Dong'ao Island (东澳岛)
Zhuhai's best-developed resort island — turquoise water, the fine-sand 'Diamond Beach' at Nansha Bay, and a coastal trail up to Ming-era Chongcheng Fortress.
Duration
Full day (ferry leaves you ~7-8 hrs on the island); 2 days + 1 night for slower pace
Cost
Ferry ¥80-130 ($11-18) one way; island sights and trails are free
Hours
Island open all day; ferry service limited to set daily sailings (check the day's schedule)
Booking
Advance booking required
Dong'ao Island (东澳岛, Dōng'ào Dǎo) sits in the middle of the Wanshan archipelago (万山群岛, Wànshān Qúndǎo) about an hour's ferry from downtown Zhuhai — the city's most developed yet still unspoiled island escape. Its draw is simple: crystal-clear water, fine "Diamond Beach" sand at Nansha Bay (南沙湾, Nánshā Wān), and uncrowded coastal trails through a nature-backed island.
Getting there. Ferries leave Xiangzhou Port (香洲港, Xiāngzhōu Gǎng) roughly every 30-50 minutes through the day; the crossing takes about 50-70 minutes and costs ¥100-130 ($14-18) one way. A cheaper crossing from Hengqin Wharf (横琴码头, Héngqín Mǎtóu) runs about ¥80 ($11). Sights on the island are free — your only real cost is the boat, so book both legs and note the last return sailing before you wander.
What to do. Swim or sunbathe at Nansha Bay Beach, Zhuhai's finest sand. Then take the circular island trail past the Chongcheng Fortress ruins (铳城遗址, Chòngchéng yízhǐ) and Ming–Qing cliff carvings, climbing for wide sea views and sunrise photography. Dong'ao Fishing Village (东澳渔村, Dōng'ào Yúcūn) serves fresh lobster, crab, and shellfish — roughly ¥100-150 ($14-21) per person. The Gree Dong'ao Hotel (about ¥1,200 / $168 a night) or island homestays (around ¥300 / $42) turn it into a 2-day stay.
What to know. This is a nature escape, not a shopping stop — pack water, sunscreen, and good walking shoes, and bring a swimsuit. Ferry crowds peak on weekends and holidays, so book 1-2 days ahead. Island card and ATM coverage is patchy; carry some cash alongside mobile pay.
Practical tips
- The ferry timetable fixes your whole day — book return tickets the moment you arrive and confirm the last sailing back. Pick the Xiangzhou Port ferry (about 50-70 min) or the cheaper Hengqin crossing (¥80) if it suits your route. Carry cash or ensure Alipay works, since island ATMs and card acceptance are patchy. Peak days add crowds and sell out ferries, so book 1-2 days ahead during weekends and holidays. Wear proper shoes for the loop trail — it climbs, it's sunny, and shade is scarce. Bring a swimsuit for Nansha Bay and sunscreen; there's little cover on the beaches. Reasonable seafood lunches run around ¥100-150 per person at Dong'ao Fishing Village.