Changhai Islands

The Changshan Islands in the northern Yellow Sea – Dachangshan, Xiaochangshan, Guanglu and Zhangzi – with sea cliffs, beaches, fishing villages, sea cucumbers and abalone, are Northeast China's island getaway of choice.

Changhai County lies in the northern Yellow Sea off the eastern side of the Liaodong Peninsula. It is the only island county in northern China, made up of more than 140 islands, islets and reefs, including Dachangshan, Xiaochangshan, Guanglu, Zhangzi and Haiyang islands, collectively known as the Changshan Islands. The county seat is on Dachangshan Island, which has Changhai Airport; the Changshan Bridge links Dachangshan and Xiaochangshan, while the other islands are reached by boat. The water is clear and the coast rocky, and the islands are renowned for sea cucumbers, abalone, scallops and sea urchins, making them a favourite island getaway for travellers from Northeast China. Jul–Sep has the warmest water and is peak season for swimming, tidal-flat foraging, sea fishing and seafood; May–Jun and Sep–Oct are quieter and cool; winters are windy, and ferries are often cancelled. There are three main ways to explore. Use Dachangshan as a base to cycle or drive around the island, then cross the bridge to Xiaoshuikou Forest Park and Lituo Bay on Xiaochangshan. Guanglu Island, the closest to the mainland, has Moon Bay beach, Laotie Mountain and Fairy Lake, ideal for a two-day, one-night weekend. Zhangzi and Haiyang islands are farther out, with wilder sea cliffs and fishing villages, suited to those who want to stay longer and go sea fishing. Smaller islands such as Haxian and Saili have fishing-family guesthouses and can be visited by chartering a boat for island hopping. Getting there: travel by road from central Dalian to Pikou Port, then take a ferry or speedboat to the islands; Dachangshan is about 1–2 hours away. Zhangzi and Guanglu also have routes from other ports around Dalian, and Haiyang Island is usually reached by changing boats at Dachangshan. You can also take a small plane from Dalian to Dachangshan. Sailings are heavily affected by wind and waves and are usually announced a day in advance, so leave some slack in your schedule, and book ferry tickets and guesthouses early in peak season. Allow 2–4 days and stay on at least two islands.

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