Island of Romance, Where the Sky Meets the Sea: The Ultimate Guide to Lianyungang's Lian Island
Below is a detailed travel guide to Lian Island in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, covering transportation, attractions, accommodation, food, and precautions to help you plan your trip with ease:
I. Lian Island Overview
• Location: Lian Island Town, Lianyun District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province. It is the largest island in Jiangsu Province, facing the eastern urban area of Lianyungang across the sea.
• Features: Mainly coastal scenery, with high-quality beaches and rocky coastlines, suitable for vacations, sea viewing, and photography. It is known as "Jiangsu's First Sea Island."
• Best Season: May-October (swimming in summer, plump seafood in autumn). Winter is windy and cold, but with fewer tourists.
II. Transportation Guide
1. Airplane:
• Nearest Airport: Lianyungang Huaguo Mountain International Airport. After landing, it takes about 1 hour by taxi to Lian Island.
2. High-speed Rail/Train:
• Arrive at Lianyungang Station or Lianyungang East Station, transfer to a bus or take a taxi to Lian Island (about 30 minutes).
3. Self-driving:
• Navigate to "Lian Island Scenic Area." It takes about 40 minutes from downtown Lianyungang. Parking in the scenic area is about 15 yuan/day.
4. Bus:
• Take Tourist Bus Route 3 from Lianyungang Station directly to Lian Island Scenic Area; take B1K/B1 from the city center and transfer to Tourist Bus Route 3 or Bus Route 33.
III. Tickets and Opening Hours
• Tickets: Peak season (May-October) 50 yuan/person, off-season 30 yuan/person (including core attractions such as Dasha Bay and Suma Bay); sightseeing bus within the scenic area 20 yuan/person (recommended).
• Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30 (extended to 18:00 during peak season).
• Tips: Purchase tickets in advance on the "Lianyungang Lian Island Scenic Area" official WeChat account and swipe your ID card to enter the park.
IV. Must-See Attractions and Experiences
1. Core Scenic Areas:
• Dasha Bay Beach: The main beach of Lian Island, with fine sand, suitable for swimming, playing in the sand, and water activities (motorboats, sailboats, etc.).
• Suma Bay: A less crowded beach with clearer water, beautiful scenery, and a boardwalk along the way overlooking the sea.
• Coastal Boardwalk: About 5 kilometers long, connecting Dasha Bay and Suma Bay, perfect for hiking or cycling while enjoying the reefs and waves.
• Deng Xiaoping Sculpture Park: Climb to overlook the panoramic view of Lian Island and take photos with the "Deng Xiaoping and the People Together" sculpture.
2. Sunrise and Sunset:
• Yangwotou: A popular sunrise viewing spot. Arrive between 4-5 am to watch the sun rise from the sea level.
• West Lian Island Fishing Village: In the evening, capture the fishing boats returning to port, with the sunset reflecting on the sea.
3. Unique Experiences:
• Beachcombing: Dig for clams and pick up starfish in the reef area during low tide (check the tide table in advance).
• Cycling Around the Island: Rent an electric scooter or bicycle to enjoy the sea breeze and scenery.
V. Food Recommendations
• Must-Try Seafood:
◦ Swimming Crab: Plumpest in autumn, steamed or stir-fried with chili.
◦ Prawns and Mantis Shrimp: Boiled or salt and pepper.
◦ Razor Clams and Clams: Steamed with garlic and vermicelli or stir-fried with chili.
◦ Seafood Noodles: A local specialty with rich soup and ingredients.
• Recommended Restaurants:
◦ West Lian Island Fishing Village Food Stalls: Fresh seafood from local fishermen, cooked to order (bargaining required).
◦ Jiarui Treasure Plaza: A concentration of seafood restaurants in the city center, "Xugou Seafood Food City" is recommended.
• Snacks: Small fish pancakes, shrimp paste, seaweed crisps.
VI. Accommodation Recommendations
• Island Accommodation:
◦ Lian Island Skyline Hotel: Sea view rooms directly facing Dasha Bay, suitable for families or couples.
◦ West Lian Island Fisherman's Homestays: Experience the life of a fisherman, affordable (about 100-200 yuan/night).
• City Accommodation: Lianyungang city (such as Xugou) has a wide selection of hotels, suitable for budget travelers or those who want to explore the city at night.
VII. Practical Tips
1. Sun Protection: Strong UV rays at the beach, bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
2. Beachcombing Tools: Buy small buckets, shovels, and rubber shoes in advance (prices are higher in the scenic area).
3. Weather: Frequent showers in summer, bring rain gear; strong winds in winter, wear windproof jackets.
4. Avoiding Scams: Ask the price of seafood before ordering to avoid vague "market price" consumption.
5. Environmental Protection: Do not litter, protect the marine environment.
VIII. Recommended Nearby Attractions
• Yuntai Mountain (30 minutes by car): Climb to overlook the magnificent scenery of Lianyungang port and the mountains meeting the sea.
• Huaguo Mountain (1 hour by car): The birthplace of *Journey to the West*, visit the Water Curtain Cave and Jade Maiden Peak.
• Yanhe Lane (city center): Stroll through the ancient streets at night, taste night market snacks, and experience the local atmosphere.
• Rizhao or Qingdao: If time permits, continue north along the Jiangsu-Shandong coastline.
Lian Island is a rare coastal resort in Jiangsu, suitable for a 2-3 day slow trip, watching the sea, eating seafood, and taking great photos! If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask~