Plan at a glance
Two piers and two ticket stages
Yushan Island lies in the East China Sea off Sansha Town, Xiapu County, Ningde, Fujian. Common routes to the island use Sansha Pier on the Xiapu side or Yujing Pier on the Fuding side. The two piers require different land transport arrangements, and you cannot apply the boat schedule from one pier to the other.
The boat ride takes about 30 minutes. A round-trip boat ticket commonly costs CNY 95–120. The Tianhu Scenic Area package commonly costs CNY 73–80 and includes admission plus the round-trip scenic shuttle; the boat ticket and Tianhu ticket are separate charges. Boats usually run from morning to afternoon, but schedules can change daily, so confirm the exact departures and return plan the day before.
Time needed and who it suits
An out-and-back day trip usually takes about 8–10 hours, including the mainland trip to the pier, boarding, the boat ride, the scenic shuttle, and movement around the island. If you want Moon Bay, Anman Island, or a loop around the island by bicycle, stay one night. Wind, waves, boat schedules, and island activities can all change the pace of the return.
Yushan Island suits island photographers, visitors looking for short outdoor activities, and families willing to plan around boat schedules. The Tianhu scenic shuttle reduces climbing, but beaches, village roads, and the loop road still involve walking or cycling. Do not expect the flat surfaces of an urban attraction.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
View Visit Optionsvia Trip.comChoose your visit
Tianhu meadows and Moon Bay
The Tianhu Scenic Area includes the larger and smaller Tianhu lakes and alpine meadows at about 200 m elevation. The grass color changes with the season, rainfall, and weather, so a particular month cannot guarantee a particular appearance. Moon Bay is one of the island's main beaches and is suitable for walking, sea views, or camping when it is open and safe.
Anman Island, the coastal boardwalk near Dongjiao Village, and Yuniao Village offer different coastal and village views. When the boat schedule is tight, prioritize getting to the island and returning on time rather than trying to collect every stop and missing the last boat.
Who it suits
This is a good choice for visitors who want meadows, lakes, and coastline in one trip, as well as families who can accept weather-affected boats and limited island supplies. Anyone sensitive to seasickness, mosquitoes, or long cycling distances can keep the plan to Tianhu and one seaside stop.
Free-ranging animals may or may not appear in the meadow. Do not approach or chase them, and never stand behind a horse for a photo. Campers also need to consider coastal wind, insects, and the actual operating status of the island campsite.
Build your day
A one-day island trip with Tianhu
After landing, take the Tianhu scenic shuttle uphill, then visit the two lakes and meadow along the open paths. If time and battery allow, rent an electric scooter to Moon Bay after descending, then return to the pier for the boat off the island. Confirm the return boat before boarding; do not work backward only from the time needed inside the scenic area.
A one-day plan works best with Tianhu as the main goal. It is not suitable for a complete island loop, several villages, and a long camping stop at the same time. If wind and waves strengthen in the afternoon or the boat schedule changes, return to the pier first rather than delaying your departure for Moon Bay.
A relaxed two-day, one-night route
On the first day, visit Tianhu after landing, then rest near Moon Bay or Anman Island in the afternoon. On the second morning, choose sunrise, the Dongjiao Village boardwalk, Yuniao Village, or a short island loop according to the boat schedule, then return to the pier. Confirm the electric scooter, scenic shuttle, and accommodation pick-up arrangements separately.
If you camp by the sea, first confirm that the campsite and area allow it; camping is not allowed inside the smaller Tianhu Scenic Area. Prepare camping equipment, drinking water, mosquito protection, and the return boat ticket in advance rather than relying on last-minute island supplies.
A deeper island loop
Outdoor visitors can rent an electric scooter for a loop of more than 30 km, passing the area around Luzhu Village, Moon Bay, or Anman Island. Electric scooters have operating ranges and battery limits, so confirm the vehicle rules, charging locations, and return route before leaving.
Leave extra time for wind, slopes, getting lost, and boat changes. Private cars are not practical to use directly on the island, where roads are narrow; do not transfer mainland driving habits to the island.
Get there
From Xiapu via Sansha Pier
From Xiapu Station, take a taxi or shared ride to Sansha Pier, usually about 25–30 minutes. At the pier, confirm parking, ticket checks, and the day's return boat before buying or checking your island ticket.
The Sansha route is practical from Xiapu County town, but Yushan Island is not an ordinary half-day attraction inside the county town. Waiting at the pier, the boat ride, and weather changes all belong in the total itinerary.
From Fuding via Yujing Pier
From Taimu Mountain Station or Fuding Station, a taxi or shared ride to Yujing Pier usually takes about 30–40 minutes. You can leave a car at the Sansha or Yujing pier parking area, commonly for about CNY 10–20 per day. Taking a private car onto the island costs more and the island roads are narrow, so bringing a car is generally not recommended.
The Tianhu Scenic Area requires its own scenic shuttle; a private car or island electric scooter cannot replace that fixed transport. Island rentals, chartered vehicles, and the scenic shuttle are separate arrangements, and an electric scooter cannot simply be driven from the island to mainland roads.
Know before you go
Boats, wind, waves, and the return
Island boats are strongly affected by wind and waves. Services may be adjusted or suspended in rain or poor sea conditions. Do not promise a fixed last boat, a fixed sunrise, or a return exactly as planned; confirm the return method before departure and again after landing.
For a day trip, count landing, the Tianhu shuttle, the descent, island movement, and waiting time together. If you miss the return boat, do not treat a last-minute charter boat or accommodation as a backup that is certain to be available.
Camping, animals, and supplies
Seaside camping can involve mosquitoes, biting midges, and strong wind. Bring insect protection and stable, wind-resistant equipment. Camping is prohibited inside the smaller Tianhu Scenic Area; whether other campsites are open or charge a fee depends on the day's arrangements.
Food and supplies on the island are limited. Bring enough drinking water, simple food, and charging equipment. Keep your distance from free-ranging animals, and do not touch, chase, or stand behind them. Follow on-site notices for the open areas of meadows, beaches, and boardwalks.