Donghai Island (东海岛) , located in the southeastern sea area of Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, is the fifth largest island in China and the largest island in Guangdong. Its history dates back to ancient times, but it became widely known starting from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. During the reign of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty, the inspection office was moved to Donghai Island. Later, France took control of the Guanzhou Bay (now Zhanjiang City and its surrounding areas), designating Donghai Island as the “Donghai District,” a name that has been used ever since.
Donghai Island has a superior geographical location, with the Pacific Ocean to the east, Southeast Asia to the south, and the southwest bordering the vast ocean. It 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. Throughout history, Donghai Island has been a significant hub of the Maritime Silk Road, witnessing countless merchant ships and cultural exchanges.
Historical Background: The central area of Dongshan Subdistrict, known as Dongshan Market, was the site of the Shenchuan Patrol Office during the Song Dynasty and the Dongshan Naval Barracks in the Qing Dynasty, making it a historically significant location.
Current Status: Dongshan Subdistrict is one of the main population centers on the island, with relatively developed commercial and administrative functions.
Location: Located in the western region of Donghai Island.
Features: Dongjian Town is an industrial hub, closely linked to the Zhanjiang Steel Base, and plays a significant role in the island’s economic development.
Location: Includes the southeastern coastal areas of Donghai Island and Naozhou Island.
Features: Naozhou Island, a key part of Naozhou Town, is famous for its historic lighthouse and cultural heritage. The town is also an important fishing center.
Administratively, the island is part of Mazhang District of Zhanjiang city. The island is divided into three towns (镇), namely Dongshan Town (in the center), Min'an Town (in the west), and Dongjian Town (in the east).
The southernmost point of mainland China is the Leizhou Peninsula. The eastern part of the peninsula, along with Donghai Island and Naozhou Island in the southeastern waters of Zhanjiang, fall under the jurisdiction of the Donghai Island Economic Development Experimental Zone. The administrative regions of this zone have undergone significant changes over time, with a complex historical evolution.
Dongshan Market (now Dongshan Subdistrict Office) on Donghai Island was the former site of the Shenchuan Patrol Department during the Southern Song Dynasty's Shaoxing period. In the Hongwu and Zhengtong years of the Ming Dynasty, a fortress was built in Dongshan Market, and the Shenchuan Patrol Department was reestablished. During the Qing Dynasty’s Yongzheng period, the Lei Prefecture garrison was merged and relocated to Dongshan Market, renamed Dongshan Naval Barracks.
Naozhou Island was historically known as Naozhou. During the Northern Song Dynasty, the island was home to Naozhou Fort. At the end of the Southern Song Dynasty, Emperor Zhao Shi fled to Naozhou to escape Mongol troops and passed away the following year. His brother, Emperor Zhao Bing, ascended the throne on the island, renaming it Xianglong County and declaring the Yuanfeng era. The county was subordinate to Huazhou. In the early Yuan Dynasty, the island was reintegrated into Wuchuan County.
During the Qing Yongzheng period, Naozhou Island had its own Patrol Department. On October 14, 1899, the Treaty of the Lease of Guangzhou Bay was signed, and French forces forcibly leased the area, including territories such as Mazha, Potou, Techeng Island, and Donghai Island. Naozhou Island was included in the lease and housed the Danshui District Administration, which governed Naozhou and Donghai Islands. A lighthouse was constructed on Naozhou Island during this period.
In March 1943, Japan occupied Guangzhou Bay. On September 21, 1945, Japanese representatives in the Leizhou Peninsula signed a surrender document, and the sacred land, ruled by foreign powers for 47 years, was returned to China.
In December 1952, the Donghai and Naozhou districts were separated from Zhanjiang’s suburbs and formed Lei County under the governance of the Yuexi Administration Office. The county seat was established at Dongshan Market on Donghai Island.
In 1899, Zhanjiang City (then Guangzhou Bay) was leased to France, becoming a hub for foreign trade.
In 1943, the area was occupied by Japanese forces.
In 1945, after the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, Guangzhou Bay was returned to China and renamed Zhanjiang.
In February 1953, Nan San Island was transferred from Wuchuan County to Lei County. In January 1954, Xiying District (now Xiashan District) transferred Techeng Island to Lei County. At the time, Zhanjiang’s suburban area only consisted of two districts: Xinlu and Chaoman.
