Xuejia Island (薛家岛), also known as “Phoenix Island,” is a picturesque peninsula located in the Yellow Sea, directly across from Tuandao Island. Its unique shape resembles a phoenix ready to take flight. The island boasts abundant and well-preserved tourist resources, offering the internationally acclaimed “3S” resources—sunshine, sand, and sea.
The area features several excellent natural swimming beaches, including Jinsand Beach and Yinsand Beach, providing ideal spots for relaxation and recreation. Surrounding the island are distinctive natural islands like Zhuchadao and Liansandao, adding to the island’s charm. Additionally, the region is home to the provincial-level leisure fishery demonstration site, Ganshui Bay Leisure Fishing Folk Village.
The entire resort area showcases stunning landscapes characterized by golden reefs, mountains embraced by the sea, and lush peaks. The harmonious blend of sunshine, ocean, beaches, and islands creates a beautiful coastal scene that is perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Travel Information about Xuejia Island
Ticket and Opening Hours
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Open all day
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is from May to October. In July, the Phoenix Island Music and Food Festival takes place, featuring a variety of exciting activities.
Transportation to the Area
Location: Huangdao District, Qingdao, on the west coast of Jiaozhou Bay.
Transportation: You can take a ferry from Tuandao Ferry Terminal to Huangdao, then transfer to the Huangdao District No. 1 minibus. Alternatively, you can take a ferry directly to Xuejia Island, then take Bus No. 2. You can get off at any stop and transfer to Bus No. 1 or No. 4 to reach the beautiful Jinsand Beach.
Attraction Star Rating
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Specialty: ★★★
- Cultural: ★★
- Excitement: ★★
Highlights of Xuejia Island
Golden Sand Beach
Golden Sand Beach, shaped like a crescent moon, stretches east to west and is one of the finest and largest sandy beaches in China, renowned for its stunning scenery. A series of exquisite wooden structures, including walkways, pavilions, waterwheels, and fishing boats, seamlessly blend with the ocean and sand, creating a picturesque seaside landscape. The beach has been developed into a popular bathing area, making it one of the key attractions in the resort.
The beach features a unique stone frog, known as the “Invisible Stone Frog,” which appears and disappears with the rising and falling tides, adding an element of mystery. Another notable landmark is the large sculpture “Auspicious Phoenix and Clouds,” which stands proudly along the shore, serving as a symbol of the scenic area.
Golden Sand Beach offers comprehensive tourism services, hosting a variety of beach activities such as beach volleyball, surfing, kayaking, diving, and beach bonfires, providing visitors with a fun and engaging experience.
Phoenix Island Music and Food Festival
The Phoenix Island Music and Food Festival focuses on creating a holiday that belongs to the local community. Building on the existing Phoenix Island Seafood Festival and Golden Sand Beach Music Festival, it emphasizes inclusivity and public participation. The festival features three main thematic sections: “Delicious Phoenix Island,” highlighting seafood culinary experiences; “Dynamic Phoenix Island,” showcasing a vibrant music and cultural stage; and “Passionate Golden Sand Beach,” promoting sports activities.
The festival offers a wide range of cultural and tourism activities, including grand seafood displays, beach concerts, folk art performances, the “Transformation of Phoenix Island” photo exhibition, beach bonfire parties, and beach volleyball competitions.
Visitors can enjoy relaxing on the beach while listening to music, tasting delicious seafood, and engaging in beach sports. They can participate in beer competitions, bonfire nights, and live performances by the Twelve Musicians. On weekends, there will also be screenings of beach movies, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone.
Silver Sand Beach
Silver Sand Beach, located southwest of Golden Sand Beach and adjacent to Liansan Island Scenic Area, is a crescent-shaped beach that stretches from east to west. Renowned for its fine, silvery-white sand, this beach offers a serene environment, making it an ideal natural seawater bathing spot.
Nestled along the Yellow Sea and backed by black pine forests, Silver Sand Beach beautifully combines sunshine, sea, sand, and pine trees. This harmonious blend creates a perfect retreat for relaxation and vacationing. Since its overall development, the beach has been enhanced with various facilities, including wooden walkways, restrooms, shower areas, and decorative features, as well as 12 wooden villa-style vacation lodges for visitors seeking a comfortable stay.
Bamboo Island
Bamboo Island (竹岔岛), also known as Jiming Island, is often referred to as the “Jewel of the Yellow Sea.” This tranquil and picturesque island is characterized by its simple and rustic charm, as well as its pristine landscapes. It serves as an international fishing base and a hub for marine delicacies production.
Formed by volcanic eruptions, Bamboo Island still retains a well-preserved volcanic crater, along with rocks featuring natural bubbles and silicon caves created by the volcanic activity. Visitors can explore various attractions, including volcanic relics, pebble beaches, natural pigeon caves, ancient banyan trees, and Turtle-Watching Rock.
Activities on the island include watching the sunrise, beachcombing for shells, and fishing. Staying in a fisherman’s cottage allows guests to enjoy self-barbecues while savoring local seafood dishes. At night, lying on a traditional kang (a heated bed) and listening to the soothing sound of the waves offers a relaxing escape for both body and mind.
Things to do on Bamboo Island:
- Beachcombing (赶海): During low tide (12:00–14:00), Bamboo Island is the perfect time for beachcombing, as many small crabs, oysters, sea snails, and jellyfish become visible. It can lead to some unexpected treasures! Be sure to bring essential tools like tweezers (medical-grade, available at pharmacies), gloves, and food bags for collecting your finds.
