🏝️ Real Experience Review of Dayu Mountain Island
✨ Overall Experience
The most attractive feature of Dayu Mountain Island is its unique "Southern Heavenly Mountain" landscape—nestled in the vast East China Sea, at an altitude of 200 meters, lies a vast grassland and two crystal-clear lakes. When the grassland undulates with the wind, and the smaller lake reflects the blue sky and white clouds like a mirror, you'll feel as if you've stepped into a Miyazaki Hayao animation world. This combination of mountains, sea, lakes, and grasslands earned it a place among "China's Top Ten Most Beautiful Islands" in 2005.
Here are the ratings for the main experiences on the island:
Natural Scenery ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A rare coexistence of mountains, sea, lakes, and grasslands. Greatly affected by weather.
Relaxation ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Suitable for relaxation and a slow-paced lifestyle. Limited entertainment facilities.
Transportation ⭐⭐⭐ Well-developed shuttle bus system. Limited boat services to the island.
Accommodation ⭐⭐⭐ Characteristic guesthouses and camping. Basic conditions.
Food Experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fresh seafood. Relatively limited choices.
🗺️ In-depth Analysis of Attractions
Must-Experience Areas:
· Big and Small Tianhu Lakes: This is the core scenic spot of Dayushan Island. I recommend going between 4-5 pm, when the light is soft, the mist dissipates, and the lake surface is like a mirror. Standing on the viewing platform, you can see the lake, grassland, and the distant sea simultaneously; the distinct layers of beauty are truly breathtaking.
· Ten Thousand Mu Grassland: Walking along the paths in the grassland, feeling the rustling of the sea breeze through the grass, and occasionally encountering free-range mountain groves, is very picturesque.
Unique Villages and Beaches:
* **Fish and Bird Village:** The Twelve Constellation-themed guesthouses built on a cliff are unique. This is the only place on the island where you can watch both sunrise and sunset simultaneously.
* **Moon Bay:** Suitable for camping, but note that you can only see the sunrise. The beach quality isn't perfect, but it's a pleasant place for an evening stroll.
* **Yangguwei:** Located at the easternmost tip of the island, this secluded cape features a lighthouse and military relics, exuding a desolate yet artistic atmosphere. However, it requires about a half-hour walk to reach.
🚗 Transportation and Itinerary Tips
Island Transportation: Dayushan Island has two main piers:
Departure Pier | Ferry Schedule | Ticket Price (Round Trip) | Suitable for
Xiapu Sansha Pier | Daily 9:00, 12:00 | Approx. 100 RMB | Tourists coming from Xiapu
Fuding Yujing Pier | Daily 9:00, 14:00 | Approx. 100 RMB | Tourists coming from Fuding
Ferry schedules may be extended on holidays, but it's recommended to confirm the schedule in advance. Island Transportation:
* **Scenic Shuttle System:** Covers major attractions, with buses to the Tianhu Scenic Area and island-wide shuttle routes.
* **Hiking:** There are six original villages on the island, each with a shuttle bus stop, but some sections require detours due to road construction.
Recommended Itineraries:
* **One-Day Tour:** Arrive on the island in the morning → Take the scenic shuttle bus to Tianhu Scenic Area → Visit the large and small Tianhu lakes and grasslands → Return in the afternoon. This is a tight schedule.
* **Two-Day Tour (Recommended):**
* **Day 1:** Arrive on the island before noon → Lunch in Matsu Village → Visit Tianhu Scenic Area → Watch the sunset at Fish and Bird Village or Moon Bay in the evening and stay overnight.
* **Day 2:** Watch the sunrise → Island tour (Dongjiao Village, Yangguwei, etc.) → Depart from the island in the afternoon.