Things To Do
in Dongshan
Dongshan (东山) is a coastal county and island group off the coast of Fujian province known for its fishing villages, sandy bays, and quiet seaside scenery. Historically a maritime and salt-producing area, it combines traditional Minnan (Hokkien) culture, temples, and well-preserved coastal landscapes. Visitors come for fresh seafood, relaxed island life, and scenic drives along coastal roads that reveal rocky headlands and small harbors.
Dongshan is less touristy than larger Fujian destinations, making it ideal for travelers seeking beaches, photography, and local culture rather than heavy commercial tourism.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by wandering through the charming streets of Dongshan's historic center, where traditional architecture and vibrant local markets await. Visit the Dongshan Museum to learn about the rich culture and history of the region, providing context to your surroundings. Enjoy a fresh breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional pastries and tea while soaking in the morning atmosphere.
After lunch, stroll through the nearby Dongshan Temple, a serene spot filled with intricate carvings and peaceful gardens. Engage with local artisans showcasing their crafts, and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir. As the afternoon sun casts a warm glow, head to the scenic riverside park for a leisurely walk or a quiet moment of reflection amidst nature.
As the sun sets, savor a delicious dinner at a waterfront restaurant overlooking the river, where you can sample local seafood specialties. After your meal, take a peaceful evening walk along the river promenade, enjoying the twinkling lights of the city. Conclude your day with a visit to a local teahouse, where you can indulge in a traditional tea ceremony and reflect on your adventures.
Head to Dongshan's pristine beaches early in the morning, where the soft sand and gentle waves beckon you to relax and unwind. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the coastline, feeling the refreshing sea breeze as you glide over the water. Take a break to enjoy a light breakfast at a beachside café, where you can savor tropical fruits and refreshing smoothies.
In the afternoon, sign up for a snorkeling tour to discover the vibrant marine life just off the coast, where colorful fish and coral reefs await. After your underwater adventure, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a beach shack, sampling grilled seafood and local delicacies. Spend the rest of the afternoon sunbathing or playing beach volleyball with fellow travelers.
As the day winds down, find a cozy spot on the beach to watch the breathtaking sunset, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Treat yourself to a seafood barbecue dinner at one of the popular beachside restaurants, where fresh catches are grilled to perfection. End the night with a bonfire on the beach, sharing stories and laughter under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| 🍽️Seafood meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $20-50 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1.50-4 |
| 🚍Local bus or short taxi ride | $0.50-5 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / small hotel (per night) | $20-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, less-crowded beaches and coastal scenery
- Fresh seafood and authentic local culture
- Photogenic fishing villages and quiet island roads
- Mild winters and good shoulder-season weather
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist amenities compared with bigger cities
- Public transport on the island can be sparse; some places require private transport
- Typhoon risk in late summer and early autumn
- Fewer international dining options and language barriers outside town centers
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "请问洗手间在哪儿？(Qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎr?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- "多少钱？(Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "我不吃肉 / 我是素食者 (Wǒ bù chī ròu / Wǒ shì sùshí zhě)" - I don't eat meat / I am a vegetarian
- "好吃 (Hǎochī)" - Delicious
- "帮帮我 (Bāng bāng wǒ)" - Please help me
Places to Visit in Dongshan
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour views of fishing boats, nets and low piers—excellent for silhouettes and candid shots of daily life.
Wide beaches and exposed tidal flats at low tide create foreground interest for seascapes and long exposures.
Headlands and sculpted rocks offer dramatic compositions, especially when waves sweep around them.
Narrow lanes, old houses, and drying racks of fish and seaweed make atmospheric cultural photographs.
Elevated vantage points great for wide panoramas of the sea and island chains.
Food in Dongshan
Dongshan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
An assortment of the day’s catch—steamed fish, clams, squid—served at harbor restaurants; best found at waterfront eateries and family-run stalls.
Must-Try!
A clear or slightly milky broth with fish, shrimp and local shellfish; comfort food after a day outside and common in local restaurants.
Quick wok-tossed clams flavored with garlic, chili, and soy; widely available at markets and casual restaurants.
Preserved or lightly cured local fish served with rice—reflects Dongshan’s historical salt and fishing economy; easy to find in traditional homes and eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning market where fishermen sell fresh catches; great for photos and buying seafood to be cooked by nearby restaurants.
A handful of street food stalls offering grilled seafood, fried snacks, sweet pancakes and local tea; good for sampling multiple small dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show deference to older people—greet them politely, allow elders to be served first, and use polite language.
At temples, dress modestly, speak quietly, and follow local practices for offerings—do not climb altars or take disrespectful photos.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially fishermen or in private spaces.
Take off shoes when entering some traditional homes and certain small establishments if locals do so.
Haggling is less common in fixed-price shops but may occur at markets—be polite and smile when negotiating.
Safety
Tipping in Dongshan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most local restaurants and shops; small tips may be appreciated in tourist services or by porters but are not expected. Use WeChat Pay or Alipay for most transactions; larger hotels accept cards and cash (RMB), and small vendors may be cash-only. Carry some cash for markets and small stalls, and set up mobile payments if you plan to stay longer.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming coastal vegetation make spring pleasant for walking and photography; occasional rain as the monsoon builds toward summer.
Hot and humid with the highest chance of storms and typhoons between June and September; beaches are busiest and water activities are popular but keep an eye on weather forecasts.
Crisper, drier weather and clear skies make autumn one of the best times to visit for outdoor activities, seafood festivals and photography.
Mild winters with cooler breezes—rarely freezing—suitable for off-season travel, lower prices and quieter beaches, though some services may reduce hours.
Dongshan at Night
Hiking in Dongshan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic route along headlands with dramatic sea views, tidal pools and photographic vantage points—moderate difficulty with some steep sections.
A loop connecting two adjacent beaches and small fishing hamlets—easy walk, great for birdwatching and tidepool exploration.
Short inland trail with shaded sections, local flora and occasional views back to the coast—good for a cooler walk on hot days.
Airports
How to reach Dongshan by plane.
The largest nearby international airport (in Xiamen). From Xiamen, travelers can take a train or bus to the mainland and then a bus or car transfer to a ferry port for Dongshan; total travel time typically 2–3+ hours depending on connections.
Smaller than Xiamen but convenient for some domestic flights; reach Dongshan via regional bus or car and then ferry transfer—useful if flights into Xiamen are more expensive or fully booked.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population speaks Minnan (Hokkien) dialects alongside Mandarin and maintains local customs tied to maritime life.
Older generations often remain in coastal villages working in fishing, boat maintenance and seafood processing.
Like many rural areas, younger people frequently move to larger cities for education and work, which affects local demographics and service availability.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Both traditional livelihood and recreational pastime—local fishing culture is central and anglers can join trips or fish from the shore.
Common community sports with local courts in town—easy to find casual games and friendly matches.
Occasional wind- and water-sport activity where beach and wind conditions allow; seasonal and dependent on weather.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dongshan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in a seafood-centric region; ask for vegetable dishes, tofu, and egg-based meals, and specify 'bu chi rou' (不要肉) or ‘wo shi su’ (我是素) to indicate vegetarian.
More challenging—many broths and sauces contain seafood or meat; request vegetable-only dishes and confirm no fish sauce or animal stock is used.
Limited specific halal options on the island; travelers may need to rely on vegetable dishes, seafood, or plan meals in larger nearby cities (Xiamen/Quanzhou) with better halal dining availability.
Rice and fresh seafood are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and some condiments contain gluten—communicate allergy clearly and prefer plain steamed dishes.