Fun Things to Do on Shangchuan Island – Introduction to Attractions

Shangchuan Island is home to numerous stunning beaches. The most famous three are Feisha Beach (4,800 meters long), Jinsha Beach (5,200 meters long) and Yinsha Beach (800 meters long), merely one kilometer apart from each other. Though each boasts unique scenery, they all feature fine white sand, crystal-clear seawater, wide gentle shorelines, mild rolling waves, and lush forests stretching inland.

Feisha Beach Tourist Zone boasts complete supporting service facilities and recreational activities including parasailing and jet ski rides, serving as the island’s central tourist hub. By contrast, Jinsha Beach and Yinsha Beach remain undeveloped, retaining their pristine coastal scenery with a distinctive tranquil charm.

This memorial park was built to commemorate Francis Xavier, hailed by the Catholic Church as “the most heroic pioneer and greatest missionary”. Francis Xavier arrived at Shangchuan Island in 1552 and passed away here the same year. The park now houses a church, a monument and a stone statue of the saint.

Sited between Feisha Beach and Jinsha Beach, the Buddha statue stands 6.8 meters tall on a 1,650-square-meter plot. Surrounding it are cultural attractions such as Mazu Pavilion, the Sculpture of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea and the Goddess of Treasure Ducks. It is a popular spot for visitors to pray and worship.

One of the five major fishing ports in Guangdong Province, it lies in the southern part of Shangchuan Island, a 20-minute drive away. The sunset over the fishing port is a one-of-a-kind sight. Tourists can also enjoy angling, dragon boat races, island cruises and immersive fishing village experiences.

When people mention fishing villages, many think of the fairy tale The Fisherman and His Goldfish. One can picture a fisherman’s wife weaving nets in a wooden seaside cottage at dusk, watching her husband return from fishing. The setting sun casts silhouettes of the fisherman rowing and seabirds circling above his boat. Sea fishing has become a trendy leisure activity, and Shangchuan Island offers the perfect chance to watch fishermen cast nets.

Beyond its exquisite beaches with fine sand and calm clear waters, the island features fascinating stone forest landscapes, thick secondary virgin forests, rare plants and a full range of fresh seafood. After watching fishing boats return at sunset, visitors can hike mountains, swim, collect seashells, admire the sunset at the small fishing port and feast on fresh seafood.

At night, you may gaze at twinkling lights on fishing boats and soak in the peace of the fishing village. Crab-catching is the most popular nighttime activity. Grab a small red bucket and an iron shovel, then bend down to peer into tiny rock crevices washed by waves. Crabs will occasionally poke out their eyes; quick hands bring plenty of catches.

Scattered around Shangchuan Island are many small islets. Camping overnight on an isolated island with tents, bonfires, homemade barbecues and sea breezes accompanied by crashing waves delivers an unforgettable wild outdoor experience.

Located at the northernmost tip of the island, the forest covers roughly 30,000 mu. It features deep valleys, jagged rock formations, gurgling streams and dense twisting trees. More than 5,000 playful macaques and other rare wild animals live here, making it an ideal destination for hiking adventures and forest bathing.

Situated in the southwest of the island, its steep terrain once served as the main stronghold of Zhang Baoyu’s anti-Qing pirate gang. Legend says Zhang Baoyu buried massive amounts of gold and silver treasures here. The mountain is also covered with countless uniquely shaped stone outcrops, attracting tourists to trace ancient tales, hunt for hidden treasure and climb up for panoramic views.

Mangroves are known as “forests beneath the sea”. At high tide, only their leafy canopies sway above the water, creating a magical sight. Hundreds of mu of mangroves grow on the tidal flats of Da Bay, where visitors can try net fishing and mud sledding.

Bamboo cypresses mainly line the sandbanks of Jinsha Beach. With elegant shapes and dark green foliage, they are perfect for garden landscaping and bonsai cultivation, boasting high ornamental and economic value.