Plan at a glance
Reach Beishuang first, then decide whether to island-hop
The Sijiao Archipelago lies in the waters southeast of Xiapu County, Ningde, Fujian. It includes Beishuang, Dongshuang, Nanshuang, Hongshuang, and Xishuang, among other islands. The usual arrangement is to reach Beishuang Island first, then use a fast boat to island-hop according to the day's boat schedule and landing policy. Mainland departure piers include Dongbi Pier, Haiweijiao Pier, and Jishi Pier; their boat types and times are different.
The islands generally do not charge a standard entrance ticket, but you need island-landing and island-hopping boat tickets. An island-hopping ticket commonly costs CNY 198 per person. Confirm fast boats, scheduled boats, and island-hopping products separately; a package name on one platform does not mean that every boat leg is included.
Time needed and who it suits
An out-and-back island-hopping route usually takes about 5–6 hours, before adding the trip to the pier, waiting to board, and the return journey on land. First-time visitors are better served by a two-day, one-night plan with accommodation on Beishuang Island, which reduces pressure from boat delays.
This suits island photographers and light hikers. It is not a good default for people with severe seasickness, limited mobility, or a need for stable facilities. Uninhabited islands such as Dongshuang have no shops or shade, so assess your physical condition, sea conditions, and ability to carry supplies before landing.
Tickets and visit details
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Cliffs, meadows, and island landforms
Dongshuang Island's cliffs and meadows are the main highlights. The uphill walk takes about 15 minutes, over gravel and slopes. Nanshuang Island has a pebble beach for a short stop, while the volcanic landforms and sea caves of Xishuang Island are usually viewed from the boat.
Hongshuang Island is a bird island and is generally viewed from the boat. Whether a boat may approach or visitors may land depends on protection and management policies. Views change with weather, sea conditions, and the boat's direction, so birds, a particular water color, or a complete land route on any island cannot be guaranteed.
Who it suits
Photographers can focus on the rear hills of Beishuang Island, the slope top on Dongshuang Island, and views from the boat. Light hikers need shoes with good grip and should be comfortable with loose gravel and cliff edges without continuous guardrails.
Visitors with severe seasickness, older adults, and young children should not treat an uninhabited-island route as the default plan. If someone in the group can only manage a short boat trip, stay on Beishuang or cancel the island-hopping rather than changing the plan at sea.
Build your day
An out-and-back day route
Take a boat from the mainland pier to Beishuang Island, then decide according to that day's policy and boat schedule whether to continue to Dongshuang, Nanshuang, or another island where landing is allowed. A common arrangement is 1.5–2 hours of walking on Dongshuang, a short stop on Nanshuang, and a view of Hongshuang or Xishuang from the boat before returning to Beishuang for the boat back to the mainland.
Every section depends on wind and waves, landing permission, and the captain's decision. If Dongshuang can only be viewed from the water that day, accept the alternative and do not ask the boat to land or jump onto rocks yourself.
A two-day, one-night island plan
On the first day, take a scheduled boat or cruise to the islands, stay on Beishuang, and decide in the afternoon whether conditions allow island-hopping. On the second morning, walk on Beishuang's rear hill or beach, then leave according to the return boat schedule. Confirm accommodation and the return ticket together; do not book only the outbound boat.
If sea conditions worsen, the island-hopping segment may be canceled and walking on Beishuang should also be shortened. Leaving spare time for boarding and the return is more practical than going back out to sea just to collect three islands.
Photography and drone planning
Photographers can make the Beishuang fishing village and Dongshuang cliffs the focus of the first day. On the second day, decide whether to photograph a wider island panorama according to the on-site rules. Islands near military-managed areas commonly restrict drones; do not launch without clear permission.
There are many cliffs and few guardrails. Stay away from edges and loose rock when taking photos. Keep equipment light and protected from water, and follow the crew's instructions on fast boats and other vessels. Do not stand at the side of the boat or cross the safety boundary for a view.
Get there
High-speed rail, taxi, and the pier
From Xiapu Station, reaching Dongbi Pier or Haiweijiao Pier usually requires a taxi or shared ride of about 30–40 minutes. If driving, first confirm which pier is named on your reservation, because fast boats and scheduled boats may depart from different places.
Pier parking commonly costs CNY 10–30 per day, but the exact location and fee are determined on site. Do not treat Dongbi Village or Haiweijiao as one universal pier name; check the specific boarding point on the ticket before setting out.
Beishuang and island-hopping transport
On Beishuang Island, you can rent an electric scooter or use a sightseeing vehicle, commonly for about CNY 30. Other islands are mainly explored on foot. You cannot freely move between islands using a rental vehicle or private boat; use only the boats and island-hopping arrangements permitted that day.
Check the boat ticket, island-hopping ticket, island transport, and accommodation separately. On the return, go to the correct pier or meeting point; landing locations for different boat types are not necessarily the same.
Know before you go
Landing policy, military controls, and drones
Uninhabited islands such as Dongshuang may restrict landing because of military management, ecological protection, or temporary policies. Sometimes they can only be viewed from the boat. Confirm with the boat operator before departure and on the day of landing. Do not cross warning lines, land on an unopened island, or look for an unofficial landing point.
Drones may be prohibited in these waters. Do not launch without clear permission, and do not treat social-media photos as evidence that the same aerial or cliff route is allowed today.
Seasickness, supplies, and cliff safety
Fast-boat legs may take about 30 minutes, while a scheduled boat or cruise may take about 90 minutes. Choose the boat type with the sea conditions and seasickness in mind. Anyone prone to seasickness should prepare medicine and water, follow the crew's instructions, and avoid changing boats at the last minute.
Dongshuang has no shops or shade, so bring enough water and food, wear shoes with good grip, and dress for the sea wind. There are many cliffs and loose rocks; do not approach edges, climb unguarded rocks, or arrive in sandals.