Dong’ao Island (东澳岛), covering approximately 4.663 square kilometers, is divided into northern and southern parts. Remarkably, the island has preserved its original ecological environment, showcasing unique natural landscapes that are truly captivating. Notable spots include Axed Mountain, where visitors can enjoy stunning views, and Honeymoon Pavilion, which overlooks the sea. Big Bamboo Bay offers a tranquil setting to listen to the waves, while Dong’ao Bay provides breathtaking sunsets.
With a pleasant climate, ancient trees, and tranquil fishing villages, Dong’ao Island is especially known for its stunning beaches. Among its three main beaches – Nansha Bay, Big Bamboo Bay, and Small Bamboo Bay – Nansha Bay is often praised as the “Diamond Beach.” Its fine, white sand and gentle slopes make it a rare find in the Zhuhai area. Visitors can engage in various activities like deep-sea diving, beach play, shore fishing, and circumnavigating the island, all of which highlight the beauty and friendliness of the ocean.
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Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
Location and Transportation
Dong’ao Island is located in the central-southern part of the Wanshan Archipelago, within the Xiangzhou District of Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province. It lies approximately 30 kilometers from Xiangzhou.
To reach Dong’ao Island, visitors can take a ferry from either the Xiangzhou Port or Hengqin Port in Zhuhai. Ferries from Xiangzhou Port typically arrive at Dong’ao Pier, while those from Hengqin Port generally go to Nansha Bay Pier. The Xiangzhou Port ferries are the more popular option among tourists.
Highlights of Dong’ao Island
Chongcheng: A Historical Fortress
Chongcheng, located on the ridge at Aokou on Dong’ao Island, was built in the seventh year of the Qing Dynasty’s Yongzheng era (1729) and originally housed 50 soldiers. Surrounded by sea on three sides and backed by a mountain, the fortress features stone walls that stand 2.5 meters high and 1.5 meters thick. Its rectangular layout measures 48 meters in length and 20.5 meters in width, with the main gate facing southeast and a cannon platform positioned in the northwest corner. Approximately 40 meters northeast of Chongcheng is a conical beacon tower, while another conical beacon tower, 2 meters tall, can be found near a cliff just 20 meters southeast of the fortress. These towers served as signal relays, with fire pits and smoke ducts inside.
Honeymoon Pavilion: A Scenic Retreat
Perched atop a peak in the northwest part of the beach, Honeymoon Pavilion can be reached by climbing 1,008 steps. From its vantage point, visitors can glimpse the Macau-Taipa Bridge and the hazy outlines of Zhuhai. With a vast sky above and seagulls occasionally soaring overhead, one is reminded of the poet Chen Zi’ang’s reflection on the passage of time and existence. The pavilion’s walls are adorned with lyrical poetry from various scholars across the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. At the center of the top floor hangs a massive bell named “First Sight of Love,” whose echoes resonate against the backdrop of the blue sky and sea.
Rock Carvings: Echoes of a Turbulent Past
Dong’ao Island is also home to significant rock carvings, such as “武当胜景 Wudang Scenery” and “万海平波 Ten Thousand Seas in Calm,” which date back to the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty. During this period, the notorious pirate Zhang Baozai led a force of 40,000 men and four large ships, claiming to fight against the Qing and aid the poor. They carved inscriptions like “Ten Thousand Seas in Calm” and “God’s Palace” into the rocks of Dong’ao Island. After facing a crackdown from Qing forces, they supposedly buried 18 boxes of treasure near the carvings, leaving behind a mystery about their whereabouts.
