East Pole (Dongji) island 东极岛

About East Pole (Dongji) island

Miaozihu provides a practical first base, combining its harbour settlement with the Dongji History and Culture Museum and the Caibogong statue, a landmark tied to local seafaring tradition. The island’s built setting reflects communities shaped by fishing and sea connections. Keep the first circuit on Miaozihu unless onward boats have been arranged; Qingbang and Dongfushan require separate island transfers and sufficient flexibility for sea conditions.

The islands are geographically known as the Zhongjieshan Archipelago (中街山列岛), arranged in an east-west belt between Daiquyang (岱衢洋) to the north and Huangdayang (黄大洋) to the south. Fishermen from Zhejiang and Fujian settled here during the Kangxi (康熙) and Qianlong (乾隆) eras, bringing local customs that became more similar through frequent contact. Fishing communities developed practices of mutual assistance, including rescuing people in danger at sea and providing food and shelter to those seeking refuge from storms. Collective work was accompanied by loud calls and work chants.

What to look for

• The Dongji History and Culture Museum introduces the island community’s past.
• The Caibogong statue gives local seafaring tradition a prominent coastal landmark.

Location & getting there

Getting to East Pole (Dongji) island

Approach Shenjiamen’s Banshengdong passenger centre for the current sailing to Miaozihu. Older guides directing this route to Zhujiajian predate the terminal move; check the ticketed departure port and return sailing before travel.