Fujian Sishang Islands | The Real-Life Version of Zelda, the Ultimate Hidden Gem Island
| The real-life version of Zelda, the ultimate hidden gem island. If you haven't made plans for this summer yet, come to the Sishang Islands! This is a place hailed by National Geographic as the "Secret Realm of the East China Sea," the real-life version of Hyrule, and a hidden treasure island tucked away in Xiapu, Fujian.
🚢 Transportation Guide: First, arrive in Xiapu, then head to Jishi Pier to take a ferry to Beishang Island. There is one passenger ferry per day, departing at 10:00 AM with a 1.5-hour journey. Tickets cost 100 RMB per person, and it's recommended to contact a homestay in advance to book. To save time, you can also opt for a speedboat shared ride, around 200 RMB per person. During peak season, the speedboat departs at 8:30 AM with a 1-hour journey, but reservations must be made 3 days in advance. After arriving at the main island, Beishang Island, you can charter a boat at the pier for island hopping. For about 80 RMB per person per day, you can explore Dongshang, Xishang, Nanshang, and Hongshang (Bird Island), embarking on a magical island adventure.
🏝️ Highlights:
Dongshang Island is a must-visit! Here, you'll find 90° vertical cliffs plunging into the deep sea, yet the cliff tops are covered in lush green meadows. Starting in March each year, the island transforms into a fairy-tale green wonderland, with vast grasslands turning from yellow to green. Every shot you take will resemble scenes from The Legend of Zelda. From an aerial view, the island looks like a giant dragon coiled in the emerald sea—utterly breathtaking. There are also natural wonders like "Lion Peak" and "Emperor's Hat," formed by volcanic rock sculpted over millions of years. The golden-red glow of the reefs contrasts beautifully with the circling seabirds.
Hongshang Island, also known as Bird Island, welcomes thousands of migratory seagulls from May to July each year, creating a lively spectacle. Capturing a photo of "dancing with seagulls" here will surely dominate your social media feed.
Xishang Island is famous for its unique volcanic rock landscapes, covered in black or dark red volcanic formations and sea caves carved by waves, offering a striking visual experience.
Nanshang Island features a 1-meter-thick pebble beach. Walking barefoot on it while listening to the waves washing over the stones feels like nature's own ASMR.
As the main island, Beishang Island offers a glimpse into authentic island life. Watch fishing boats return at dusk and wait for the sunrise over the sea in the morning—pure bliss.
🍱 Food Recommendations: Being on an island, you must try the local seafood. Freshly caught fish, shrimp, and shellfish, such as steamed grouper, boiled shrimp, and stir-fried clams, are tender and sweet. Don’t miss the seafood noodles, with a rich seafood broth as the base, paired with noodles and an abundance of seafood toppings—every bite tastes like the ocean. Also, try the local specialty, oyster pancakes—crispy on the outside and tender inside, made with oysters, flour, and eggs.
🏠 Accommodation Tips: Only Beishang Island has lodging options, which are relatively simple, so remember to book in advance. Haitang Homestay offers sea-view rooms and seafood meals, priced at 150–300 RMB per person including breakfast. Senhai Beiyu is full of artistic design, with a terrace for stargazing, costing 300–500 RMB per room.
❗ Important Notes: Island supplies are delivered by boat, and accommodations have limited capacity. During peak season (May–October), book at least one month in advance. The islands feature steep cliffs, sharp volcanic rocks, and slippery reefs—never risk getting too close to the edges for photos, especially in rainy or windy weather. Wear anti-slip, durable hiking or trekking shoes. The island's signal can be unstable, so it's best to carry some cash.
The Sishang Islands, a place 99% of people have never reached at the edge of the East China Sea, boast the purest mountain and ocean scenery. Pack your bags and set off to embrace the wild beauty here, dreaming a dream of complete seclusion!