- Fishing: October marks the peak season for grouper fishing, making it an excellent time to cast your line as fish are plentiful. The freshly caught grouper is delicious when made into a stew. You can also take your catch to nearby restaurants for them to prepare it for you.
- Fresh Seafood: Enjoy the freshest sashimi and live seafood, such as octopus and sea snails, which are favorites among Koreans and Japanese. The wild sea cucumbers and abalone here are also exquisite. Dining on the island offers a unique taste and experience that you won’t find in city hotels, making it a true culinary adventure.
Ganshui Bay
Located at the easternmost point of Phoenix Island, Ganshui Bay is a fishing village surrounded by the sea on three sides, offering a rich primitive charm. It provides the best vantage point to view the scenic beauty of Qingdao’s coastline and serves as an important gateway to Jiaozhou Bay. Historically, it has been a strategic military location, with ancient and modern defenses established here, including old forts, observation towers, and horse racing grounds.
The fishing cottages in Ganshui Bay are scattered amidst rugged rocks, creating a picturesque landscape. In 2006, a comprehensive tourism project called the “Ganshui Bay Leisure Fishery Folk Village” was launched, integrating sea sightseeing, beachcombing, fishing, and experiences of fishermen’s lifestyles. With its simple folk customs and beautiful environment, Ganshui Bay perfectly blends rural charm with coastal scenery, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation.
At Ganshui Bay, visitors can take fishing boats for sea sightseeing and fishing trips, participating in traditional coastal fishing activities such as cage trapping, netting, and trawling. Guests can also join in local fishing family activities, watching traditional customs like sea worship ceremonies to experience the unique culture and charm of the fishing village. Additionally, you can savor a fishermen’s feast and stay in seaside country inns, immersing yourself in the authentic fishermen’s lifestyle.
Liansan Island
Liansan Island, located southwest of Xuejia Island, consists of three small islands that are interconnected at high tide and separated at low tide. This unique phenomenon creates a stunning visual spectacle, as the islands stand proudly during high tide and come together as one during low tide. Arranged from north to south, the three islands resemble three large pearls reaching into the depths of the South Sea.
The island boasts extraordinary scenery and a serene environment, with its remarkable rock formations carved by nature’s artistry. The surrounding waters are abundant with marine delicacies, including yellowfish, blackhead fish, octopus, sea cucumbers, and abalones. Today, Liansan Island not only serves as a top-notch aquaculture base but also as an excellent destination for sightseeing and fishing activities.
Visitor Guide for Xuejia Island
Accommodation Options
For a deep experience of the island’s charm, staying with local fishermen or at a resort is the best option. Nightly costs for staying with fishermen range from 50 to 100 yuan. There are many families on the island, known for their simple, warm hospitality. They often host guests with a hearty fisherman’s feast, allowing you to savor the irresistible flavors of fresh seafood that will linger in your memory.
One notable option is the Bailangyu Resort (白浪屿度假村), where rooms facing the sea are available for about 200 yuan (negotiable). Located at the highest point of Bamboo Island, it offers breathtaking views of the ocean.
If the weather is not too humid, camping near the beach with tents is also a viable and adventurous choice.
Shopping on Xuejia Island
Xuejia Island Bay is renowned for its high-quality sea cucumbers, which are known for their large size, thick skin, tender texture, and lack of fishy taste. Rich in nutrients, these sea cucumbers are valued for both their culinary and medicinal properties. They have even been designated as the first main dish for formal national banquets, recognized as a natural, green food supplement from the ocean.
Located on Xuejia Island, Qingdao Laoyin Family Sea Cucumber Co., Ltd. specializes in producing the Laoyin Family series of dried sea cucumbers, crafted using traditional production methods. These products are popular among tourists and make excellent gifts for family and friends.
Local Seafood Delicacies on Xuejia Island
Xuejia Island is a seafood paradise, offering a wide variety of fresh seafood and fish for visitors to enjoy while exploring the scenic beauty. It’s highly recommended to visit local fishermen’s homes to taste authentic seafood dishes, which are delicious and reasonably priced.
Seafood Highlights:
- Abalone (鲍鱼): Locally farmed abalone is available for about 30 yuan each, known for its exquisite taste.
- Bargaining Tips: When dining on the island, haggling is common. Crabs priced at 40 yuan can often be negotiated down to 10 yuan, while sea snails can be bought for around 6 yuan each. However, the local salted fish (咸鱼) is generally average in flavor.
Recommended Restaurants:
One Block Tofu (一块豆腐):
- Description: A typical Northeast Chinese restaurant offering a mix of local seafood dishes. Known for generous portions and mild flavors, making it suitable for both the elderly and children.
- Address: Unit 2, 317 Building, East Changjiang Road, Huangdao District, Qingdao (青岛黄岛区长江东路317栋1单元2楼317-7号网点南侧).
- Phone: 0532-86131149
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Recommended Dishes: One Block Tofu (一块豆腐), Indian Flying Pancake (印度飞饼), Old Tofu (老豆腐).
Xiao Ye Ge Fried Skewers (小野哥炸串):
- Description: A nationwide chain operated by a young couple, known for fresh ingredients and crispy fried skewers. A must-visit for grilled skewer lovers.
- Address: North of 680-9 East Changjiang Road, Huangdao District, Qingdao (青岛黄岛区长江东路680-9号北户口).
- Phone: 15954813567
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Recommended Dishes: Grilled Sausages (烤肠), Rice Cakes (年糕).