Donghai Island (东海岛), by the Pacific Ocean, is the fifth largest island in China and largest in Guangdong. Throughout history, it has been a hub of the Maritime Silk Route.
Understand
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Donghai Island has an area of 286 km2 (110 sq mi) and a shoreline of 160 km (99 mi), its extent is 20 km north–south and 32 km west–east.
The island serves as an important crossroads for China’s trade with countries along the Indian Ocean, the Pacific, and Europe. It is also a key gateway for imports and exports in China’s Southwestern Golden Triangle Economic Zone. The Maritime Silk Road has brought cultural exchanges.
In the west, the island is connected to the mainland by a long causeway/bridge. The north-central part of the island has a new industrial zone, with a steel mill, an oil refinery, pharmaceutical factories, etc.; it even has a railway connection to the mainland (freight only). The rest of the island, including its south shore, is mostly rural, with fishing villages, aquaculture (shrimp) ponds, and fields of sugar cane, corn, and "lucky bamboo" (富贵竹).
Districts
[edit]Dongshan District blends urban and rural landscapes, traditional local culture and modern development. Dongshan Bridge and Dongshan Square are area landmarks.
Min’an Town is famous for its rich historical and cultural heritage, with many local temples and traditional festivals. Major landmarks include Min’an Temple and Min’an Old Street. It's of interest for cultural tourism, local crafts and festivals.
Donghao Town boasts beautiful coastal scenery and agricultural landscapes, with charming ocean views, and the Donghao Agricultural Museum.
Naozhou Town is a vibrant fishing hub known for its unique seafood cuisine. Its landmarks include Naozhou Harbor and Naozhou Seafood Market.
History
[edit]Historically, this island served as an important hub for maritime transport and trade due to its strategic location. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was known for its fishing and salt industries. In modern times, the island has developed strong petrochemical and tourism industries.
Climate
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Donghai Island is a large, flat island. It has a tropical monsoon climate which is warm and humid all year. The average temperature is between 22°C and 25°C. Winters are mild with little cold weather.
There is plenty of rainfall, especially from May to September during the summer, with typhoons common. The island gets a lot of sunshine, especially in winter and spring.
Surrounded by the sea, the air is humid, and breezes from the sea blow all year, making the weather comfortable.
Get in
[edit]Connections by road are via the bridges from Zhanjiang, the main one (and an old parallel one) from Huguang, another from Leizhou.
By bus
[edit]- 1 Dongjian Passenger Station (东简客运站). Several city bus routes from Zhanjiang (mostly from Xiashan, but some also from Chikan) run into Donghai Island, making frequent stops along their routes. Their destinations include Donghai Island Bus Station (东海岛客运站) in Dongshan Town, Dongjian Bus Station (东简客运站) in Dongjian, Longhaitian Bus Station (龙海天客运站) near Donghai Beach, and the Dongnan Harbor (东南码头, where ferries to Naozhou dock).
Take a bus from "Xia Mountain - Southeast," "Xia Mountain - Longhaitian," or "Xia Mountain - Min'an" (make sure to inform the driver that you want to go to Donghai Island). You will arrive at the Donghai Island bus terminal, with a fare of 8 yuan. Buses depart every 20 minutes from near the Xia Mountain Railway Station, with a fare of 8 yuan. - 2 Xiashan East Dike Station (霞山东堤站). No. 32 (Dongti bus station in Xiashan (霞山东堤站) to Dongnan Harbor (东南码头) at the southeastern tip of Donghai Island).
- 3 Southeast Wharf (东南码头). There are also express buses from the mainland (from both bus stations in Zhanjiang, and from Leizhou) to some points in Donghai Island, in particular to the Dongnan Harbor.
By taxi
[edit]The distance from Zhanjiang Railway Station to Donghai Island is about 35 km, and the fare is approximately ¥110.
By car
[edit]Donghai Island has a 6.8-km road connecting the island to Zhanjiang city’s road and rail networks. An old causeway (can be used by bicycles and motorbikes) and the new bridge parallel to it run to Donghai Island from the southern suburbs of Zhanjiang (the Huguang area).
Get around
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By road
[edit]A 28-km central road connects all parts of the island. Roads like Zhanlin Road, Haiming Road, Taosheng Road, Shugang Road, and Southeast Avenue are all paved.
By train
[edit]Donghai Island is connected to the mainland via a high-speed railway that has 6 stops on the island. It consists of two parts: from Huanglue to Zhanjiang West, and from Zhanjiang West to the steel factory.
