An ideal summer retreat

Understated vacation paradise

This summer, in an effort to showcase the beauty of Changhai and the national tourist resort to more online audiences, 44-year-old documentary maker Lu Yao and her 9-year-old son Cao Enshuo embarked on a journey to the county, staying on approximately 10 islands over a period of two months.

"The world is vast, not confined to textbooks and classrooms. We have such beautiful places like this in Dalian, yet our knowledge about them is limited. So, I decided to take my son to the islands, believing it would broaden his horizon," said Lu.

They made some wonderful memories there.

For instance, she said, on a small island in Guanglu Island Town, when the tide recedes, a path opens up through the sea, leading to a mountain on the opposite side, like a scene from a science fiction movie.

They also met 50-year-old Liang Zeye, who can "summon" dolphins. He just blows a whistle and the dolphins begin gathering around his yacht. It didn't happen overnight. He has cultivated a mutual understanding with the dolphins over the years, paying them attention and protecting them. Every year, over 1,000 dolphins migrate to and from Changhai, arriving in April and leaving for the south by November.

The mother and son duo also met a group of over 10 paddleboarding enthusiasts who paddle from one island to another for leisure.

The breathtaking scenery was a good reason for Cao to put his drone photography skills to good use. "Nature is the best teacher," said Lu. "After a few attempts, he realized his skills needed improvement, sparking greater interest."

Each island they visited had its own unique character. While Dachangshan and Xiaochangshan islands are buzzing with life, most other islands have a slow pace of life in the absence of industry and taxi services.