Plan at a glance
Coastline scope and main stops
The volcanic rock coast runs along Naozhou Island, with the main area between Nayan rocky shore and Turtle City; Cunliang Bay is the sunset extension. It has no walls and is free at all times, while Turtle City costs CNY 5.
This is a route of black basalt, tidal edges and open sea, not a level sandy beach. Footwear, energy and sea conditions determine how close you can safely approach the rocks.
Time and route scale
Allow 3–4 hours for Nayan rocky shore and Turtle City, including island transfer and ferry buffer. A full day can add Songhuang Well, the lighthouse, the coastal ride, Cunliang Bay and the harbour; a two-day plan suits cycling and shore activity.
Choose one shore section properly when time is short. Do not try to cycle the entire 45 km circuit simply because all stops are on the same island.
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3–4 hours: Nayan shore short route
Take the ferry, go directly to Nayan rocky shore for basalt and waves, then continue to Turtle City for the red lighthouse and volcanic rocks before returning to the pier. It suits visitors who want the island's volcanic coast without a full circuit.
Stay on stable, safe viewing ground and do not treat exposed reef as casual walking terrain. Safe footing and ferry timing matter more than reaching an empty-looking rock shelf.
One day: volcanic island circuit
Start at Songhuang Well, continue to Naozhou Lighthouse, Turtle City and the volcanic coast, then cycle to Cunliang Bay for sunset and the fishing harbour. This gives separate space to heritage, lighthouse, geology and evening shore views.
Use the main island roads and allow for e-bike charge. Cut an earlier stop if needed rather than compressing the return after sunset.
Two days: cycling and shore activity
Cycle the island, visit dragon-fruit gardens and stay for Cunliang Bay sunset on day one; use low tide for shore activity around Puzai or Yingmingping on day two. It suits visitors who want time to move carefully rather than rush the rocks.
Tides and overnight plans must lead the route. Do not enter a distant tidal area late in the day if you need to catch a same-day ferry.
Build your day
Nayan and Turtle City
Begin at Nayan rocky shore to see black basalt, sea spray and open water from stable ground, then use Turtle City as a more controlled stop. Visitors with children should keep the coast as a viewing experience and use Turtle City for the closer interaction.
Do not let children move alone among rock gaps or near wave edges. Use the accessible parts of the shore rather than searching for a closer photo angle.
Ride to Cunliang Bay
Ride along the coast toward Cunliang Bay in the afternoon, stopping only where the road and footing are safe. Cunliang Bay offers a quieter beach and a useful slower finish after the exposed basalt coast.
After sunset, follow your lodging or ferry plan. Day visitors should turn toward the pier before dark; overnight visitors can separate dinner and next-day shore activity.
Get there
Pier, ferry and bus
Drive to Dongnan Pier, park for CNY 15–20 per day and take the CNY 16–25 passenger ferry, which takes 20–30 minutes. Bus 500K also reaches Dongnan Pier from central Zhanjiang before the ferry transfer.
Passenger ferries suit a rock-coast day. The car ferry costs CNY 78 per vehicle plus CNY 10 per passenger and queues heavily on holidays, so leaving the car at the pier lowers risk on remote rough roads.
Rentals and road boundaries
E-bikes cost CNY 20–30 per day, open three-wheelers CNY 35 per day, and driver-operated carts CNY 100 for two hours. They link the pier, Nayan, Turtle City and Cunliang Bay efficiently.
Do not take ordinary cars down the stone-pier and yellow-mud lanes toward shell-collecting areas, where scraping is likely. Check charge before riding the circuit and stay on known passable roads.
Know before you go
Rock, tide and protection
Basalt is sharp and some sections have natural breakage, so use stream shoes or thick-soled grippy footwear, never flip-flops. Keep clear of unstable wave edges and use higher ground when conditions are wet.
Carry high-factor sunscreen, a hat, water and repellent for exposed coast and vegetated sections. Preparation matters more than getting a closer image from a slippery rock.
Return, food and lodging
The final ferry is usually 17:30–18:00, so return to the pier around 15:00. Buy seafood at the pier morning market or Naozhou Central Market and confirm price, weight and preparation before ordering.
Stay in Cunliang Bay, Nayan Village or Naozhou Town if you want sunset or next-day shore activity. Same-day visitors should give up a late sunset stop rather than jeopardise the ferry home.
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