Donghai Island

The Donghai Island Cross-Sea Bridge is 32.5 km long, one of the longest cross-sea spans in the world.

Longhaitian is in the eastern part of the island. It is a natural area formed by mountains, valleys, hills, beaches, and green forests. Longhaitian is one of the most remarkable scenic spots in the area. It is believed to have formed from a volcanic eruption in ancient times. Standing at 110 meters, the area is perpetually lush and picturesque. It is said that before the French colonizers took over Guangzhou Bay, the area around Longhaitian was covered in white sand, with only the peaks being reddish clay. On the summit of Longhaitian, there is a temple called the "Gaoshan Gong" temple, carved from a large stone, a delicate piece of craftsmanship. According to legend, when Gaoshan Gong was traveling to the South Sea to attend the Peach Banquet hosted by Guanyin, he could not fly over Longhaitian because of its height. In his frustration, he kicked a large portion of the mountain away, creating the current landscape. Later, Gaoshan Gong stayed in the area. Near the temple, there is a cave with a diameter of one meter and an immeasurable depth. On the mountain, there were figures, drums and gongs, all made from stone. When struck, the stone drum produced a mystical sound. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by the French colonizers who blasted it to build a lighthouse.

Longshuiling is the gateway for ships entering and exiting Zhanjiang Port, a natural "green marker." Beneath it, there are abandoned military tunnels carved through the mountain, full of clever mechanisms. It is planned to be developed into a multifunctional entertainment spot called the "Underground Dragon Palace." Longshuiling is not high, and compared to the average natural elevation of about 20 meters on Donghai Island, it gives the feeling of ascending Longshuiling and looking down on Little Donghai. Standing at the top, the natural scenery of Donghai Island is visible in its entirety. To the west, the fields are dotted with green, the clouds are magnificent, and to the east, the vast sea stretches endlessly. Looking closely, the white waves roll in layers, and the silver sands shine. The sound of the wind in the forests and the waves crashing adds to the atmosphere. The origin of Longshuiling's name is unclear, but there are various local legends. One story says that it was originally a feng shui site chosen by the local Long family ancestors but was destroyed by the government and turned into a mound. Another legend tells of a time long ago when the Queen Mother of the West came to Earth and accidentally lost a fragrant pearl in Hong Kong. The Dragon King sent ten small dragons to guard the pearl, and one white dragon, captivated by Donghai Island's beauty, left its post and settled there, enjoying the scenery.

Also known as Longhai Beach, it is recognized by world tourism authorities as the second longest beach in the world, stretching 28 kilometers long and 150 to 300 meters wide. It ranks just behind Australia's Gold Coast and is the longest beach in China.

Puolao Gong is a famous sea harvesting spot close to Dongshan Town, easily accessible by electric scooter. Sea harvesting activities are closely tied to the tidal schedule, so it’s important to check the tidal times before setting out. When the tide goes out, a large variety of seafood appears on the beach, attracting many people to collect them. The first wave of participants usually gathers the most, as the seafood is concentrated in the tidal areas when the tide recedes early. Puolao Gong is also a popular location for sunset viewing.

The Zhuang Clan Ancestral Hall carries an 800-year history and serves as a spiritual and cultural hub for the Zhuang family. Dongshan Village, renowned for its rich heritage, has produced numerous notable figures who made significant contributions in various fields. The ancestral hall honors the Zhuang ancestors, including Zhuang Qiang (a scholar official), Zhuang Guanghan (a scholar of the Imperial Academy), Zhuang Changzong (a national scholar), Zhuang Zhicheng (a national scholar), Zhuang Changju (a Wenlin Lang), Zhuang Quancheng (a county magistrate), and other esteemed individuals such as Zhuang Jingliu, Zhuang Yuanpin, Zhuang Quanjiang, and Zhuang Erbu, who excelled as scholars, officials, and virtuous individuals. The ancestral hall’s architecture is ancient and dignified, reflecting the unique style of clan structures in the Lingnan region. During ancestral festivals, the hall is vibrant with incense offerings and gatherings of clan members.

In Zhanjiang, many towns and villages share a tradition of processions known as “You Shen” (God Parade), a custom deeply rooted in the region’s culture. Activities like piercing with “Ling Jian” (divine arrows) or walking on “Zhang” (rods) are part of these vibrant rituals. Commonly referred to as the “Nian Li” (Annual Festival), this unique tradition in western Guangdong centers on communal worship and celebration. The event rotates across different areas in Zhanjiang according to a set schedule.
On the designated day, villagers dress in their finest attire to honor deities, pay respects to ancestors, and conduct sacrifices to the land and community gods. These elaborate ceremonies are a prayer for good weather, prosperity, and peace. The vibrant atmosphere, colorful costumes, and grand rituals make it a truly unforgettable experience.

Donghai Island preserves many traditional customs and folk beliefs. One of these is “Bai Gongzu”, a long-standing local custom where, on the 2nd and 16th day of each month, as well as during important festivals, every household prepares offerings to honor the family gods and ancestors, praying for peace and happiness. Another unique spiritual treasure of the island is the Ji Tong culture. Carefully selected and trained mediums, known as Ji Tong, perform rituals to pray for blessings and remove misfortune for the people, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of humans, nature, faith, and reality.