10 Best Islands In China

islands in china
Lukas
Lukas 
Published
| 5 min read

China is undoubtedly one of the most coveted destinations for many tourists, regardless of their travelling needs. You can hike up the Great Wall of China, or you can also go shopping in Beijing and Shanghai if you’re a fashionista. For those who enjoy historical tourism, traditional Chinese villages are also go-to spots. There are many sights to see in this country. However, off of China’s mainland is a collection of islands with picturesque views and many natural wonders. These islands offer tourists a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you want to experience authentic Asian island culture, these places must be on your itinerary. Learn more about the 10 best islands in China below.

1. Shangchuan Island, Taishan, Jiangmen

Beachside palm trees
Source: Pixabay

Shangchuan Island is one Chinese island that has been separated from the country’s mainland since the ice age. It lies proximal to Xiachuan Island. These two islands and other minor islets make up the Chuanshan Archipelago. Shangchuan Island has a total area of 137.3 sq km (53 sq mi) and a 220-km (13.7-mi) coastline. This island is surrounded by pristine blue waters tourists would want to swim in. Over time, Shangchuan Island has been established as an Open Integrated Experimental Zone. When you visit, you’ll have a wide array of resorts to choose from, especially on the eastern shore.

Shangchuan Island

Address: Taishan, Jiangmen, Guangdong Province

Opening hours: Every day, 24/7

Price: Free

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2. Gouqi Island, Shengsi, Zhoushan

Hundred Island National Park, Pangasinan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Elmer nev valenzuela used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Gouqi Island is located to the east of Shengsi Island. It’s also the second-largest island in the area. It is close to Shanghai, and it’s deemed by many as one of the best travel destinations in China for family holidays. Initially, Zoushan, the district this island is located in, relied on fishing as their primary industry. Eventually, industries like shipping, tourism and services entered the island and contributed to the economy, too. If you decide to visit Gouqi Island, you can take evening walks by the beach, hike, watch the awe-inspiring cliff sides, and the scenic ocean.

Gouqi Island

Address: Shengsi, Zhoushan

Opening hours: Every day, 24/7

Price: Free

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3. Zhoushan Island, Dinghai, Zhoushan

Island

Zhoushan Island lies to the southern flank of the Yangtze River and the outer edge of the Hangzhou Bay. Apart from being a popular Chinese tourist destination, the island serves as the location of one of the country’s most crucial ports. Additionally, the island is best known for fishing and tourism. Zhoushan is one of China’s largest coastline island, covering approximately 22,000 sq km (8494 sq mi). It’s part of a group made up of more than 400 islands, all of which feature fascinating landscapes.

Zhoushan Island

Address: Dinghai, Zhoushan

Opening hours:Every day, 24/7

Price: Free

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4. Shengsi Islands, Shengsi, Zhoushan

Jeju Island
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Robert Simmon, us... used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Shengsi Islands, comprised of 394 islands in the Zoushan Archipelago, are found approximately 33 km (20.5 mi) from Shanghai’s port. The island is best for swimming enthusiasts and hikers who want to explore scenic hills. It’s also perfect for tourists who enjoy eating fresh seafood from the clean waters surrounding it. Shengsi Islands is approximately two hours away from the city. To get there, you need to cross the Hangzhou Bay Bridge, which is one of the world’s longest trans-sea bridges.

Shengsi Islands

Address: Shengsi, Zhoushan

Opening hours: Every day, 24/7

Price: Free

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5. Weizhou Island, Haicheng, Beihai

North Sentinel Island
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user NASA Earth Observ... used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

When you’re in China, why not visit Weizhou Island, the country’s largest and youngest volcanic island? Weizhou Island has an average temperature of 22°C (71°F). It’s home to stunning beaches and a wide range of excellent seafood restaurants. Apart from national holidays, Weizhou Island rarely receives visitors. However, it offers interesting tourist attraction sites, including the Gothic-style Catholic church that was built in the 19th century by the French.

The Vietnamese government controlled the island before the French invasion. This explains why many temples and elaborate pagodas are found on the island. For ease of transport, the island has motor tricycle rental services that visitors can use to move from one place to another. Ferries to Weizhou Island operate daily, but it’s recommended that you book your tickets before your trip. Also, make sure to carry enough cash as cards issued by banks outside China are not accepted in many establishments.

