The last shuttle bus departs at 6 p.m. Those staying on the island know what to do... --- 【Travel Journal】 When the urban heat island effect gets to you, the mountains and seas of Lian Island offer a primal energy. Sitting on a swing in Suma Bay, watching cargo ships slowly slice through the sea, I suddenly understood what the fishermen meant by "time here is measured by the tides." Perhaps the meaning of travel is to become a reef on the island, letting time and waves gently wash over you. Tips: The annual Opening of the Sea Festival in September is very lively. After National Day, the crowds decrease sharply, and the experience improves significantly. The actual experience may vary due to weather, policies, and other factors. Check the latest announcements before traveling.