[Dalian Changshan Islands] Island Summer Resort: Fishing, Leisure, and Independent Tour

l In summer, from mid-July to August, the water temperature is suitable, making it the best time to swim in the sea.

l From April to May and September to October, fishing is excellent, with fat and plentiful fish that are easy to catch.

l The near-shore waters are rich in seafood, and beachcombing yields abundant harvests.

On the map of China, southeast of the Liaodong Peninsula lies a cluster of islands, like pearls scattered in the northern Yellow Sea—these are the Changshan Islands. Composed of over 50 islands, including Dachangshan, Xiaochangshan, Guanglu, Zhangzi, and Haiyang, this area enjoys warm winters and cool summers. It is the ideal destination for swimming, savoring seafood, strolling on beaches, deep-sea fishing, leisure travel, and enjoying life.

1. Characteristics of the Changshan Islands Leisure Tourism Season

The Changshan Islands have a temperate monsoon climate, influenced by the ocean, with mild air, small diurnal temperature differences, and moderate temperatures. Winters are not cold, summers not hot. The annual average temperature is around 10.6°C; the coldest month (January) averages -4.1°C with a low of -6.8°C; the hottest month (August) averages 24.5°C with a high of 26.9°C. The annual average temperature is 10.6°C.

The Changshan Islands are rich in aquatic resources, making them a paradise for fishing enthusiasts and seafood lovers. Every year from April to May, the warm ocean current meets the cold coastal current from northern China, bringing nutrients from the bottom to the surface. The upper layers become rich in plankton, allowing large numbers of fish and shrimp to feed, reproduce, and grow rapidly. By September to October, the surface water temperature begins to drop, becoming very suitable for fish feeding—a time for fish to "bulk up" for winter, making them particularly easy to catch.

The vast Yellow Sea and favorable geographical conditions provide ideal growth conditions for marine life in the Changshan Islands. The water depth generally does not exceed 50 meters, with ample sunlight, high water transparency, and moderate temperatures. The seabed is lush with plants, and the bottom consists of soft sand and mud, along with rocky reefs needed for various shellfish and fish to reproduce and inhabit. The average surface water temperature is 11.5°C annually: 11.7°C in May, 17.9°C in June, 22.7°C in July, 24.9°C in August, and 22.8°C in September. The sea generally does not freeze in winter.

The main islands of the Changshan Islands (Dachangshan, Xiaochangshan, Guanglu, Zhangzi, Haiyang) all have high-quality beaches. The island waters are excellent with strong transparency. There are no large industrial enterprises discharging wastewater, maintaining a pure natural ecological cycle. July to August is a paradise for family summer vacations: swimming and beachcombing during the day, walking barefoot on the beach in the evening with the sea breeze, and enjoying three meals a day of delicious local seafood. It is picturesque, full of happiness and comfort, experiencing the joy of the sea and the wonder of close contact with nature.

The Changshan Islands have relatively few rainy days per year, with an annual average of 67.1 rainy days and average annual precipitation of 596 mm. Precipitation is concentrated in July and August: July average 149.4 mm, August average 138.8 mm. July and August have the most rainy days of the year: 9 days in July and 9.2 days in August.

The most direct factor affecting human comfort is air humidity. June to August is the period of highest humidity in the Changshan Islands. July has the highest average humidity of the year at 87.4%, and August at 82.5%. During this season, water temperature is highest and humidity is high, making it easy to sweat, so it is most suitable for swimming in the sea.

The weather element most concerning to islanders is wind. Whether for fishermen going to sea or for traveling to and from the islands, attention to wind is as important as attention to food. When a gale of force 7-8 is forecast, all ships must stop sailing. So, when planning to visit the islands, pay close attention to the weather. The Changshan Islands experience winds above force 7-8 on average 34.4 days per year, with November having the most at 4.9 days, and June to August the fewest at 1.6 days.

2. Island Fishing Trip

During the National Day holiday, two families totaling seven people visited the island. On the morning of October 2, we arrived at Pikou Port and parked the car at the dock parking lot (24-hour fee 40 RMB). Originally planning to stay until October 4, we had to return one day early on October 3 because a gale of over force 8 was forecast for October 4-6. From Pikou Port, multiple passenger routes are available to the various islands. The ticket from Pikou to Yuanyang Port costs 55 RMB, with a passenger roll-on/roll-off ferry departing approximately every 20 minutes, heading directly to Dachangshan Island.

We boarded the ferry around 9 a.m., sailed for about 40 minutes, and docked at Yuanyang Port on Dachangshan Island. There were plenty of taxis at the port, so we took one directly to Xiaochangshan Island.

Along the way, we enjoyed the lush green scenery of mountains and sea, the undulating coastal roads, and the fishing boats in the distance dotting the water like leaves.

When driving across the cross-sea bridge connecting Dachangshan and Xiaochangshan, we were both captivated by the beautiful surroundings and amazed by the engineering skills of the infrastructure masters who turned a natural barrier into a thoroughfare.

A feast of fresh seafood filled our stomachs, as if lead weights had been dropped into our bellies, adding weight. But even now, thinking of those freshly caught seafood makes my mouth water. The seafood produced at 39° north latitude in the Changshan Islands truly lives up to its reputation as the most delicious and nutritious in China.

Soon, the homestay owner arranged for us to board a fishing boat. Overall, the wind and waves were not strong; the boat was small but not too rocky.

The boatman took us to a spot and stopped, throwing pre-prepared gear into the sea. We were busy with several fishing rods, and the fish seemed eager to meet us, sometimes two or three appearing together. The kids were delighted, as if they had found treasures, full of a sense of achievement. From 1:30 to 4:00 p.m., we caught nearly 40 fish, regretting not bringing more rods.

In the evening, of course, we had blackfish soup, cornbread, grilled skewers, blackfish soup, oysters, sea urchins, abalone, scallops—the feast continued. The fish soup was truly delicious.

The next morning a little after 10 a.m., it happened to be low tide. The seabed rocks were exposed, and many crabs, conches, and octopuses were foraging in the crevices and pools. In about an hour, we caught nearly half a bucket of seafood. Since we had to leave the island in the afternoon, we didn't go further into the tidal flats. After lunch, we set sail back from the beautiful and bountiful islands.

Goodbye, Changshan Islands—it won't be too long.

Follow us, and we will continue to serve you well.

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