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.
It’s really important to pick a nice day when going to the beach! Nevertheless, I was able to see some unique ocean views.
I went in early November, and it was already past the peak season. On the first day, I was at Lian Island, and the sea was still quite blue. Additionally, it was really hard to find a taxi back from Lian Island. The seafood in the evening was rather mediocre. On the second day, I climbed Huaguo Mountain and reached the highest peak, Yunu Peak, then took a car down. We finished off with a bowl of seafood porridge, which… Read more »
The weather on Lian Island is really beautiful, and the water is very clear.
This year, the water quality in Lian Island has noticeably declined, with a lot of foam present.
This morning, I headed straight to Lian Island, aiming for Suma Bay because I heard it was quite clean. Upon arrival, I was really disappointed; it was just a bay and felt quite small. The water was filled with large pebbles, which were really painful on the feet, and the sand was very coarse. Additionally, the water was rather murky. However, as the tide went out later, it became more enjoyable, especially along the shore where the water was clearer.
The weather forecast predicted rain for the whole week, so I hesitated to go out. Even on Friday, as I drove there, I was worried about the rain. But it turned out that it rained only at night. During the day, the sky was clear and sunny. I was so lucky. ️
Lianyungang is beautiful when the weather is nice, with very blue water and relatively low expenses. It’s a great place to visit with family, but unfortunately, we had two meals of seafood that were not tasty.
Lianyungang is great, the scenery is beautiful. Before going, everyone said that the sea water in Lianyungang is dirty, but when I went to see it today, it was actually not bad. The boats parked by the seaside are also very beautiful. The only downside is that there are really a lot of people, so if you plan to go, make sure to avoid holidays and weekends.
To get to the tourist center, you can either take a taxi or a bus. Remember to bring slippers, napkins, towels, water, or drinks (buy one or two bottles). It’s best to wear shorts for easy access to the sea water. After purchasing tickets, board the small train to Da Shawan (大沙湾). On the way to Da Shawan station, you can find vendors selling tools for clam digging (a small shovel and bucket for 5 yuan, optional but recommended). Da… Read more »
During the holidays, there were indeed a lot of tourists on Lian Island (连岛), although the staff at the scenic area mentioned that the number of visitors during the Dragon Boat Festival was just a drizzle compared to the May Day holiday. Both Dashawan (大沙湾) and Sumawan (苏马湾) were packed with people, with lines for the small train stretching for hundreds of meters. The beach and sea water also looked a bit dirty. One positive aspect worth praising is the… Read more »