Seaside pleasure

As the path began to ascend, we came across a signage that read, Xiangbi Peak ("elephant trunk" peak). We climbed up the stone steps through a section of tall grass to reach the peak that was named for its elephant-trunk-like shape when viewed from one side. When we arrived at the site, it seemed like we were standing on a part of the top of the peak that now looked like the head of an elephant.

The breeze became stronger, whistling in my ears. I ran my eyes over the abrupt slope within a few feet and saw fishing boats floating on the water, a beacon erected on a nearby islet and, of course, the panoramic view of the coastal water.

My heart beat faster as I was afraid that I might fall over from the narrow path if I didn't manage to walk down carefully. But I did OK.

Although it took us more than four hours to trek around the island, which was exhausting, I really enjoyed nature without distractions.

The island, with only a few hundred residents, is indeed a place far away from the madding crowd.

But Dongji town is more than a pack of desolate islands. Lying to the northwest of Dongfushan, is Miaozihu island, the seat of the town's government, and is larger and more prosperous than Dongfushan.

A giant statue of a fisherman named Chen Caifu facing the sea, holding a torch in his right hand, stands on the south of Miaozihu, which serves as a landmark for the island.

According to local folklore, Chen Caifu was a fisherman who survived a storm and spent the rest of his life illuminating the seaway for passing boats. The statue was built to commemorate his kindness.

The island has experienced a surge in tourism in recent years as it is an ideal destination for urban Chinese to escape their hectic daily routine and relax in the weekends.

Guesthouses, hostels, cafes, restaurants, fishing clubs and bars have sprung up on the land, meeting various visitor demands.