Formerly known as Yingyou Mountain, Lian Island (连岛, Liandao Island) is the largest sea island in Jiangsu Province, covering an area of 7.6 square kilometers. Situated across the sea from Lianyungang Port, it is connected to the eastern urban area of Lianyungang by the longest seawall in China, stretching over 6.7 kilometers. The island boasts a harmonious blend of green mountains, blue seas, lush forests, unique sea-eroded rocks, natural beaches, and the cultural landscapes of fishing villages.
The unique geographical location of Lian Island creates a resort area with mild winters and comfortable summers, offering a pleasant climate throughout the four seasons. The island is adorned with verdant peaks, with forest coverage exceeding 80%, creating a refreshing and shaded environment wherever you go.
Lian Island is also home to Jiangsu Province’s largest natural high-quality beach. The golden shore meets the azure sea, where gentle winds and waves prevail. With a standard sea swimming temperature lasting up to 80 days, Lian Island becomes an ideal destination for water sports and family outings, providing a serene escape for those seeking both natural beauty and recreational activities.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Map of Lian Island
- Highlights of Lian Island
- Vlog about Lian Island
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions near Lian Island
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | 50 RMB (28th April – 27th October) 30 RMB (28th October – 27th April) |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.20 (28th April – 27th October) 8.30 – 16.40 (28th October – 27th April) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-400-828-2898 |
Location and Transportation
Lian Islands are situated in the eastern part of Lianyungang City, facing the sea across from Lianyungang Port. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Lianyungang Tourist Shuttle Bus:
- Take the Lianyungang Tourist Shuttle Bus from the Lianyungang High-Speed Rail Station (bus stop).
- Alight at the Lian Island Visitor Center.
City Bus Routes:
- Opt for Tourist Line 3, traveling from Lianyungang East Station to Lian Island Scenic Area.
- Alternatively, choose Tourist Line 6, commuting from the Huaguoshan Scenic Area to Lian Island Scenic Area.
Map of Lian Island
Highlights of Lian Island
Dashawan Beach Resort: A Pristine Seaside Oasis
Lian Island’s Dashawan (Dasha Bay) Beach Resort stands as the sole premium natural beach in Jiangsu Province, recognized among China’s 16 health-conscious seawater bathing sites by the National Marine Bureau. Achieving ISO 14000 international environmental quality certification, the beach has been a venue for significant events such as eight consecutive Lianyungang Summer Opening Ceremonies, the International Kite Festival, the 2003 China leg of the Women’s Beach Volleyball World Tour, and Jiangsu Province’s inaugural Fishermen’s Cultural and Sports Festival. The beach’s pristine beauty and quality make it a sought-after destination for both leisure and major festivities.
Suma Bay Ecological Park: Tranquil Beauty Amidst Nature
Named after the legendary tale of General Su Ziheng raising horses in Yingyou Mountains in the late Ming Dynasty, Suma Bay is a haven of lush woods and secluded tranquility. Surrounded by the delicate curves of golden beaches, wandering into the woods unveils a world of deep shadows, babbling brooks, and melodious bird songs. Nestled in the verdant foliage are cozy wooden cabins, well-equipped and exuding warmth. Strategically positioned in harmony with the natural surroundings, these cabins offer a delightful view of the sea, allowing you to fully appreciate the enchanting seascape with the soothing sound of waves, creating a marvelous “lying in bed listening to the waves, opening the window to watch the sunrise” experience.
Qian San Islands: A Triad of Scenic Retreats
Qian San Islands encompass three small islands – Pingshan Island, Dashan Island, and Cheniu Mountain Island – situated in the southern part of the Yellow Sea, northeast of Lianyungang, Jiangsu. With a total area of 0.32 square kilometers and located 54.6 kilometers from Lianyungang Port, these islands are part of the Haizhou Bay Fishing Ground, one of China’s eight major fishing grounds. Known for the abundant marine life in the nearby waters, including horse mackerel, sea bass, yellow croaker, and prawns, these islands offer a serene retreat for tourists and fishing enthusiasts who seek the pleasures of seaside leisure and angling.
Vlog about Lian Island
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
When to Visit: The best time to visit Lian Island is on a clear, sunny day. Avoid coming on overcast days when the sea might not be as picturesque. It’s also advisable to avoid visiting during scorching hot weather or holidays when crowds are at their peak.
Beach Options: Lian Island boasts two main beaches: Da Shawan (Big Sandy Bay) and Su Ma Wan. Da Shawan tends to be more crowded, while Su Ma Wan, located deeper within Lian Island, offers a quieter experience. To reach Su Ma Wan, enter the scenic area and then head left at the entrance. You can take a sightseeing bus using the ticket purchased earlier, enjoying the scenic ride to Su Ma Wan with fewer people.
Avoid Haze: It’s essential to avoid visiting Lian Island on days with heavy haze or air pollution. During such conditions, the horizon over the sea may be completely obscured, detracting from the overall experience.
Convenience Facilities: If you’ve been wading in the water at Da Shawan and want to clean up before heading inland, there are foot washing stations with water and benches available along the boardwalk side facing the sea.
You must visit Lian Island on a sunny day! The weather looked great beforehand, but once I arrived, it turned cloudy with extremely strong and cold winds.
I rented an electric scooter on Lian Island, and the service was amazing! They didn’t charge me for several extra hours, and when my scooter ran out of battery, they just swapped it for another one. Everything was perfect, and the scooters were all brand new!
In the afternoon, I went to Lian Island. The first half of the journey was good, but when I saw the bustling crowd at the bus station from Dasha Bay to Suma Bay, I decided to choose the coastal boardwalk instead. It turned out to be a great choice! The wooden boardwalk was built along the coast, offering beautiful scenery all along the way. The distance was about 2.5 kilometers.
The sea in Lianyungang appears blue from a distance and emerald green up close. During the off-season, there are very few tourists on Lian Island, and the boardwalk between Dasha Bay and Suma Bay is a great spot for taking photos.
This was my first time seeing the sea in winter; it’s beautiful yet very cold. The crowds on Lian Island during the off-season are sparse, and when the sun is out, it’s stunning. There’s no need for an entrance ticket or reservation; you just need a transportation ticket (20 yuan) to explore Lian Island. With this ticket, you can take either the small train or the bus.