Dongji Island is located on the eastern side of the Zhoushan Archipelago, featuring a quaint fishing village atmosphere where visitors can watch the sunrise, taste seafood, and enjoy deep-sea fishing, making it an ideal vacation spot for friends and family. The film ‘The Continent’ directed by Han Han was filmed here, bringing this mysterious island at the easternmost edge of the country into the public eye.
The term ‘Dongji Island’ is a collective name for four inhabited islands and many uninhabited islets. The main island, Miaozihu Island, is where the local government is based. To the west is Huangxing Island, which is nearly uninhabited, lacks transportation boats, and is seldom visited by tourists; to the east is Qingbang Island, known as the ‘Seaside Potala Palace’ due to its mountainous architecture resembling the Potala Palace, making it suitable for distant viewing; Dongfushan Island is where one can witness the country’s first ray of sunlight over the sea, a popular choice for sunrise viewing. To reach Dongji Island, one must take a boat from the Banshengdong Dock in Shenjiamen. On weekdays, there is a boat departing for Miaozihu Island at 8:30 am, with a return trip around 11:00 am. During the peak tourist season and weekends or holidays, extra boats are available, with a one-way trip taking about two hours. It is recommended to stay overnight in Shenjiamen and catch the early boat the next morning. If you miss the boat on a weekday, you may have to stay an extra day. A typical visit lasts about 2-3 days. The recommended itinerary is to depart from Banshengdong Dock on the Dongji Ferry at 8:30 am, arriving at Miaozihu around 10:40 am, and then purchasing a ticket at the waiting hall for the 11:00 am boat from Miaozihu to Dongfushan Island. Check into the hotel at noon, enjoy a bowl of seafood noodles, and start your light tour in the afternoon. Dongfushan Island boasts beautiful scenery and is considered cost-effective among the Dongji Islands. A thorough way to explore is by hiking around the island, which, although physically demanding, is well worth the effort. Heading north along the coastline, the Dashuwan Stone House Group not only showcases the unique stone houses of the area but also features a bay with strikingly blue waters and a distinct boundary between sea water colors. Heading south, you can follow the island’s cement road to visit the wind farm, Baiyun Palace, Meteorite Waterfall, and Elephant Trunk Peak, all offering beautiful scenery. On the southwest side, there is a ‘Fu Ru Donghai’ stone carving with pleasant scenery, where you can rest on the rocks. Be prepared for a 2-4 hour hike, and some areas are quite steep, so a pair of comfortable shoes will make your journey much easier. The highlight of the second day is to head to the First Ray of Sunlight Observation Deck at three or four in the morning to witness the country’s maritime sunrise, which is both beautiful and ceremonial. There are boats returning to Miaozihu Island at 8:30 am and 12:00 pm daily. If your schedule is tight, you can return after watching the sunrise. If you wish to continue exploring or take a nap, just be mindful of the ferry times.The two ferries will pass by Qingbang Island, which is relatively decayed but also quiet and pristine. If interested, you can visit the island before heading to Miaozihu Island, where you can stroll around and then take the 11:00 ferry back to Shenjiamen. Miaozihu Island is more commercialized, already offering sightseeing buses around the island (50 yuan per person). Near the stone pier on the island, there is a stone tablet inscribed with ‘Dongji’, where many people take photos. Additionally, on the eastern hill, there is a statue of a figure holding a torch, known as one of the landmarks. This statue appeared in the movie ‘The Continent’ and is affectionately called the ‘Statue of Liberty’.
Regarding dining: Dongji Island’s cuisine mainly features seafood, and it is recommended to dine and stay in fisherman’s homes or guesthouses, which are more affordable. Just make sure to agree on the price beforehand. Generally, a vegetarian dish costs around 20 yuan, while seafood is 50-60 yuan per portion. Seafood noodle shops scattered around the island are also worth trying, at about 20 yuan per bowl.
About accommodation: Accommodation on Dongji Island is concentrated on Miaozihu Island and Dongfushan Island. Although Miaozihu Island has more accommodation options, for a more authentic island experience, it is recommended to stay on Dongfushan Island. You can stay at Tata Youth Hostel, which is converted from a primary school, featuring a spacious playground and spectacular sea views. The price for a sea view double room on weekdays is 160 yuan, and the owner can pick you up at the pier upon arrival.
7. Swimming here by the sea is not like in a swimming pool with dedicated supervision. Moreover, there are strong waves and many reefs. It is recommended not to swim in the sea.
