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~