Wenzhou Dongtou, an Underrated Island City!

Why Visit Dongtou Island? Dongtou, Wenzhou's only island district, consists of 302 islands and is known as the "Pearl of the East China Sea." Here you'll find the unique sight of "Half-Screen Mountain, half in Taiwan," a colorful painting village, cliff walkways, sea ranches, and the "Little Erhai" blue and white paradise that rivals international destinations. No boat needed—you can drive straight there! 🚗 Transportation Guide Self-driving: From Wenzhou, navigate to "Dongtou Island." Crossing the Lingni North Embankment is free, and parking on the island is convenient (scenic spots charge 10-20 yuan per time). Public transportation: From Wenzhou South Station → Dongtou New City Station (25 yuan by bus), then transfer to Dongtou Tourism Bus Line 1 (5 yuan) to various attractions. Attractions are scattered around the island, so it's recommended to rent an electric vehicle (80 yuan/day) or hire a car (200 yuan/day). Boat trips: To visit Zhuyu Island and others, you need to charter a boat at Dongtou Pier, booking one day in advance. 📅 Recommended Itinerary (2 Days 1 Night Highlights) Day 1: Island Tour, Visit Internet-Famous Spots Morning: Depart from Wenzhou: Navigate to "Dongtou Island" by car, cross the Lingni North Embankment Bridge (free), arrive in 1 hour; or take a bus from Wenzhou South Station to Dongtou New City Bus Station (1.5 hours, 25 yuan). First Stop: Little Erhai (Zhongyu Waiting for You) Blue and white windmills, piano, rainbow embankment with the blue sea as background. Wear light-colored dresses for "pretending to be abroad" photos (free entry, parking 10 yuan). Noon: Seafood Stalls Recommended "Dock Seafood City." Must-try dishes: clam soup, "cat's ears" (sweet and savory rice balls made from sweet potato starch), and green onion oil crab. About 60 yuan per person. Afternoon: Colorful Painting Village (Dongtou Village): Fairy-tale colored houses with murals full of fishing village charm. Check out the "wings" mural and "Doraemon" stairs. Free photo opportunities. Xiandieyan Scenic Area (50 yuan): Cliff walkways overlooking crashing waves, glass viewing platforms to test your courage. About 2 hours of hiking, ending at Dashaao Beach. Evening: Jiucai'ao Beach The largest artificial beach in southern Zhejiang. At sunset, orange light bathes the sea surface. Fireworks shows and bonfire parties on summer weekends (30 yuan entrance fee, including performances). Overnight Stay: Yanhai Mountain Residence (500-1000 yuan/night): Converted stone houses with cliff-side pools and sea-view terraces. Ban Holiday Hotel (300-600 yuan/night): Nordic design, near the beach, good value. Day 2: Cultural and Hidden Gem Exploration Early Morning: Wanghai Tower (30 yuan) The premier tower in the Southeast. Climb to the top for a 360° panoramic view of the hundred islands. Five exhibition halls showcase Min-Ou fishing culture. Great for panoramic photos. Morning: Half-Screen Mountain Scenic Area (including walkway, 30 yuan) Hike the seaside walkway to see the "natural rock sculpture gallery at sea." Unique rock formations like "Fisherman Sailing" and "Black Dragon in the Sea." Even more impressive from aerial photography. Noon: Huagang Fishing Village Century-old stone house village. Try "yellow croaker noodles" and "seaweed meatballs." Visit the "Huatian Huadi" guesthouse cluster and experience slow living. Afternoon: Baidie Island/Zhuyu Island (choose one) Baidie Island: Windmill highway + reed marshes, Japanese-style fresh photo opportunities. Zhuyu Island: Uninhabited island for snorkeling and beach combing (boat charter required, about 200 yuan/person). Experience primitive island adventure. 📸 Photo Spots Little Erhai: Shoot before 10 AM on sunny days to avoid backlight. Wear white dresses and straw hats to pretend you're in Jeju Island. Colorful Painting Village: Find pink stairs and blue doors and windows. Use wide-angle lens to capture color contrasts. Xiandieyan Walkway: Walk sideways along the cliff edge to capture the dynamic feeling of waves crashing against rocks. Huagang Fishing Village: Stone houses + bougainvillea for vintage film style. Best light in the evening. Jiucai'ao Sunset: Silhouettes + fireworks. Use a tripod for long exposure to capture light trails. ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls Weather Trap: Islands are often foggy. Check the weather forecast before going. Walkways close on rainy days. Seafood Scams: Confirm prices before ordering. Be cautious with "market price" dishes. Recommend stalls with clearly marked prices. Accommodation Choices: Prices triple during holidays. Book 2 weeks in advance. Prioritize New City or Dongping Street areas. Photo Timing: Little Erhai has severe backlighting in the afternoon. Recommended shooting before 9 AM or at dusk. Free Alternatives: Jiucai'ao tickets are expensive. Try Dong'ao Beach (free) for sunset views—fewer people, beautiful scenery. 🌅 Conclusion The beauty of Dongtou Island is in the fishing port lights reflecting on returning boats, the white waves at the end of cliff walkways, and the bowl of "cat's ears" served by grandmothers in the colorful villages. It's not far from the city, yet feels like it exists in a different, slower time. Take this guide, feel the East China Sea breeze, and be an islander for a day!