The first part starts from the Maozhan Railway Huanglue Station and heads west to Zhanjiang West Station on the Yuehai Railway, a distance of 18 km. The second part starts from Zhanjiang West Station, crosses Tongming Bay, and reaches the Donghai Island steel and refining base and is 40 km long.
See
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- 1 Cross-Sea Bridge (东海岛跨海大桥). The Donghai Island Cross-Sea Bridge is 32.5 km long, one of the longest cross-sea spans in the world.
- 2 Longhaitian Tourism Area (龙海天度假区). Longhaitian is in the eastern part of the island. It is a natural area formed by mountains, valleys, hills, beaches, and green forests. Longhaitian is one of the most remarkable scenic spots in the area. It is believed to have formed from a volcanic eruption in ancient times. Standing at 110 meters, the area is perpetually lush and picturesque. It is said that before the French colonizers took over Guangzhou Bay, the area around Longhaitian was covered in white sand, with only the peaks being reddish clay. On the summit of Longhaitian, there is a temple called the "Gaoshan Gong" temple, carved from a large stone, a delicate piece of craftsmanship. According to legend, when Gaoshan Gong was traveling to the South Sea to attend the Peach Banquet hosted by Guanyin, he could not fly over Longhaitian because of its height. In his frustration, he kicked a large portion of the mountain away, creating the current landscape. Later, Gaoshan Gong stayed in the area. Near the temple, there is a cave with a diameter of one meter and an immeasurable depth. On the mountain, there were figures, drums and gongs, all made from stone. When struck, the stone drum produced a mystical sound. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by the French colonizers who blasted it to build a lighthouse.
- 3 Longshuiling (龙水岭). Longshuiling is the gateway for ships entering and exiting Zhanjiang Port, a natural "green marker." Beneath it, there are abandoned military tunnels carved through the mountain, full of clever mechanisms. It is planned to be developed into a multifunctional entertainment spot called the "Underground Dragon Palace." Longshuiling is not high, and compared to the average natural elevation of about 20 meters on Donghai Island, it gives the feeling of ascending Longshuiling and looking down on Little Donghai. Standing at the top, the natural scenery of Donghai Island is visible in its entirety. To the west, the fields are dotted with green, the clouds are magnificent, and to the east, the vast sea stretches endlessly. Looking closely, the white waves roll in layers, and the silver sands shine. The sound of the wind in the forests and the waves crashing adds to the atmosphere. The origin of Longshuiling's name is unclear, but there are various local legends. One story says that it was originally a feng shui site chosen by the local Long family ancestors but was destroyed by the government and turned into a mound. Another legend tells of a time long ago when the Queen Mother of the West came to Earth and accidentally lost a fragrant pearl in Hong Kong. The Dragon King sent ten small dragons to guard the pearl, and one white dragon, captivated by Donghai Island's beauty, left its post and settled there, enjoying the scenery.
- 4 Longhaitian Beach (龙海天沙滩). Also known as Longhai Beach, it is recognized by world tourism authorities as the second longest beach in the world, stretching 28 kilometers long and 150 to 300 meters wide. It ranks just behind Australia's Gold Coast and is the longest beach in China.
- 5 puolao gong (婆老宫). Puolao Gong is a famous sea harvesting spot close to Dongshan Town, easily accessible by electric scooter. Sea harvesting activities are closely tied to the tidal schedule, so it’s important to check the tidal times before setting out. When the tide goes out, a large variety of seafood appears on the beach, attracting many people to collect them. The first wave of participants usually gathers the most, as the seafood is concentrated in the tidal areas when the tide recedes early. Puolao Gong is also a popular location for sunset viewing.
- 6 Zhuang Clan Ancestral Hall (庄氏宗祠). The Zhuang Clan Ancestral Hall carries an 800-year history and serves as a spiritual and cultural hub for the Zhuang family. Dongshan Village, renowned for its rich heritage, has produced numerous notable figures who made significant contributions in various fields. The ancestral hall honors the Zhuang ancestors, including Zhuang Qiang (a scholar official), Zhuang Guanghan (a scholar of the Imperial Academy), Zhuang Changzong (a national scholar), Zhuang Zhicheng (a national scholar), Zhuang Changju (a Wenlin Lang), Zhuang Quancheng (a county magistrate), and other esteemed individuals such as Zhuang Jingliu, Zhuang Yuanpin, Zhuang Quanjiang, and Zhuang Erbu, who excelled as scholars, officials, and virtuous individuals. The ancestral hall’s architecture is ancient and dignified, reflecting the unique style of clan structures in the Lingnan region. During ancestral festivals, the hall is vibrant with incense offerings and gatherings of clan members.
