My visit to Dachen Island at the end of March, albeit with slightly suboptimal weather and not-so-vivid sea hues, was nonetheless enchanted by its serene and tranquil beauty. Perhaps the scarcity of tourists contributed to this serene atmosphere, affording me a sense of vacation-like tranquility.
For those interested in exploring this hidden gem, here’s a cursory travel guide. The journey begins with a 1.5-hour high-speed train ride from Hangzhou to Taizhou. Arriving the next morning, the adventure continues with an 8 am ferry ride to the island. It’s important to note that ferry tickets must be booked three days prior, and sailing schedules can be limited, often disrupted by weather conditions. Therefore, it’s crucial to check the forecast before embarking on this journey.
As for accommodation, I spent the first night at a nearby hotel close to the ferry terminal for convenience. The island doesn’t boast a plethora of luxurious hotels or inns, but we chose the Lanting Lodge, arguably the most upscale option on the island. While the lodge was a bit compact, it served its purpose adequately. Personally, I found other inns, such as the Wowri Inn, offered better value for money and more expansive sea views (albeit we couldn’t secure a booking there).
In terms of cuisine, the island’s dining options are admittedly limited. Seafood, while a staple, is not particularly inexpensive. A plate of mantis shrimp, for instance, can set you back a hundred yuan. Moreover, the variety of seafood was somewhat limited during my visit, which could become monotonous for avid seafood lovers. Apart from seafood, there are also barbecue options, but overall, the culinary choices on the island are sparse.
Despite its small size, Dachen Island offers a wealth of scenic spots that can be explored in a day and a half. My personal favorite was the Jiawu Rock Resort, which provided stunning vistas that made me feel like I was abroad. For a more immersive experience, I recommend renting an electric bicycle and embarking on a scenic tour around the island, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze as you go. #DachenIslandTravel #Taizhou #DachenIslandExploration
