Step into the Real-Life Version of Zelda: The Ultimate Guide to Sishuang Archipelago

Sishuang Archipelago, a hidden gem known as the "real-life version of Zelda on the sea," is located in the southeast of Xiapu County, Ningde City, Fujian Province. Comprising 18 islands, it boasts wonders like volcanic cliffs, sea pastures, flocks of seabirds, and pebble beaches. 1. Pre-Trip Preparation • ❤️Documents: Bring your ID card, and students should carry their student ID for possible discounts. • ❤️Clothing: From May to October, pack lightweight, breathable summer clothes and sun-protective wear; bring a light jacket for spring and autumn; if watching sunrise or sunset, prepare a thick coat as sea winds can be strong. • ❤️Footwear: Comfortable, non-slip sports or hiking shoes for navigating the island's rugged terrain. • ❤️Essentials: High-SPF sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, and umbrella for UV protection; take motion sickness pills 30 minutes in advance; power bank, camera, waterproof phone case; common medications like cold and stomach remedies. • ❤️Miscellaneous: Check weather forecasts and ferry schedules in advance—rough seas may cancel trips. Book ferry tickets via travel platforms or your homestay host. 🚄Transportation Guide 1. Getting to Xiapu: ◦✈️By Air: Fly to Fuzhou Changle International Airport or Wenzhou Longwan International Airport, then take a high-speed train to Xiapu Station. ◦🚄By Train: Many cities offer direct routes to Xiapu Station. 2. Traveling to Sishuang Archipelago: ◦ 🚢Ferry: Departs from Jishi Pier, takes about 1.5 hours, costs ¥100 one-way. Limited schedules, weather-dependent—confirm in advance. ◦ 🚤Speedboat: Departs from Dongbi or Haiwei Pier, takes ~30 minutes, priced between ¥180–400. Faster but bumpy—arrange shared rides ahead. ◦ ⛵️Private Yacht: Ideal for groups, customizable itineraries, starts at ¥3,000. 🏠Accommodation Recommendations • 1️⃣Tongxin Inn: Prime location near the pier, convenient access, sea-view rooms, and a sunset terrace for evening views. • 2️⃣Qingxiang Villa: Hilltop setting with panoramic island views, budget-friendly at ~¥150/night per person. • 3️⃣Island Master Homestay: Offers private transfer boats for guests. The chef, formerly a Chinese head chef in the UK, serves delicious meals. • 4️⃣Good Hope Homestay: Newly built, walkable from the pier, spacious modern rooms with elevators, a bar, and a nightclub. 🍜Food Highlights • 🔥Seaweed & Shrimp Soup: Made with Xiapu’s premium seaweed—sweet and savory, a must-try. • 🔥Mussels Fried Rice Noodles: Plump mussels and noodles soaked in seafood broth, bursting with flavor. • 🔥Wild Yellow Croaker Hot & Sour Soup: Tender fish, tangy and spicy, perfect for warming up. • 🔥Seaweed Jelly: A summer refresher with smooth texture, best paired with honey or fruit. 📌Attractions & Activities 1️⃣Dongshuang Island: 📸Most photogenic spot featuring Lion Peak Cliff (resembling an emperor’s crown, stunning in aerial shots), volcanic caves, and grassy coves. Best light from 3–5 PM—wear white dresses or windbreakers for photos. Hike to the summit for island views or try sea fishing nearby. 2️⃣Hongshuang Island (Bird Island): May–August sees flocks of Siberian terns. Bring breadcrumbs to interact with seabirds. Stay 2+ meters from cliffs; use wide-angle or telephoto lenses. 3️⃣Nanshuang Island: Unique pebble beach—stack heart-shaped stones for wishes. Explore tidal pools at low tide (wear grippy shoes). Clear waters are great for swimming/snorkeling. 4️⃣Xishuang Island: Striking volcanic formations with columnar basalt cliffs. Three Caves is a prime sunset spot. Fish with rented gear; summer may bring bioluminescent "blue tears." 5️⃣Beishuang Island: The main inhabited island with full amenities. Experience fishing village life, watch dawn departures, and catch sunsets at the pier or hilltop. 🎈Itinerary Ideas •1️⃣Day Trip (Speedboat Island-Hopping): Morning departure from Xiapu to Beishuang Island, then explore Dongshuang Island. Afternoon visit to Xishuang or Nanshuang (tide-dependent) before returning. • 2️⃣Two-Day Trip (In-Depth): Day 1—Xiapu to Beishuang, homestay stay, village strolls, sunset views. Day 2—island-hopping (Dongshuang + Xishuang/Nanshuang), then return. 7. Key Tips • 🎈Weather & Ferries: Check forecasts—rough seas may disrupt schedules. • 🎈Safety: Rocky shores and cliffs are hazardous. Wear proper shoes and avoid risky areas. • 🎈Eco-Consciousness: Pack out trash; preserve nature and wildlife. • 🎈Connectivity & Supplies: Some islands have poor signal—notify family of plans. Limited supplies—bring snacks and water. Recently, I visited Fujian’s Sishuang Archipelago—a fantastical, lesser-known paradise dubbed the real-life "Zelda." The trip was awe-inspiring, though not without minor regrets. Here’s my experience to share with you all.