Guishan Island

I spent the first holiday of 2025 on Guishan Island, enjoying the pleasant sea breeze without the hustle and bustle of crowds. Overall, my experience was quite good. I stayed for two days and one night with a relaxing itinerary. Here are some tips to share with everyone 😊 I. Transportation Tickets: I strongly recommend booking ferry tickets 3-7 days in advance through the "Xiangzhou Port" WeChat public account or platforms like Trip.com. During peak season, tickets are limited and it's difficult to buy tickets for your preferred time slots on-site. Ferry Schedule: There are many departures daily, starting from around 8 AM with the last ferry at about 5 PM. The journey takes approximately 35-50 minutes. II. Attractions Guishan Warship Memorial Park: Built to commemorate the "Guishan Warship," featuring a martyrs' memorial. The main highlight is the panoramic sea view - photography enthusiasts shouldn't miss it. Wen Tianxiang Square: Features a statue of Wen Tianxiang with beautiful sea views. Dolphin Bay: If you're lucky, you might encounter wild dolphins. You can stroll on the beach or enjoy water activities (not recommended in winter because it's too cold!!!). III. Food Seafood: There's a seafood wholesale market just about ten meters from the ferry pier. You can buy fresh seafood and take it to restaurants for cooking (processing fee applies). I recommend trying steamed fish, shrimp, crab, scallops, and abalone - the meat is truly fresh and sweet! Guishan Clams: A specialty shellfish that's delicious either steamed or prepared with garlic and vermicelli. IV. Accommodation Seaside Hotels: I recommend staying near the sea for the open views. Some rooms have sea-view balconies, though they might be a bit more expensive. Guesthouses: Located throughout the village with various styles and generally better value for money. V. Things to Note Apply sunscreen, apply sunscreen, apply sunscreen!!! Even though temperatures aren't high in winter, the UV rays are still strong. I came back two shades darker! Also, those prone to seasickness should bring medication in advance or buy it on the ferry. When the waves are high, the boat ride can be quite turbulent - I had no appetite for food after disembarking 😰