Weizhou Island

Address: Haicheng, Beihai

Opening hours: Every day, 24/7

Price: Free

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6. Xiamen Island, Siming, Xiamen

Jethou, island in Channel islands
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mramoeba used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Visiting Xiamen Island feels like you’re travelling back in time. Also known as Amoy Island, it is located in the southeastern part of China, along the Taiwan Strait. The ambience here is tranquil, and locals live a relaxing and comfortable life. The seemingly slow and relaxed vibe makes this destination popular among tourists. Xiamen Island is full of attractions, with various points of interest, sights, and historical collections. You can enjoy mountain hikes and sunbathing on the beach while you’re here. Adding to the tranquility, you will not find any cars on the island.

Xiamen Island

Address: Siming, Xiamen

Opening hours: Every day, 24/7

Price: Free

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7. Xiachuan Island, Taishan, Jiangmen

Island
Source: Pixabay

Enjoy the pristine coastal scenery during your early morning or evening strolls at Xiachuan Island. It’s one of the best places in the world to watch the sunrise or sunset. This island is located on the South China Sea and is part of Guangdong province. Xiachuan Island features coconut trees lining up the beach, swaying along with the sea breeze. Near the beach, tourists can climb up ascending stones to find a spot that features a breathtaking view of the Seven Stars and Moon, a collection of smaller islands off Xiachuan’s southern coast. After spending time swimming, lounging around, or going on adventures, visitors can head on over to one of the island’s many local restaurants that serve some of the best seafood around.

Xiachuan Island

Address: Taishan, Jiangmen

Opening hours: Every day, 24/7

Price:Free

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8. Hailing Island, Jiangcheng, Yangjiang

Island
Source: Unsplash

If you’re looking for an inexpensive and fun-filled getaway in China, Hailing Island might be the destination for you. Like many Islands in China, Hailing Island is home to some interesting attractions that are worth visiting. From clean beaches and crystal clear waters where you can swim to boardwalks for those who like enjoying the pleasant coastal view, there are many activities you can do here. While you spend your time in Hailing Island, make sure to watch out for marauding all-terrain vehicles and enthusiastic jet skiers. Of course, there’s also the fun option of joining them.

Hailing Island

Address: Jiangcheng, Yangjiang

Opening hours: Every day, 24/7

Price: Free

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9. Tsung-ming Island, Chongming

Island
Source: Pixabay

Tsung-ming Island is a sedimentary island located right at the mouth of the Yangtze River. The island has a land area of about 1295 sq km (500 sq mi) and forms part of the Chongming country together with Hengsha and Changxing. Tourism in this island focuses on three zones with several attraction sites. Worth mentioning are the recently discovered, endangered finless porpoises, which are worth watching as they swim in the pristine waters surrounding the island.

Tsung-ming Island

Address: Chongming District, Shanghai

Opening hours: Every day, 24/7

Price: Free

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10. Zhifu Island, Zhifu, Yantai

Anacapa Island Lighthouse Arch
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Robert Schwemmer used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Zhifu Island is another incredible island in China with great historical significance. Its name comes from a combination of two Chinese words. The first is “Zhi,” the name of a powerful and magical plant that resembles the island’s shape. The second word is “Fu,” which means “a barrier of an ocean.” This island is located approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) away from Zhifu District’s centre. Initially, it was disconnected from the mainland, but the continuous accumulation of sand and soil built a 0.6 km (0.3 mi) pathway. Additionally, Zhifu Island is a great place to learn history. Many archaeological excavations here have already uncovered more than 200 artefacts, such as short axes, bone needles, bone hairpins, and pottery fragments. During your visit, make sure to check out the Laoye Mountain, which is the largest island’s mountain, standing approximately 290 m (951 ft) high. Also, you can choose to stay in a wide range of hotels and eat at the island’s many restaurants during your visit.

Zhifu Island

Address: Zhifu, Yantai

Opening hours:Every day, 24/7

Price: Free

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Explore China's islands on your next holiday

China has many islands a lot of people don’t know of. The islands found in this country all provide scenic views for tourists looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When you’re at one of them, you’ll get to experience the country’s culture existing harmoniously with the natural wonders found in it. With all that said, your only problem now should be deciding where to go first.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Lukas, a dedicated writer and avid traveler, possesses a knack for wandering off the beaten path. He's explored six countries on three continents, gathering invaluable insights. His goal is also to...Read more

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