Dongshan Island

Dongshan Island, in Dongshan County, Zhangzhou, about 200 km southwest of Xiamen in Fujian, China, is a coastal island linked to the mainland by a causeway and known for white-sand beaches, sea-sculpted rocks and clear water. The trip takes about 2.5-3 hours each way. The simplest route is a direct coach from the Xiamen coach stations to Dongshan county town, costing about ¥60-90 with a few departures daily. Alternatively, visitors take a high-speed train to Zhangzhou (hourly) and connect to a Dongshan coach for a combined ¥60-100. On the island, taxis or DiDi at ¥20-60 per hop link the main sights. The headline attraction is the Fengdongshi (Wind-Moved Stone) Scenic Area in Tongling Town, where a large balancing boulder is said to move in the wind, surrounded by coastal rocks, calligraphy-carved cliffs and sea views. Jinluan Bay offers a broad curve of beach, and the island also has the old Dongshan fort remains and fishing villages where seafood is sold fresh. Because the journey is long, a day trip is demanding, and many visitors stay overnight. A day plan would start at the earliest coach from Xiamen, reach Fengdongshi by late morning, and walk the headland paths before lunch. Seafood restaurants in Tongling Town and near Jinluan Bay serve grilled fish, clams, shrimp and the island's well-known oyster and crab dishes. The afternoon is best at Jinluan Bay, with a return coach scheduled well before evening so as not to miss the last service back to Xiamen. April to October is the usual season, with warm water and long days, though typhoons from August to September can cancel plans. Sun protection is essential, and sandals or light shoes suit the beaches and rocks. Visitors should check the return coach timetable at the station on arrival.