On September 15, 1958, Lei County was dissolved, and its administrative responsibilities were incorporated into Zhanjiang’s suburban area, officially merging on October 14.
On July 17, 1992, the Guangdong Provincial Government approved the establishment of the Donghai Island Economic Development Experimental Zone in Zhanjiang. On August 13, 1992, the Zhanjiang Municipal Government formed the management committee for the development zone.
By April 22, 1993, the Zhanjiang Municipal Committee approved the establishment of a party committee to oversee four towns: Dongshan, Min'an, Dongjian, and Naozhou.
In March 1993, an inspection team visited the area to delineate boundaries between the development zone and the suburban districts. By July 1, 1993, the development zone’s finances were separated from those of Zhanjiang’s suburbs, becoming financially independent under the management of the zone’s party committee and administrative committee.
In June 2006, the State Council approved an expansion of Zhanjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone, adding 10 square kilometers of development land on Donghai Island.
In October 2009, the Zhanjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone merged with the Donghai Island Economic Development Experimental Zone to form a unified Zhanjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone.
Donghai Island is a large flat island, located in the South China Sea southwest of the city of Zhanjiang，Guangdong Province. 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 heavy rain and typhoons common. The island gets a lot of sunshine, especially in winter and spring.
Surrounded by the sea, the air is humid, and sea breezes blow all year, making the weather comfortable. It is a great place for farming and tourism.Its main attraction is a long beach which stretches along the entire eastern shore of the island.
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).
21.0173110.48561Dongjian Passenger Station(东简客运站).(updated Dec 2024)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).
Useful routes include:
Owing to the existence of the bridge there are no ferries between the island and the mainland.
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.
21.2110.42Xiashan East Dike Station(霞山东堤站).(updated Dec 2024)20.9242110.51373Southeast Wharf(东南码头).(updated Dec 2024)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).
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.
Buses depart every 20 minutes from near the Xia Mountain Railway Station, with a fare of 8 yuan.
From Zhanjiang Railway Station to Donghai Island, a taxi travels 34.4 km, and the fare is approximately 110 yuan.
By car
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). Another bridge, between Donghai Island and the Leizhou City area, is under construction as of 2018.
Donghai Island has a 6.8 km road connecting the island to Zhanjiang city’s road and rail networks. The 28 km central road on the island connects all parts of the island. Roads like Zhanlin Road, Haiming Road, Taosheng Road, Shugang Road, and Southeast Avenue are all paved.
Railway
The Donghai Island railway was fully connected on August 2, 2017, and will open later this year. Zhanjiang and the entire western Guangdong region will soon enter the high-speed rail era. The Donghai Island railway is 57.31 km long and 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. This part is a 17.56 km double-line electrified passenger and freight railway with a target speed of 200 km/h. The second part starts from Zhanjiang West Station, crosses Tongming Bay, and reaches the Donghai Island steel and refining base. This section is 39.75 km long, with a target speed of 120 km/h.
21.0905110.31921Cross-Sea Bridge(东海岛跨海大桥),Guangdong Province city of Zhanjiang，Donghai island.The Donghai Island Cross-Sea Bridge is another major cross-sea bridge project in Zhanjiang, following the Haibay Bridge. The project includes the Donghai Island Cross-Sea Bridge and the Guangdong Haida Road to Weilu Port highway, connecting the existing Zhanjiang Port Expressway, Yuzhan Expressway, and National Highways 325, 207, and Provincial Highways 373 and 374. Together, they form a modern highway network around Zhanjiang city, Zhanjiang Port, and the Donghai Island steel base. The Guangdong Haida Road to Weilu Port Expressway is 24.2 kilometers long, with the Donghai Bridge itself being 4300 meters long. The entire route follows first-class road standards with a designed speed of 100 km/h. The road on the island is designed with six lanes, while the bridge and parts outside the island are designed with eight lanes. The project is being implemented in stages, with a six-lane road on the island, a 33.5-meter wide embankment, and a half-width four-lane bridge, with a bridge width of 20.25 meters.(updated Dec 2024)
Ducks walking home to Longtou Village after a day at sea21.017110.538152Longhaitian Tourism Area(龙海天度假区).Located in the eastern part of Donghai Island, Longhaitian is a natural tourist destination formed by mountains, valleys, hills, beaches, and green forests. Longshuiling 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 Longshuiling was covered in white sand, with only the peaks being reddish clay. On the summit of Longshuiling, there is a temple called the "Gaoshan Gong" temple, carved from a large stone, a perfect and 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 Longshuiling 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 are stone figures, stone drums, and stone gongs. When struck, the stone drum produces a mystical sound, "dong, dong, dong," and "dang, dang, dang." Unfortunately, it was destroyed by the French colonizers who blasted it to build a lighthouse.(updated Dec 2024)
