Dongshan Island is stunning, but I honestly don't recommend going in December because...........

Dongshan Island Travel Guide (Including Price List) Dongshan Island, praised by National Geographic as the "Maldives of Fujian," is famous for its clear blue sea and sky, ancient fishing village charm, and fresh seafood. Whether you're chasing sunrises, shooting epic photos, or experiencing fishing village life, you can unlock a poetic three-day, two-night trip for about 500 RMB per person. The following guide covers attractions, accommodations, dining, and tips to help you make the most of Dongshan Island. 1. Must-Visit Attractions and Ticket Prices Fishbone Sandbar Ticket: Boat fare 80 RMB/person (round trip, official pier boarding) Highlight: At low tide, the sandbar appears in a fishbone shape, with seawater on both sides forming a "natural moat." Drone shots capture the stunning "fishbone" meeting the sea and sky. Opening Hours: Open all day (plan according to tide schedules, best to arrive 1.5 hours before low tide) Tips: Wear non-slip shoes, bring a straw hat and light-colored clothes, shoot from low angles for better photos; avoid being trapped by rising tides, always check tide times in advance. Sufeng Mountain Island Loop Road Ticket: Free Highlight: A 14.3 km blue road with steep cliffs on the left and rolling waves on the right. New "Rainbow Bus Stop" and "Yanya Lovers" photo spots added. Suitable for cycling or driving. Opening Hours: Open all day Tips: Rent a lithium battery electric bike (50 RMB/day), cycle counterclockwise (Wulong Village entrance → Blue Bridge → Yanya Village), avoid midday heat, early morning or evening rides are more comfortable. Wind-moving Rock Scenic Area Ticket: 45 RMB/person (half price for students with ID) Highlight: The 62-ton "World's Number One Strange Rock" hangs on a cliff edge, can be gently pushed to sway but has stood for thousands of years. The area also features historical sites like the Guan Di Temple and Tongshan Ancient City. Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00 Tips: Hire a guide (30 RMB) or use AR explanations to learn about the "Three Loyalists of Tongshan" resisting the Qing dynasty. South Gate Bay Ticket: Free Highlight: Filming location of the movie "The Left Ear," colorful fishing village contrasts beautifully with the blue bay. Evening strolls along the sea wall offer views of village lights mingling with waves. Opening Hours: Open all day Tips: Shoot the "colorful houses + blue bay" oil painting-like scene after 4 PM; enjoy grilled squid, cat congee, and other snacks at the night market. Jinluan Bay Ticket: Free Highlight: At low tide, the mudflats form a "sky mirror," and the sunrise paints the beach red, a paradise for photographers. Opening Hours: Open all day Tips: Arrive at 5:30 AM, wear a light-colored long dress, shoot from low angles for dramatic "walking on clouds" photos. 2. Accommodation Recommendations and Price Range Budget Hotels: 150-200 RMB/night Recommended: "Left Ear Inn" in Tongling Town, 5-minute walk to South Gate Bay night market, includes Minnan-style breakfast (vermicelli soup + fried dough sticks); Dongshan Huayue Hotel, great location convenient for South Gate Bay, Maluan Bay, and Sufeng Mountain, ideal for sightseeing enthusiasts or families with kids. Comfortable Seaview Rooms: 200-400 RMB/night Recommended: Nalando Seaview Resort Hotel, sea view right outside the door, 270-degree unbeatable sea views with a trendy pool, perfect for sunrise watching; Maluan Bay "Beautiful Island Homestay," 5-minute walk to the beach, family-friendly. Unique Homestays: 180-300 RMB/night Recommended: South Gate Bay Seaview Homestay, immersed in local life, sea view and sound of waves from the window, great for artistic youth; Yanya Village Ancient Fishing Village Homestay, experience original fishing village life, ideal for deep travelers. 3. Dining Costs Snacks per person: 10-20 RMB/portion Recommended: Grilled squid (10 RMB/skewer), cat congee (15 RMB/bowl), four-fruit soup (20 RMB/bowl) at South Gate Bay night market; seafood fried rice shop on Wanxiang Road, island seaweed fried rice 19.37 RMB/portion, topped with seafood bits, fresh and tasty. Meals per person: 50-80 RMB Recommended: "Afang Seafood Stall" in Tongling Town, steamed small squid (48 RMB/plate), freshly caught fish and shrimp cooked on the spot (processing fee 10 RMB/dish); food stalls near "Big Meat Mountain" in Aojiao Village, freshest seafood, about 60 RMB per person to eat to fullness. Special Experiences per person: 30-50 RMB Recommended: South Gate Bay Fishing Experience Center (30 RMB/person), go out to sea with fishermen to drag nets, freshly caught fish and shrimp can be cooked on site; Dingjie Ancient House Teahouse (20 RMB/cup), drink Dongshan old tea and listen to the owner tell the history of the ancient town. 4. Budget Control Budget Travel per person: about 500-800 RMB (excluding major transportation) Items: Accommodation: 2 nights in budget hotel or homestay, about 300-400 RMB Dining: 3-day meal budget about 200-300 RMB Tickets: Fishbone Sandbar boat fare, Wind-moving Rock ticket, etc., about 150 RMB Transport: Rent electric bike or use bus on the island, about 50-100 RMB Others: Reserve 50-100 RMB for shopping or entertainment Comfort Travel per person: about 800-1200 RMB (excluding major transportation) Items: Accommodation: 2 nights in comfortable seaview room or unique homestay, about 600-800 RMB Dining: 3-day meal budget about 300-450 RMB Tickets: Same as above Transport: Rent car or charter on the island, about 150-200 RMB Others: Reserve 100-200 RMB for shopping or entertainment 5. Pitfall Avoidance Guide Tide Safety: Before visiting Fishbone Sandbar, Double-sided Sea, and other spots, be sure to check tide times via the "Dongshan Island Tourism Service Center" WeChat official account to avoid being trapped by rising tides. Transport Pitfalls: Avoid unofficial black boats at village entrances; choose official boats at Aojiao Village pier; use legitimate ride-hailing apps to avoid being overcharged by illegal taxis. Seafood Overcharging: When ordering, ask the owner to show you the live seafood in the tank and clarify prices (e.g., small squid peak season 30 RMB/jin) to avoid frozen seafood being passed off as fresh catch. Accommodation Choice: Popular seaview rooms may actually be far from the sea; family trips recommend homestays near Maluan Bay, couples recommend homestays in Tongling Ancient Town. Shopping Tips: Souvenir prices in scenic areas are inflated; city shops like "Old Lin Fish Ball Shop" handmade fish balls (30 RMB/jin) and "Dongshan Specialty Store" first-harvest seaweed (80 RMB/jin) are more authentic. The beauty of Dongshan Island is hidden in every tide's rise and fall, in every bite of fresh seafood, and in the locals' love for this sea. Bring this guide and come to Dongshan Island to feel the healing of blue sea and sky and the vibrant life of fishing villages!