Do
[edit]Festivals
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- Donghai Island God Parade Activities (东海岛游神活动) (Min’an Town). Every year on the 4th day of the Lunar New Year. In Zhanjiang, many towns and villages share a tradition of processions known as “You Shen” (God Parade), a custom deeply rooted in the region’s culture. Activities like piercing with “Ling Jian” (divine arrows) or walking on “Zhang” (rods) are part of these vibrant rituals. Commonly referred to as the “Nian Li” (Annual Festival), this unique tradition in western Guangdong centers on communal worship and celebration. The event rotates across different areas in Zhanjiang according to a set schedule.
On the designated day, villagers dress in their finest attire to honor deities, pay respects to ancestors, and conduct sacrifices to the land and community gods. These elaborate ceremonies are a prayer for good weather, prosperity, and peace. The vibrant atmosphere, colorful costumes, and grand rituals make it a truly unforgettable experience. - Donghai Island Traditional Customs and Beliefs (东海岛传统文化习俗), Min’an Town, Donghai Island, Zhanjiang. Every year on the 2nd and 16th day of the Lunar Month and during important festivals. Donghai Island preserves many traditional customs and folk beliefs. One of these is “Bai Gongzu”, a long-standing local custom where, on the 2nd and 16th day of each month, as well as during important festivals, every household prepares offerings to honor the family gods and ancestors, praying for peace and happiness. Another unique spiritual treasure of the island is the Ji Tong culture. Carefully selected and trained mediums, known as Ji Tong, perform rituals to pray for blessings and remove misfortune for the people, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of humans, nature, faith, and reality.
- Donghai Island Human Dragon Dance (东海岛人龙舞), Dongshanwei, Dongshan Town, Donghai Island, Zhanjiang Development Zone. Every year on the 16th day of the Lunar New Year. The Donghai Island Human Dragon Dance is an ancient traditional dance art that originated in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, with a history of over 300 years. The dance consists of three parts: the dragon head, body, and tail, performed by both strong men and children. The dragon head symbolizes the spirit of the dragon, with a strong man carrying three children to represent the dragon’s horns, eyes, and tongue. The dragon body is formed by performers lying down in sections, connecting to create the shape of a yellow or green dragon. During the performance, dancers move to the rhythm of the drums. The dragon’s eyes shine brightly, its body rolls left and right, and the tail swings up and down, creating a magnificent and powerful scene. It looks like the dragon is flying in the sky, displaying strength and unity. This dance is rich in local flavor and is hailed as “A Unique Treasure of the East,” a gem of Donghai Island’s folk culture.
Eat
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Min'an stove crab
[edit]Min'an stove crab is a famous local specialty. People often attend banquets in Min'an and featuring this crab.
The stove crab gets its name because it is caught in "stoves," which are artificial crab holes. When crabs become fat, they need to enter the stove to shed their shells. People catch them in these man-made holes. The stove crab has a chance to "perfect itself" after entering the stove, which makes it different from other crabs. It is known for being fat, fragrant, sweet, crispy and long-lived. The meat is full, and the crab roe is deep red and firm. It tastes fragrant and sweet, with a very long finish. The shell of the stove crab is soft and crispy, often with a "double coat." It is considered the "pride" of crabs.
Crabs grow by shedding their shells periodically. When a crab becomes too fat, its hard shell limits its growth, so it grows a soft shell inside. After the soft shell is fully developed, it sheds the old hard shell. During this process, the crab is soft and vulnerable, and it must find a safe place to hide. This is when it looks for a hole or shelter. People take advantage of this behavior and dig stoves to catch these "noble guests" about to shed their shells. Min'an, located near the inland sea with favorable soil and many mangroves, is an ideal place for stove crabs to grow. It is said that the local people have been catching stove crabs since the early Ming Dynasty, about 600 years ago. Min'an stove crabs are sold to cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Hong Kong, gaining more popularity. However, due to the influence of new fishing techniques and advanced nets, the production of stove crabs is declining, raising concerns about their future.
Donghai melon
[edit]The Donghai melon, also known as "apple melon" because of its apple-like shape, is a local specialty, rare in other regions. During the harvest season, the markets of Donghai Island are full of melon stalls, and the fragrance fills the air.
