Seasick, Sunburned, and in Love: Our First Island Adventure
Back in July 2019, when we were still a new couple, we set out on one of our first real trips together. I was still clueless about how to find good travel spots in China, and Jiao was saying “yes” to everything, not expecting how clueless I am.
I had one simple wish: something tropical, something quiet, something different. Hainan? Too far. Lantau? Too pricey. So I did what any unprepared romantic would do: I opened Google Maps and searched for “islands.” A few small names popped up off the coast near Zhuhai, not far from Guangzhou. That was enough. I handed the plan over to Jiao: Can you find the ferry? She did. And just like that, we had a holiday.
Dashaping Island: A Promising Start… and a Rough Night
We caught the high-speed train to Zhuhai and headed straight to the ferry terminal. The boat to Dashaping rocked hard across the waves. I found it fun, Jiao, not so much. Seasick and pale, she sat still while I enjoyed the ride like a kid on a rollercoaster.
Once on the island, we strolled through a sleepy fishing village where time seemed to stand still. There wasn’t much going on, but we found a seaside restaurant with a view, and later rented shared bikes to explore the coast. We dipped our feet in at a tiny beach, watched the boats bob gently in the harbor, and felt the stress melt away.
Evening rolled in, and the seafront came alive. Locals gathered around folding tables for card games and makeshift BBQ stalls lit up one by one. We joined in, happily grilling skewers and enjoying the moment… until we saw the BBQ vendor drop a piece of meat, casually dust it off with his hand, and toss it back on the grill.
We should have taken the hint.
The rest of the night turned into a race. One of us would finish at the toilet just in time to hand the doorknob off to the other. A truly romantic relay.
Dong Ao Island: Redemption and Clear Waters
The next morning, groggy but recovering, we decided to leave Dashaping behind and catch the next ferry to Dong Ao Island. From the first step onto the pier, we knew it was a level up. There was an actual hotel, clean facilities, and most importantly, a meal that stayed down.
After eating at a small but excellent restaurant right by the harbor, we took a minibus along a winding cliff road with sweeping views of the ocean. It dropped us at a lovely, quiet beach just beneath the hotel. Fine sand, blue water, and no food poisoning in sight.
We swam, lounged, laughed, and slowly let the rough night fade into memory. Later, instead of waiting for the bus, we walked back along the road. The breeze was warm, the trees whispered overhead, and the cliffs rolled down to the sea on one side. It was one of those walks you don’t want to end.
Heading Back, a Bit Wiser
We made it back to Zhuhai, and from there took the train home to Guangzhou, sun-kissed, a little tired, and already laughing about the chaos of the first night. Work started the next day, but something about that weekend stuck with us.
It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t polished. But it was ours. The beginning of a shared rhythm. Me with wild ideas, Jiao with quiet patience, and both of us just figuring it out as we go.