21.0203110.52933Longshuiling(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.(updated Dec 2024)Longhaitian Beach
20.9932110.53014Longhaitian 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.(updated Dec 2024)
Donghai Island Human Dragon Dance – "A Unique Treasure of the East"
The Donghai Island Human Dragon Dance, according to local records, originated in the Dongshan Street office of Donghai Island. It began in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties and has been passed down for over 300 years. This large-scale folk performance is a square dance art with three parts: the dragon head, body, and tail, performed by both adults and children. The scale can vary, with performances involving anywhere from 30 to 300 people. The dragon structure consists of three parts: the head, body, and tail. The dragon head is the essence of the dragon, representing its spirit. It is made up of a strong man carrying three children, symbolizing the dragon's horns, eyes, and tongue. The dragon body is the main part, formed by people lying down in sections, connected together. The performers wear yellow or green costumes, transforming the dragon into a yellow or green dragon.
Donghai Island Human Dragon Dance
When the dragon dance is performed, the actors follow the rhythm of the drums. The dragon's eyes shine brightly, the body rolls left and right, and the tail swings up and down, creating a magnificent scene. As the dragon head moves forward proudly, it looks like the dragon is flying, and the strength and intelligence of the dancers can be seen. The Human Dragon Dance is full of local flavor and is a unique folk art, praised as "A Unique Treasure of the East."
Yesterday's performance of the Donghai Island Human Dragon Dance involved 188 local adults and children. Their amazing performance received applause from tens of thousands of spectators and was officially recorded in the "Guinness World Records" in Shanghai under the supervision of notaries.
Eternal Honor: The Donghai Island Human Dragon Dance performed at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, showcasing the ancient charm of the Eastern dragon totem, becoming a historic moment. In the opening ceremony of the "2007 China Zhanjiang Donghai Island Human Dragon & Beach Tourism Culture Festival," the 76-meter-long Human Dragon Dance, created by 188 performers, was recorded in the "Guinness World Records" under notarial supervision. The representative of the Guinness World Records headquarters in Shanghai presented a certificate to the Donghai Island Management Committee. In May 2006, the Donghai Island "Longhaitian" Beach, 28 kilometers long, was certified as "China's Longest Beach" by the Guinness World Records headquarters in Shanghai.
During Zhanjiang's efforts to build a "Colorful Zhanjiang" tourism brand, the "2007 China Zhanjiang D
onghai Island Human Dragon & Beach Tourism Culture Festival" was held at the Longhaitian Tourist Resort on Donghai Island during the May Day Golden Week. Donghai Island is famous for its natural seafood and unique folk culture, with the Human Dragon Dance being the most representative and culturally rich folk art. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.
Min'an Stove Crab is a famous local specialty of Donghai Island, known for its excellent reputation. People often attend banquets in Min'an and look forward to tasting the delicious stove crab, enjoying the unique flavor of this southern sea product.
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, which is why they are called "stove crabs." 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 most obvious characteristic of the stove crab is its fatness. The meat is full, and the crab roe is deep red and firm. It tastes fragrant and sweet. After eating it, you may feel like the taste lasts for three days. 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. Authorities should take action to protect the resources and ensure their sustainable development.
Donghai Melon
Donghai Melon, also known as "Apple Melon" because of its apple-like shape, is a local specialty of Donghai Island. This melon is 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 the Donghai 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 crispy 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 in southern China.
Donghai Island is the main producing area for these melons, especially the apple melon variety. The size of the melon varies depending on factors like planting season, seed quality, and management. 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. Outside the island, the price rises significantly. In Zhanjiang City, high-quality melons can sell for 4 to 6 yuan per kilogram. During summer, the locals often enjoy sweet and refreshing melons every day, and some people even store them in refrigerators to enjoy the chilled version, which tastes even sweeter and more refreshing.
In the future, Donghai melons will be sold across the country and even to Hong Kong and Macau, where they are loved by customers.
