Dayushan Island (Xiaotianhu Lake)

Dayushan Island (Xiaotianhu Lake)

Fujian’s Dayushan Island is located in the northeastern waters of Xiapu, about 5 nautical miles from Sansha Ancient Town Port. With a diameter of approximately 5 kilometers and an area of 21.22 square kilometers, its highest peak, Hongjidong Mountain, stands at 541.4 meters above sea level, making it the largest island in eastern Fujian. The island group comprises eleven islands of various sizes, including Dayushan, Xiaoshushan, Yuanyang Island, and Yinyu, with a total land area of 28.3 square kilometers and a coastline stretching 30.12 kilometers. Dayushan is also known as Yushan or Yushan, and alternatively as Yaoshan or Yao Shan. "Yu" and "Yu" are dialectal homophones. In the past, the island was densely forested, and local fishermen supplemented their income by producing charcoal. Numerous ancient charcoal kilns were located at the foot of Tianhu Mountain, which is why it is also called Yaoshan. The island administers five administrative villages: Mazu, Luzhu, Dongjiao, Yuniao, and Zhongzao. Dayushan Island boasts vast mountainous areas, expansive seas, a pleasant climate, and stunning scenery. It is rich in granite, high-quality mineral water, and grassland resources. The surrounding waters are abundant with seafood such as eel, hairtail, mantis shrimp, shrimp larvae, seven-star fish, and eel. Natural attractions include the vast grasslands of Tianhu Mountain, known as the “Heavenly Grassland of the South,” the mysterious Large and Small Tianhu Lakes atop the peaks, the expansive golden sands of Dashi’ao Bay, Bird Island, and Hongjidong. Historical sites include the Ambassador Palace, Mazu Palace, and Tianfu Temple. The natural landscapes of the Fuyao Archipelago have been designated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development as one of the four major scenic highlights of the national-level Taimu Mountain Scenic Area.

Transportation

Self-guided Route:

Direction to Taimu Mountain Town (formerly Qinyu Town) Railway Station

Taimu Mountain Railway Station → Qinyu Bus Station → Yujing Wharf → Dayushan Island Wharf

1. At the entrance of the railway station, take the yellow bus to Qinyu Town (i.e., Taimu Mountain Town). Fare: 3 RMB/person, duration: 15 minutes.

2. From Qinyu Bus Station, take a bus to Yujing Wharf. Fare: 10 RMB/person, duration: 30 minutes.

3. From Yujing Wharf, take a ferry to Dayushan Island Wharf. Fare: 50 RMB/person, duration: 30 minutes.

P.S.: Buses depart from Qinyu Station to Yujing Wharf at 8:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM, and 1:30 PM. Ferries depart at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Direction to Xiapu Railway Station

Xiapu Railway Station → Sansha Town → Ancient Town Wharf → Dayushan Island Wharf

1. Take a bus from the railway station entrance to the North Bus Station. Duration: 20 minutes.

2. From the North Bus Station to Sansha Town. Duration: 1 hour.

3. From Sansha Town to Ancient Town Wharf. Duration: 10 minutes.

4. From Ancient Town Wharf to Dayushan Island. Fare: 50 RMB/person, duration: 30 minutes.

Note: For those who find transfers troublesome, you can take a taxi directly from the railway station to Ancient Town Wharf. Fare: 25 RMB/person. Boats depart at 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM from Ancient Town Wharf.

Additional boat services are available on weekends and holidays, depending on passenger flow. Arrive at the wharf before departure time.

Ticket

Tianhu Scenic Area of Dayushan Island: 40 RMB for entry + 40 RMB for round-trip shuttle bus. Ferry ticket: 50 RMB one-way, 100 RMB round-trip per person.

Free Policy — Children under 1.2 meters and seniors over 70 years old with valid ID can enter Tianhu Scenic Area for free (but must purchase the shuttle bus ticket).

Discount Policy — Children between 1.2–1.5 meters, full-time students with student ID can enjoy half-price entry to Tianhu. Children under 1.5 meters receive a half-price discount on the shuttle bus.

Ferry tickets: Adults are required for those 1.4 meters and above, children’s tickets for those between 1–1.4 meters, and free for those under 1 meter.

Opening Hours

08:30—17:30

Location

Yushe Town, Fuding City, Ningde, Fujian Province