Dongji Islands

东极岛

The easternmost inhabited island group in mainland China. Think fishing-village guesthouses in Miaozihu, the first sunrise in China from Dongfu Mountain, the 'Potala Palace on the Sea' of Qingbang Island, and filming locations for the film Hou Hui Wu Qi.

The Dongji Islands sit at the easternmost edge of the Zhoushan Archipelago. The group includes four inhabited islands, Miaozihu, Qingbang, Dongfushan, and Huangxing, along with many uninhabited islets. They are about 45 km from Shenjiamen. After the 2014 film *Hou Hui Wu Qi* was shot here, the islands became a pilgrimage destination for film-loving young travelers. Miaozihu is the main island and the center of accommodation. Near the pier, stone houses in the fishing village have been converted into guesthouses and cafés. You can walk the loop trail around the island in about 2 hours to see the cliffs and lighthouse. Landmarks include the statue of Caibogong and the "Dongji" inscription on the rock face. Dongfushan is the easternmost inhabited island in mainland China. It is about 30 minutes by boat from Miaozihu. From its summit, you can see the earliest sunrise on Chinese territory (around 4:45 a.m. in summer). The Baiyun Palace, Elephant Trunk Peak, and the stone-house village make for a half-day hike. Qingbang Island's stone houses are layered up the hillside, earning it the nickname "the Potala Palace on the sea." It's about 15 minutes by boat from Miaozihu. On clear days, the seawater turns a rare blue-green, and you can snorkel and go sea fishing. Fishing-family restaurants serve seafood fresh off the boats. Ferry tickets: the boat from Banshengdong Pier in Shenjiamen to Miaozihu takes about 2.5 hours, with 1 to 2 departures daily and extra sailings in peak season. Tickets cost about ¥100–160 and must be booked in advance through the official Zhoushan Haixing Shipping channel. In peak season, book up to a week ahead. Island-to-island boats cost about ¥30–50. We recommend staying one night: arrive on the first day at Miaozihu and walk around the island, then head to Dongfushan the next morning for sunrise before returning. Tips: supplies on the islands arrive by boat, so prices are high. Ferries stop when wind and waves exceed certain levels, so you may get stranded on the island. Leave extra time in your itinerary. There are no sandy beaches, the rocks are slippery, so be careful. Drinking water and electricity are limited, so please conserve them.

Dongji Islands

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