Dongshan Goose Restaurant
Dongshan Goose Restaurant
The white-cut goose is served in large portions with a rich and fragrant taste. The owner also offers a side of sweet dessert soup. It comes with a plate of soy sauce, scallions, and cilantro, as well as a sweet sauce. The scallions paired with the goose meat create a refreshing and delicious taste, while the sweet sauce is similar to the one used for roast goose, which many locals love. The rice is cooked with water from the goose and salt, giving it a fresh, flavorful taste—similar to salted oil rice, but with an extra savory richness from the goose fat.
21.0152110.48731Yi Cha Yi Dian(一茶一点),☏ +86 07593396939.(updated Dec 2024)
Yi Cha Yi Dian
“Yi Cha Yi Dian” is a popular restaurant on Donghai Island, known for its unique tea culture and delicious dishes. The restaurant offers a wide variety of food, blending local Guangdong specialties with creative cuisine. Here are some recommended dishes:
Special Snacks: The restaurant serves various traditional Cantonese snacks, such as siu mai, shrimp dumplings, and spring rolls. Each dish is meticulously prepared and delicious, especially the shrimp dumplings, which are thin-skinned, tender, and flavorful.
Tea Drinks: As one of “Yi Cha Yi Dian’s” specialties, the restaurant offers a wide range of tea drinks. In addition to classic teas like Pu’er and Longjing, there are also unique flower teas and fruit teas. The tea is fragrant and refreshing, making it a perfect pairing with the food.
Dim Sum: 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.
Seafood Dishes: Being an island, Donghai Island naturally features a variety of seafood dishes. The restaurant serves fresh seafood fried rice, steamed fish, and salt-and-pepper shrimp, all of which highlight the freshness of the seafood and unique seasonings that make them irresistible.
Sweet Soups and Desserts: For desserts, they offer classic double-skin milk and coconut sago, which are sweet but not overwhelming, making them a perfect treat after a meal.
Overall, “Yi Cha Yi Dian” is not just a restaurant but a relaxing dining experience, with a perfect combination of tea aroma and delicious food, making it one of the most popular dining spots on Donghai Island.
Oyster Feast · Zhanjiang Oysters.jpg21.01110.382Oyster Feast · Zhanjiang Oysters (Donghai Branch)(蚝抵食·湛江生蚝（东海店）),☏ +86 19126677778.(updated Dec 2024) A Ultimate Celebration of Size and Flavor 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. Whether you’re a fan of the delicate little oysters or a lover of the giant ones, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The flavors are incredibly diverse, ranging from garlic (with a choice of spicy or not), super stimulating wasabi, uniquely appealing durian, fresh and pure natural taste, to the rich and savory cheesy flavor. Each bite feels like a dance on your taste buds. Barbecue Extravaganza: The Perfect Collision of Charcoal and Secret Recipes Common Zhanjiang barbecue delights such as spicy beef, grilled ribs, and chicken wings are all grilled to perfection over charcoal, sizzling with oil and emitting an aroma that hits you right in the heart. What’s even better are the exclusive secret recipes for grilled items, each skewer being a masterpiece created by the chef, with flavors that are truly exceptional. Seafood Congee Harmony: A Deep Embrace of Land and Sea Flavors A wonderful combination of scallops, dried shrimp, fresh shrimp, oysters, and chicken creates a bowl of seafood congee that will blow your mind with its freshness. The delicate flavors of the sea and the rich taste of the land blend together on your tongue, and every bite is full of happiness. The ingredients are incredibly fresh, the cooking methods are authentic, and the service is attentive and thoughtful. Dining here is not just about having a meal – it’s like stepping into a magical world of culinary delights.
21.0177110.5073Fresh Flavor Stone Mill Rice Noodle Rolls(鲜味石磨肠粉),☏ +86 13553552684.(updated Dec 2024)
A restaurant located on Donghai Island, known for making rice noodle rolls using traditional stone mill techniques, resulting in a smooth and delicate texture. The restaurant offers a variety of flavor options, with fresh and rich ingredients, paired with homemade sauces, creating a unique and memorable taste. The rice noodle rolls here focus on fresh ingredients and emphasize both flavor and nutrition, making it a popular choice among locals and tourists.
