China’s Island Escapes: From Volcanic Landscapes to Untouched Sands
While Hainan’s beaches dominate China’s tropical tourism narrative, a constellation of lesser-known islands offers intrepid travelers volcanic geoparks, bioluminescent bays, and fishing villages frozen in time. From the coral-rich waters of the South China Sea to the Taoist shrines dotting eastern archipelagos, these destinations redefine “island getaway” with a distinctly Chinese twist.
Dongshan Island: Windswept Frontier(Fujian)
Nicknamed “The Hawaii of Fujian,” this 194-sq-km island near Xiamen juxtaposes crescent beaches like Golden Beach with surreal granite formations at Wind Move Rock Scenic Area. Base yourself at Sunset Inn to join dawn fishing expeditions with locals, then sample oyster omelets at Nangang Market – a UNESCO-listed intangible heritage dish.
Visit between April-May for optimal kite-surfing conditions at Malian Bay, where steady winds average 15 knots.
Weizhou Island: Volcanic Masterpiece(Guangxi)
China’s youngest volcanic island (formed 7,000 years ago) rewards hikers with crimson cliffs plunging into the Beibu Gulf. The Crocodile Hill Geopark reveals hexagonal basalt columns resembling dragon scales, while Catholic Church (built 1869) stands as a rare French Gothic relic in rural China. Book the Blue Tears Tour between May-August to witness neon-blue bioluminescent plankton after dark.
Zhoushan Archipelago: Buddhism Meets Brine(Zhejiang)
This 1,390-island cluster in Zhejiang province blends spiritual heritage with seafood feasts. On Putuo Island, incense swirls around the 33-meter-tall Guanyin Statue at Puji Temple, while neighboring Dongji Island lures photographers with blue-and-white fishing cottages. Don’t miss Dried Yellow Croaker – a Zhoushan delicacy aged in sea winds.
Nanji Islands: UNESCO’s Marine Laboratory(Zhejiang)
Dubbed “China’s Galápagos,” this protected reserve off Wenzhou hosts 1,009 oceanic species, including endangered Chinese white dolphins. Snorkel the Shell Sand Shallows to spot garden eels dancing through seagrass, or hike to Sanpanwei Lighthouse for sunrise panoramas.