Southern Fujian, Fujian Province

Dongshan Island

东山岛Photography · Nature

Dongshan Island is the second-largest island in Fujian Province. Its main island is shaped like a butterfly, which is why it is also known as “Butterfly Island.” The island has broad bays,…

Dongshan Island, Southern Fujian

Key facts

Admission
Free admission to the island; Fengdongshi Scenic Area ¥45
Opening hours
Open all day
Time needed
1–2 days
Getting there
Direct buses to Dongshan Island run from Xiamen, Fuzhou, Shantou and other cities. Buses to the island also depart from the square in front of Zhangzhou East Railway Station.
Guidebook rating
4 / 5

From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 1566. Open in Google Maps

About Dongshan Island

Dongshan Island is the second-largest island in Fujian Province. Its main island is shaped like a butterfly, which is why it is also known as “Butterfly Island.” The island has broad bays, gentle sandy beaches and shady trees, giving it a distinctly southern seaside character. Three bays on the island, Wujiao, Dongshen and Maluan, are linked together, and each has its own character. Wujiao Bay has a wide beach of fine, soft sand and is a protected fishing bay, known for its natural scenery. Maluan Bay is famous for its seaside bathing beach and has water sports clubs, where visitors can enjoy the sun, sea and sand while also trying windsurfing and surfing.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Dongshan Island cost?

Admission to Dongshan Island is Free admission to the island; Fengdongshi Scenic Area ¥45, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.

What are the opening hours of Dongshan Island?

Dongshan Island is open Open all day.

How do I get to Dongshan Island?

Direct buses to Dongshan Island run from Xiamen, Fuzhou, Shantou and other cities. Buses to the island also depart from the square in front of Zhangzhou East Railway Station.

How long should I spend at Dongshan Island?

Plan on 1–2 days for Dongshan Island.

Where is Dongshan Island?

Dongshan Island is in Southern Fujian, Fujian Province, in the East China of China. Dongshan Island, Dongshan County, Zhangzhou

More places in Southern Fujian

Nanjing Tulou — illustration

Nanjing Tulou

“If you haven’t seen Tianluokeng, you haven’t really seen the tulou” is a well-known saying about Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster in Nanjing County, the most representative of the Nanjing tulou. Tianluokeng is one of the most spectacular tulou clusters in southwestern Fujian. Locals jokingly describe its five buildings as “four dishes and a soup,” and their arrangement across the hillside is both imposing and striking. The cluster includes Hegui Tulou, the oldest; Shunyu Tulou, the largest; Cuilin Tulou, the smallest; and well-known structures such as Yong’an Tulou and Yuchang Tulou. Visiting the tulou in Nanjing also offers a glimpse of everyday life for the Hakka people.

¥90 · 2–5 hours

Yongding Tulou Cluster — illustration

Yongding Tulou Cluster

Hakka tulou are unique mountain dwellings in the world and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They come in three forms: five-phoenix, square and round. Their structures reflect the unity and mutual care that the Hakka people have passed down through generations. As soon as you step inside, you feel a profound sense of history and a warm atmosphere. Yongding has more than 360 well-known round tulou and more than 4,000 square tulou, concentrated mainly in the towns of Gaotou, Hukeng and Xiayang. The main developed sites that visitors tend to see are the Hongkeng Tulou Cluster (Hakka Tulou Folk Culture Village, Hukeng), the Gaobei Tulou Cluster (Gaotou), the Nanxi Tulou Cluster (Hukeng) and the Chuxi Tulou Cluster (Xiayang).

Hakka Tulou Folk Culture Village ¥90; Gaobei Tulou King Scenic Area ¥50; Chuxi Ancient Village ¥65; Tulougou Scenic Area ¥50; Zhongchuan Ancient Village ¥30 · 1-2 days

Huoshan Island

Huoshan Island is known for its distinctive volcanic geology. Nanding Island, in particular, has a cluster of basalt column waterfalls that is a new frontier for adventurous travellers and photographers. The island also has classic beach scenery, with blue skies, clear water, fine sand and rows of coconut palms, making it well suited to sightseeing, relaxation and a short holiday.

¥60 · 1 day

Guanzhaishan Mountain

A national key scenic area located in Liancheng County, Guanzhai Mountain is a sheer peak rising abruptly from flat ground. It takes its name from the shape of its summits, which resemble a crown (“guan”) and a ‘zhai’ (a mythical beast). The mountain’s cliffs and rock formations are striking, and it is one of the famous Danxia landforms. Together with Wuyi Mountain, it is praised as “North Yi, South Zhai: Two Danxia Marvels.” The mountain also has many notable cultural sights.

¥55 (includes shuttle bus) · 3–5 hours

Liangyeshan Mountain

One of the natural primeval forest ecosystems. Shenniu Falls, Caoxie Slope, Tongtian Falls, Xiangu Pool, Feiyu Falls, Piyun Falls, Feiyun Falls and Jingui Falls stretch for nearly 5 kilometres. Together they showcase nearly every kind of waterfall beauty, making this one of the most beautiful waterfall clusters in southeastern China.

¥55 · 2–4 hours

Yunshuiyao Ancient Town

This ancient town was the filming location for the movie *Yunshuiyao* (Clouds Over the Water). The large banyan tree and the waterwheel in the town are both scenes from the film. Many tulou here are still lived in by local residents. They are not as famous as Huaiyuan or Heshun, but the town is lively and full of everyday local character, and it is worth a visit.

¥90 · 2–4 hours