21.0159110.48951Guoxing Plaza(国兴广场).Guoxing Plaza, located in Dongjian Town, Donghai Island, Zhanjiang City, is a key commercial hub in the area. The plaza enjoys convenient transportation, with several nearby bus stops such as Gangtie Relocation Community, Guoxing Plaza, Zhangang Plaza, and Dongjian New Road. Bus routes including 503, 509, 501, and 507 make it easy for both residents and tourists to access the plaza.
Inside the plaza, there are various commercial facilities, including a clothing mall that caters to diverse shopping and dining needs. Since its grand opening on December 28, 2017, the clothing mall has attracted numerous customers seeking a quality shopping experience.
Additionally, there are several hotels near Guoxing Plaza, such as the Zhanjiang Caitelais Holiday Hotel (Dongjian Branch), conveniently located opposite the Dongjian Town Government. Its prime location and excellent transportation links make it an ideal choice for visitors.
As a commercial hub on Donghai Island, Guoxing Plaza offers convenient shopping and leisure experiences for both local residents and travelers alike.(updated Dec 2024)
Dongshanli Teahouse is a tea house with distinctive local characteristics located near Dongjian Town on Donghai Island, Zhanjiang. As one of the representatives of Donghai Island’s traditional tea culture, Dongshanli Teahouse provides a great place for both visitors and locals to enjoy tea, relax, and socialize. The design of the teahouse blends modern and traditional elements, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for people of all ages to unwind and savor tea.
The teahouse offers a wide variety of tea drinks, especially local flower teas and green teas. All the tea leaves are carefully selected, ensuring that every guest can taste the pure and authentic flavor of the tea. Additionally, Dongshanli Teahouse serves traditional snacks, such as dim sum, savory and sweet treats, which pair wonderfully with the tea.
The teahouse has an elegant environment with traditional Chinese-style decor, and the interior is simple and graceful, providing a strong cultural vibe. The service is attentive, with tea masters demonstrating the tea ceremony, guiding guests to experience the unique charm of tea tasting. Many tourists and locals gather here to meet, chat, and enjoy a leisurely time.
If you visit Donghai Island, Dongshanli Teahouse is undoubtedly a great choice, where you can not only taste authentic tea drinks but also experience the rich local culture and warm hospitality.
Lifeng Hotel is a highly recommended accommodation option on Donghai Island, offering a comfortable and thoughtful experience. The hotel boasts excellent hygiene standards, spacious and well-lit rooms, complete with amenities such as a refrigerator stocked with complimentary cola and a desk for business travelers. One standout feature is the ability to play music in the bathroom, adding a relaxing touch to your shower experience. Its convenient location provides easy access to shopping and dining, while the availability of electric scooters downstairs makes short trips hassle-free. Ample parking spaces and charging facilities without the need for a charging head are also available, making it ideal for those traveling by car. The front desk offers attentive service, including flower tea and hot water upon request, and even robots to deliver takeout orders to your room.
Additionally, the hotel serves a buffet breakfast from 7:00 to 9:30 AM, featuring a wide variety of options such as porridge, soy milk, milk, coffee, fresh fruit, and both Chinese and Western pastries, catering to diverse tastes. The area is lively in the evenings, and the hotel is conveniently close to the seaside, perfect for a leisurely stroll or sightseeing. Whether you’re traveling for leisure or work, this hotel is a highly cost-effective and comfortable choice for your stay.
23.322116.7352Xinsha Beach Resort Hotel(鑫海沙滩度假酒店).(updated Dec 2024)
Xinsha Beach Resort Hotel
Xinsha Beach Resort Hotel, located in the heart of Donghai Island, Zhanjiang, is a high-end hotel that integrates accommodation, dining, conferences, and leisure. The hotel’s design is modern yet infused with local characteristics. Its simple yet elegant exterior and warm, comfortable interior aim to provide a tranquil and relaxing environment for business travelers and vacationers visiting Donghai Island. The hotel offers a variety of luxurious rooms, including standard rooms, business suites, and presidential suites, all equipped with complete facilities such as high-definition televisions, air conditioning, refrigerators, and wireless internet, ensuring that every guest enjoys comfort and convenience. Moreover, the hotel pays great attention to detail, with carefully selected bathroom amenities, bedding, and everyday essentials to ensure a high-quality living experience. The hotel’s dining service is equally impressive, featuring several restaurants that serve a wide variety of Chinese and Western dishes. The meals are fresh and delicious, catering to different tastes. The seafood restaurant, in particular, serves locally caught seafood, allowing guests to enjoy the authentic flavors of Donghai Island’s marine delicacies. For business travelers, the hotel is equipped with multifunctional meeting rooms and a well-equipped business center, meeting the needs of various conferences, banquets, and social events. In addition, the hotel offers leisure facilities such as a gym, sauna, and spa, providing guests with an opportunity to relax and unwind during their work or travel. Xinsha Beach Resort Hotel enjoys an excellent location, close to the beach, with a fresh and pleasant surrounding environment ideal for strolling and relaxation. The hotel also provides various travel services, including car rentals, guided tours, and transportation, ensuring that guests can easily explore the scenic beauty of Donghai Island. Overall, Xinsha Beach Resort Hotel offers exceptional value in terms of facilities, service, and location, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business trips.
