Explore all fairylands in one trip—this lifetime must-visit: a DIY trip to Orchid Island

Photos provided by Xiao Feng – Wind’s Photography Fun –

Island-hopping trips are a yearly must.


<->Round-trip ferry tickets to Orchid Island $2360

Green Island Star

From Dongqing Tribe heading north

The northern side offers a breathtaking view of the scenic landscape beneath the ring road.
The southern side provides a panoramic view of the Dongqing Tribe.

Arriving at the Yeyin Tribe,
taking the Provincial Highway 81 to the west is more time-efficient.
Otherwise, you’ll have to take a long detour around the outer perimeter.
Overlooking the Yeyin Tribe, you’ll find well-preserved traditional underground houses.
These contrast sharply with the colorful guesthouses nearby.

Photography Tips in Orchid Island
The western side gets direct sunlight during the day and backlighting in the afternoon.
The eastern side is backlit during the day and has front lighting in the afternoon.

Drying flying fish is one of Orchid Island’s traditional cultural practices.
The backlight creates a captivating interplay of light and shadow.

Sunset can be captured on the western side of Orchid Island.
The most popular spot for photography
is undoubtedly the Tiger Head Slope, where you can shoot the sunset over Steamed Bun Mountain.

After capturing the sunset, take a short rest and enjoy a meal.
Wait for the Milky Way to rise around nine in the evening.
Being an offshore island free from light pollution, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye.
It’s usually best to shoot during the new moon phase when moonlight doesn’t interfere.
The Dragon Head Rock Milky Way is a must-shoot location.
How to photograph the Milky Way?
1. Use an ultra-wide-angle lens.
2. Use a lens with a large aperture.
3. Set shutter speed to 30 seconds — exceeding this will result in star trails.
4. ISO value should be around 800–3200 (adjust based on ambient light).
5. Check moonrise and moonset times via the Central Weather Bureau.
The optimal period is from the 25th of the lunar month to the 1st.
Check moonrise and moonset schedules.
Coordinate your shoots with the monthly Milky Way rise times.

Milky Way Rise Time Reference Chart
Month Direction Rising Time Direction Setting Time
End of January Southeast 5:30* Southwest 12:00
End of February Southeast 3:30* Southwest 10:00
End of March Southeast 1:30* Southwest 8:00
End of April Southeast 23:30* Southwest 6:00
End of May Southeast 21:30* Southwest 4:00*
End of June Southeast 19:30* Southwest 2:00*
End of July Southeast 17:30 Southwest 0:00*
End of August Southeast 15:30 Southwest 22:00*
End of September Southeast 13:30 Southwest 20:00*
End of October Southeast 11:30 Southwest 18:00*
End of November Southeast 9:30 Southwest 16:00
End of December Southeast 7:30 Southwest 14:00
 

Author Introduction: Wind's Photography Fun

Every photo tells a story.
Every shot captures a memory.
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Awards
1. Silver Award, Leofoo My City Impression – Creative Group
2. Xuiter Quality Grand Award – Album Category Winner - Beautiful World