The Dongji Island (东极岛) are not an official geographical name nor do they refer to a single island. Instead, it is a customary term for all the islands under the jurisdiction of Dongji Town in Putuo District, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province. The official geographical name is “Zhongjieshan Archipelago.” From west to east, the main islands include Huangxing Island, Miaozihu Island, Qingbang Island, and Dongfushan Island. The islands are home to simple and hardworking fishermen who live their daily lives on these serene lands.
Located at the easternmost point of mainland China, the Dongji Islands are among the easternmost islands of the Zhoushan Archipelago, surrounded by the East China Sea. This archipelago consists of 28 islands and 108 reefs, known for their picturesque and pristine environment. The islands feature stunning seascapes, embodying the essence of sunshine, clear blue waters, rocky reefs, and fresh seafood, earning them the nickname “Lijiang on the Sea” for their serene beauty and purity.
The Dongji Islands are a haven of natural beauty and simplicity, making them a perfect destination for those seeking tranquility and a taste of authentic island life. The picturesque landscapes and charming fishing villages offer a glimpse into a world where nature and tradition coexist harmoniously.
Table of Contents
Basic Information
Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 days |
Ticket Price | The island is free, but you need to pay for the ferry, whose cost ranges from 100 RMB to 150 RMB |
Opening Hours | 24 hours a day |
Telephone Number | 0086-0580-6048002 |
Location and Transportation
Dongji Island is located in Dongji Town, Putuo District, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China, at the eastern end of the Chinese mainland, between 122.40° east longitude and 30.1° north latitude. The Dongji Islands are situated far from the main island of Zhoushan, approximately 45 kilometers away from Shenjiamen.
To reach Dongji Island, travelers must take a boat from the Banshengdong Pier in Shenjiamen. There is a scheduled boat departing for Miaozihu Island around 8:30 a.m. daily, with a return trip at approximately 11:00 a.m. During peak tourist seasons, weekends, and holidays, there may be additional boat services available, with the journey taking about 2 hours each way. From Miaozihu Island, ferries are available to travel to other islands in the Dongji Archipelago.
Highlights of Dongji Island
Fishermen’s Paintings
![fishermen's paintings in dongji island](http://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fishermens-paintings-in-dongji-island-jpeg.webp)
Originating in the late 1980s, Dongji fishermen’s paintings have evolved into a vibrant artistic community, nurturing over 200 artists in the past two decades. Depicting the picturesque life of a fishing village against the backdrop of the sea, these paintings exude a modern folk artistry. They portray the fishermen’s daily activities and livelihoods with a unique style that blends freedom, innocence, and poetic expression. Unlike traditional folk art’s simplicity or academic art’s constraints, Dongji fishermen’s paintings showcase a distinct and free-spirited portrayal of life by the sea, characterized by rich subject matter and unique artistic techniques.
Miaozihu Island
![miaozihu island in dongji islands](http://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/miaozihu-island-in-dongji-islands-jpg.webp)
Located in the central part of the Zhongjieshan Archipelago, Miaozihu Island serves as the administrative center of Dongji Town in Putuo District. Surrounded by clear waters teeming with marine life, it provides an excellent environment for aquaculture. Legend has it that Miaozihu Island was inhabited as early as the early Qing Dynasty, but human activity declined during the mid-Qing Dynasty due to pirate raids. However, after the suppression of pirates, fishermen returned to the island to engage in fishing activities. According to folklore, Fujianese fishermen were among the first settlers on the island, where they found a small temple and a pond. They named the temple “Miaozi” and the pond “Hu,” hence the name Miaozihu Island. Tourists can explore its natural wonders, including unique peaks and rocks, indulge in sea fishing, taste freshly caught seafood, and enjoy beachcombing. Moreover, Miaozihu Island has served as a filming location for numerous movies due to its stunning scenery and tranquil ambiance.
Qingbang Island
![qingbang island in dongji islands](http://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/qingbang-island-in-dongji-islands-jpg.webp)
Located west of Miaozihu Island, Qingbang Island is a picturesque gem in the Dongji Archipelago. Stretching approximately 2.45 kilometers in length and 0.8 kilometers in width, this island boasts lush greenery and vibrant flora, creating a verdant landscape reminiscent of a botanical paradise. During the spring and summer months, the island bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors, with emerald green grasslands complemented by azure-blue waters surrounding its shores. Inhabited since the Qing Dynasty, Qingbang Island has been a hub for maritime activities such as fishing and agriculture. The island’s traditional houses, constructed against the mountains using stones sourced from Dongji, stand in majestic tiers, resembling the architectural splendor of the Potala Palace. Thus, Qingbang Island has earned the moniker “The Potala Palace of the Sea,” captivating visitors with its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Dongfushan
![dongfushan island in dongji islands](http://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/dongfushan-island-in-dongji-islands-jpg.webp)
Nestled at the easternmost tip of the Dongji Archipelago lies Dongfushan, a remote and enchanting island known as the “birthplace of wind, incubator of rain, kingdom of fog, and cradle of waves” by local fishermen. With an area of only 2.95 square kilometers and a population of fewer than 50 permanent residents, reaching Dongfushan is an adventure in itself, requiring a two-day journey and multiple boat transfers across four islands. Travelers trade conventional transportation for rugged terrain, transitioning from trucks to pickup vehicles and from ferries to small fishing boats. Despite its remoteness, Dongfushan offers an unparalleled experience as the premier spot to witness the dawn’s first light, earning it the reputation as the ideal destination for sunrise enthusiasts. As the site of the “first sunrise of the new millennium,” Dongfushan beckons visitors seeking awe-inspiring natural wonders and untouched beauty.
Caibogong Staute
![caibogong statue in dongji islands](http://chinatripedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/caibogong-statue-in-dongji-islands-jpg.webp)
Caibogong Statue commemorates the legacy of a Fujianese fisherman who became the first person to arrive at Dongji Island, also known as the easternmost point of Dongji Archipelago. Legend has it that Chen Caibo was stranded on the island after his boat capsized during a storm while he was fishing at sea. Sensing the treacherous waves surrounding the island, he would light a beacon fire during typhoon weather to warn mainland fishermen of the dangers, effectively guiding them away from potential shipwrecks.
Over time, mainland fishermen mistook Chen Caibogong’s actions for the work of a divine being, believing that the fires he lit served as a celestial guide. They followed the direction of the fires, successfully navigating through their fishing expeditions without encountering any storms. However, when the fires ceased to appear one day, the fishermen embarked on a journey to find the supposed deity responsible for guiding them. After an extensive search, they discovered four islands, including the Miaozihu Island (also known as Middle Street Mountain Archipelago), where they found Chen Caibogong’s remains.
Realizing that Chen Caibogong was not a deity but a benevolent fisherman who selflessly helped others, the fishermen honored his memory by constructing a statue in his name. Today, Caibogong Temple stands as a testament to his altruism and compassion, serving as a place of reverence for locals and visitors alike. It is a poignant reminder of Chen Caibogong’s selfless devotion to protecting his fellow fishermen, even in the face of peril, and his enduring legacy of kindness and generosity.