Zhanjiang, a charming coastal city in southern China, blends Lingnan culture with modern urban vibes. Its warm climate and relaxed lifestyle make it a great spot for short trips or transit stops.
Recommended Attractions:
Chikan Old Street: This historic arcade street features well-preserved buildings with a rich colonial-era vibe, ideal for strolling and photography.
Huguangyan Scenic Area: Known as the "Eye of the Earth," this geological park surrounds a clear maar lake, perfect for hiking and cycling.
Techeng Island: A peaceful island close to the city, offering pristine natural landscapes for a quiet retreat.
Nansan Island: With its turquoise waters and long sandy beaches, this is a perfect getaway for nature lovers.
Local Delicacies: Beyond Zhanjiang oysters and white-cut chicken, try seafood congee and pig trotter rice. The night markets near Jinshawan offer a variety of authentic Zhanjiang flavors.
Maoming is a paradise for eco-tourism enthusiasts, boasting a mix of natural landscapes and cultural sites.
Recommended Attractions:
Chicken Island (Fangji Island): Known for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, it’s a haven for snorkeling and fishing.
Romantic Coast Resort: A tropical beachfront destination featuring a 10-kilometer stretch of silver sand, ideal for water sports or simply relaxing.
Xinyi Tianma Mountain: A verdant area with lush forests and sparkling streams, perfect for hiking and photography.
Xianren Temple (Xian Tai Miao): A historical landmark honoring the Lingnan heroine Xian Tai, showcasing the region's rich heritage.
Local Delicacies: Specialty dishes include Gaozhou bananas, Huazhou tangerine cakes, beef hotpot, and flavorful fish noodles. The vibrant night markets are excellent for sampling barbecued snacks.
Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province, is a tropical paradise where natural beauty meets rich cultural heritage.
Recommended Attractions:
Qilou Old Street: This historic street features distinctive arcade architecture and shops selling traditional crafts.
Volcanic Crater Geological Park: A serene park showcasing unique volcanic landscapes, ideal for a leisurely exploration of nature.
Wugong Temple (Five Officials' Temple): A cultural landmark that tells the stories of five ancient exiled officials.
Holiday Beach: A well-equipped seaside destination for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports.
Travel Tips: Spend 2–3 days here, enjoying beaches by day and visiting bustling night markets on Liberation West Road at night.
Local Delicacies: Besides the famed "Four Famous Dishes" (Wenchang chicken, Dongshan lamb, Jiaji duck, Hele crab), don’t miss Hainanese rice noodles, coconut desserts, and fried shrimp patties.
Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, offers a dynamic mix of modernity and Lingnan cultural heritage, making it a haven for shopping, food, and history lovers.
Recommended Attractions:
Canton Tower: A city landmark offering panoramic views of the Pearl River, especially stunning during the evening light shows.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall: A masterpiece of Lingnan architecture, featuring exquisite carvings, paintings, and sculptures.
Shamian Island: A picturesque island with colonial-era European-style buildings, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Yuexiu Park and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: These sites combine history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a glimpse into Guangzhou's past.
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street: A bustling shopping street lined with local delicacies and boutiques.
Travel Tips: Plan 3–4 days here. Spend the first day exploring Canton Tower and the Pearl River, the second visiting cultural landmarks, and the third enjoying local cuisine and shopping.
Local Delicacies: Known for its dim sum culture, classics like shrimp dumplings and custard buns are must-tries. Don’t miss radish beef brisket pot and Shahe rice noodles.
