Zhangzhou (26 to 29 July) – 东山岛 (Dongshan Island)

After our time in Zhangzhou, we set our sights on 东山岛 (Dongshan Island), the second-largest island in Fujian Province, situated at the southern tip. Our journey began with some uncertainty as Typhoon Gamei had just passed by Taiwan and was heading towards Fujian Province. With rain pouring down and long-distance trains suspended, luckily, we had prebooked our seats on a long-distance bus to the island, unsure if it was wise to proceed. Ultimately, we decided that it should be safe to go ahead, and thankfully, the journey to the island was safe.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by steady rain, and many attractions were temporarily closed due to the typhoon's impact. Despite the weather, we checked into our hotel (东山锦宿), discovering we were the only guests. This fortuitous situation led to a complimentary room upgrade, which was a pleasant surprise. Eager to explore despite the rain, we ventured out for a short walk around the neighbourhood but turn back soon due to the rain and strong winds. 

The next day, the rain cleared, allowing us to explore Dongshan Island's stunning landscapes and unique attractions. Our first stop was the famous 双面海 (Shuang Mian Hai) a fascinating natural phenomenon where a narrow land bridge becomes visible during low tides, connecting two parts of the island. Unfortunately, due to the strong waves from the lingering winds and intermittent rainfall, we couldn't walk onto the land bridge. Nevertheless, we tried to imagine sight of the twin seas on either side

We then visited 彩蝶湾 (Caidie Bay), known for its picturesque scenery and vibrant butterfly-shaped coastline. The bay is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the azure waters and rocky shores. Our exploration continued with visits to 马銮湾 (Maluan Bay) with its calm waters and sandy beaches, is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. 

My favourite part of the island was 南门湾 (Nanmen Bay), In contrast to the sandy beach of Maluan Bay, Nanmen Bay offers a more rugged coastline with dramatic cliffs and a rich cultural history, including ancient temples and local folklore. Hearing the thunderous waves crashing into the large rockwalls coastline, occasionally the waves splash over the walls.

One of the highlights of our trip was the visit to 风动石 Fengdongshi Scenic Area, or the "Moving Rock." This unique geological formation is a massive boulder perched precariously on a cliff, seemingly defying gravity. The name "Moving Rock" comes from the local belief that the rock sways or moves with the wind, although it is so finely balanced that it remains stable despite its appearance. The site offers stunning views of the surrounding sea and cliffs, and it is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. 

We concluded our 2nd day with a climb to the top of a hill, where we were rewarded with a panoramic view of the city and coast. The view was breathtaking, offering a sweeping vista of the island's diverse landscapes, from its lush greenery to the expansive ocean. The climb was a perfect way to end the trip, providing a peaceful moment to reflect on the island's natural beauty.

As we prepared to leave for Fuzhou the next day, we received a notification that our high-speed train had been cancelled due to flooding across the region. The news meant there were no trains available, forcing us to adjust our plans and extend our stay on the island by another day. We hoped the floods would subside soon, allowing us to continue our journey.

As we spend the extra day relaxing around the coastal area at Nanmen Bay, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of connection to this beautiful island and its landscapes. The experience of navigating through nature's unpredictability and the island's welcoming embrace made Dongshan Island a memorable part of our journey.

The bed is so comfy here!