Located in Lianyun District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, Lian Island is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and the largest island in Jiangsu. Covering 7.57 square kilometers with a 17.66-kilometer coastline and over 80% forest coverage, it boasts Jiangsu's finest beach resources, combining seaside resorts, fishing village culture, and mountain-sea landscapes into a renowned coastal vacation destination in East China.
History and Culture
Known as "Yingyou Mountain" in ancient times, Lian Island has been inhabited by fishermen since the Qin and Han dynasties. During the Tang Dynasty, it served as a crucial transit point on the Maritime Silk Road, witnessing the prosperity of ancient China's maritime trade. The island preserves numerous relics of ancient navigation and fishing communities.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Lian Island functioned as a coastal defense outpost with military installations like forts. During the Opium War, it was an important battlefield where Chinese forces resisted British troops. The surviving ancient forts on the island bear witness to this heroic history.
The island's fishing village culture has a long history, with generations of fishermen creating unique maritime traditions. Intangible cultural heritages like Lian Island fishing songs and fishermen's work chants are still preserved today. The annual Fishing Festival is a significant local cultural event.
Main Attractions
Dashawan Beach
Jiangsu's finest natural bathing beach features an 1,800-meter-long, 150-meter-wide stretch of fine, even sand with gentle slopes. The crystal-clear water maintains an average temperature of 23°C in summer. Equipped with professional lifeguards and complete facilities, it can accommodate over 20,000 visitors simultaneously.
Suma Bay Ecological Park
Surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the sea on one, Suma Bay offers unique mountain-sea scenery. Its well-preserved ecosystem features peculiar rocks and lush forests. A 2.5-kilometer coastal boardwalk allows visitors to admire various sea erosion landforms and abundant marine life.
Lian Island Fishing Village
This well-preserved authentic fishing village has winding stone paths and orderly stone houses. Visitors can experience fishing life through activities like net weaving and fish drying, taste freshly caught seafood, and immerse in rich fishing culture. The village also houses a fishing culture exhibition hall showcasing the island's long fishing history.
Sunrise Pavilion
Perched at the island's eastern highest point, this traditionally styled pavilion offers the best vantage for sea sunrises. From its heights, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of blue seas and skies. At dawn, photography enthusiasts often gather here to capture the magnificent sunrise over the East China Sea.
Cuisine
Lianyungang Prawns
The large, tender prawns from surrounding waters are best served steamed with ginger-vinegar sauce to preserve their natural flavor. Many seafood stalls on the island serve freshly caught prawns.
Seafood Feast
A giant pot combining over ten seafood varieties like swimming crabs, mantis shrimp, abalone, and scallops with secret spices. This generous, aromatic dish is perfect for sharing and is the signature dish at the "Fisherman's Delight" restaurant in the scenic area.
Oyster Omelet
Made with premium local oysters, eggs, and sweet potato starch, this crispy outside and tender inside snack highlights the oysters' natural sweetness. The most authentic versions are found at time-honored snack shops in the fishing village's old street.
Ticket Information
The scenic area implements peak (May 1-Oct 31) and off-season pricing. Peak season tickets cost 50 yuan/person, off-season 30 yuan/person. Sightseeing bus tickets (20 yuan) allow unlimited rides. Free admission for children under 1.4m, seniors over 70, and active military personnel with valid IDs; students enjoy half-price with student ID.
Recommended Itinerary
Suggested one-day tour: Arrive in the morning to visit Dashawan Beach for swimming and beach activities; enjoy seafood lunch in the fishing village; walk along the coastal boardwalk to Suma Bay Ecological Park in the afternoon for mountain-sea views; watch sunset at Sunrise Pavilion; optionally stay overnight in a fisherman's homestay to experience village nightlife. The full tour takes about 6-8 hours.
Transportation
- Bus: Take Tourist Routes 3 or 6 from downtown Lianyungang directly to the scenic area
- Driving: Exit at Lianyungang on Lianhuo Expressway, then drive about 30 minutes along Gangcheng Avenue
- Train: Take high-speed rail to Lianyungang Station, transfer to BRT to Xuqou Station, then switch to Tourist Route 3
- Air: Lianyungang Baitabu Airport is about 50km away; take airport shuttle or taxi
Must-Visit Attractions
- Dashawan Beach - Jiangsu's best bathing beach with abundant activities
- Suma Bay Ecological Park - Stunning mountain-sea scenery, photography hotspot
- Lian Island Fishing Village - Authentic fishing life and fresh seafood
- Coastal Boardwalk - 2.5km seaside promenade with sea erosion wonders
- Sunrise Pavilion - Prime location for sea sunrise/sunset viewing
Travel Tips
- Best visiting period is May-October when seawater is warmest
- Check weather forecasts to avoid typhoons or bad weather
- Bring sunscreen, hats for strong beach sunlight
- Pack swimwear and sandals for beach enjoyment
- Choose clearly priced restaurants for seafood meals
- Allocate a full day for thorough exploration
Precautions
- Observe tide changes and stay within safe zones at beaches
- Watch your step on slippery reef areas
- Protect marine environment - no littering or damaging coral
- Secure personal belongings in crowded areas
- Follow park rules - no climbing hazardous areas or entering restricted zones
- Swim safely with children supervised; non-swimmers should use flotation devices