Four hidden gem islands cheaper than Sanya and quieter than Xiamen

Dongshan Island Accommodation Recommendations: 1. High-end Unique Homestays 1. Yige Lu Homestay Located in Yanya Ancient Village, backed by Sufeng Mountain, surrounded by the sea on three sides, featuring 14 rooms themed around marine culture, equipped with an infinity pool, sea view café, cliffside spa, and other facilities. Its highlight is the infinity pool on the cliff blending with mountain and sea views, ideal for travelers seeking a wild luxury experience. 2. Wanman Homestay Situated at Nanmen Bay Fisherman’s Wharf, combining vintage Zen style with Chinese garden design, offering 7 uniquely styled rooms all equipped with bathtubs and smart projectors. The rooftop sea-view terrace overlooks the ocean and serves French teppanyaki seafood. Conveniently located near Guandi Temple, Wengong Ancestral Hall, and other attractions. 2. Cost-effective Sea View Homestays 1. Dongshan Yueshe Sea View Homestay Next to Jinluan Bay Scenic Area, a 5-minute walk to the beach, rooms offer direct sea views, priced around 200 RMB, suitable for budget travelers wanting to experience the sea view. 2. Ru Jing Xiang Hai Homestay Focuses on first-line sea view themed rooms with extra-large floor-to-ceiling windows and bathtubs, allowing guests to watch the sea from bed, perfect for photography. Right at the beach with nearby attractions, offering excellent value. 3. Fanxi Slow Life Sea View Homestay High-floor sea view rooms around 300 RMB, offers a pool party villa with 13 rooms, suitable for families or groups. A 100-meter walk to the beach for tide catching and wave stepping. 3. Featured Theme Recommendations Nanmo Seaside Stay: Sea view right outside the window, perfect for photography enthusiasts. Guanshi Mountain House: Detached pool villa with strong privacy, ideal for travelers seeking tranquility. Ziyun Chuanfang Homestay: Prime location in Nanmen Bay, steps down to the scenic area, great for check-in photos. Dongshan Island Food Recommendations: 1. Must-try Seafood 1. Balang Fish: Locals call it the "walking amino acid," steamed to preserve original flavor, tender meat. 2. Abalone: A national geographic indication product, recommended for soup or steaming, rich in nutrients. 3. Crab: Fat and delicious in winter, good steamed or stir-fried with scallions and ginger, crab porridge is also worth trying. 4. Small Squid: Best boiled or braised in oil, crisp and sweet texture, limited winter supply so try early. 2. Specialty Snacks 1. Xiaomi: Filled with shredded radish, minced pork, and dried flounder, thin skin and fresh filling, available at Tongling People’s Market. 2. Shaojianling: Pork wrapped in pork caul fat and charcoal grilled, rich meat aroma, common at Tongling Snack City. 3. Maozai Porridge: Fresh seafood cooked on the spot, flavorful and abundant, suitable for breakfast or late-night snack. 4. Oyster Omelette: Made with sweet potato starch, oysters, and eggs, a popular snack at Tongling Night Market. 3. Popular Local Restaurants 1. Tongshan Porridge Shop: A place for traditional flavors, recommended dishes include old preserved radish lean pork porridge and marinated seafood, all-you-can-eat for about 30 RMB per person. 2. Tiezhu Fish Market: Offers seafood hotpot, barbecue, and steamed seafood with clear pricing, recommended dishes include mantis shrimp and octopus. 3. Island Western Kitchen: The first seafood Western restaurant with an American retro style, must-try dishes are grilled beef patties and creamy shrimp pasta. 4. Zuixianlou Food Stall: Popular with locals, signature dishes include beef sea urchin rice and steamed sea fish.