When ripe, the skin of this melon is white, smooth, and tender. Through the skin, you can see some green melon veins. The fruit has a sweet and refreshing fragrance. Donghai melon is known for its high water content, sweet taste, and crisp texture. It has medicinal properties, helping to cool the body, relieve summer heat, promote urination, and strengthen the spleen and stomach. It is a popular summer fruit throughout southern China.
Smaller melons usually weigh around 0.1 kilograms, while the largest ones can reach over 1 kilogram.
In Donghai Island, when melons are in season, they are very cheap, costing around one yuan per kilogram, as compared to 4 to 6 yuan per kilogram in Zhanjiang. During summer, the locals often enjoy these melons every day, and they are regarded as even better if refrigerated and eaten cold.
Restaurants
[edit]- Dongshan Goose. The white-cut goose is served in large portions with a rich and fragrant taste, with a side of sweet dessert soup.
- 1 Yi Cha Yi Dian (易查易典, 一点茶), ☏ +86 759 339 6939. A popular restaurant, known for its tea and meals. The restaurant offers a wide variety of food, blending local Guangdong specialties with creative cuisine. The restaurant serves various traditional Cantonese snacks, such as siu mai, shrimp dumplings, and spring rolls. The shrimp dumplings are thin-skinned, tender, and flavorful. The restaurant offers a wide selection of dim sum, from traditional steamed items to innovative desserts. The egg tarts and taro cakes are particularly recommended, with a crisp exterior and soft, sticky filling that leaves a lasting impression. The restaurant serves fresh seafood fried rice, steamed fish, and salt-and-pepper shrimp. There is a wide range of tea drinks.
- 2 Oyster Feast · Zhanjiang Oysters (Donghai Branch) (蚝抵食·湛江生蚝（东海店）), ☏ +86 191 2667 7778 (mobile). The oysters here are of excellent quality, with varying sizes – the small ones are delicate and charming, while the larger ones are bold and impressive.
- 3 Fresh Flavor Stone Mill Rice Noodle Rolls (鲜味石磨肠粉), ☏ +86 135 5355 2684 (mobile). A restaurant that makes rice noodle rolls using traditional stone mill techniques, resulting in a smooth and delicate texture. Popular among both locals and tourists.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Guoxing Plaza (国兴广场) (Dongjian Town; bus routes include 503, 509, 501, and 507, stops Guoxing Plaza, Zhangang Plaza, and Dongjian New Road). A key commercial hub in the area. Facilities include a clothing mall. There are several hotels in the vicinity.
Drink
[edit]- Dongshanli Teahouse (near Dongjian Town). Tea house with distinctive local characteristics, representative of Donghai Island’s traditional tea culture. Also traditional snacks, such as dim sum. The design of the teahouse blends modern and traditional elements. Tea masters demonstrate the tea ceremony, guiding guests.
Sleep
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- 1 Lifeng hotel (麓枫酒店), No. 66, Donghai Avenue Development Community (in the core business district of Dongjian Subdistrict), ☏ +86 759 220 5511. The rooms are spacious and bright. Fitness center and conference rooms.
- 2 Xinsha Beach Resort Hotel (鑫海沙滩度假酒店), No. 9, Taosheng South Road (next to Xinsa Beach, Longhaitian), ☏ +86 759 271 6888. Fitness center. 24-hour room service.
- 3 Jinyuan Hotel (金源大酒店), Provincial Road 288 (next to Dongjian Police Station), ☏ +86 759 290 5999. Economy hotel. Free parking and Wi-Fi, with a front desk that accepts takeout orders and provides safes for storing valuables.
Go next
[edit]- Naozhou Island (about 30 min away by car) — a small island with volcanic relics and beautiful beaches. It also has traditional fishing villages where you can experience the local customs and culture. Sea Turtle City is served by ferries from Donghai Island's Dongnan Wharf (东南码头).
- Zhanjiang (about 30 min away by car) — Zhanjiang City is the main urban area, with abundant historical and cultural resources as well as beautiful coastal attractions. Home to the Zhanjiang Museum and Seaside Park.
- Leizhou Peninsula (about 1 hr away by car) — rich natural scenery and historical culture; beaches, fishing villages, and nature reserves. The area is also known for its seafood.
- Dongshan Island (about 1 hr away by car) — a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches and abundant marine resources. A seaside resort for swimming, diving, and enjoying seafood.