[1] It comprises 44 islands for a total area of 194 square kilometres (75 sq mi), and is under the administration of Zhangzhou City.

[2] Dongshan County has jurisdiction over seven towns, a nationally managed forest and an economic and technological development district.

Tonghshan Castle was built of stone in 1387 by Zhou Dexing of the Ming Dynasty to protect against Japanese pirates.

The entrance to the temple is flanked by ancient houses, the birthplace of Huang Daozhou, an official of the Ming Dynasty.

The tourism industry is based on rich ancient history, seaside resorts and breath taking scenery.

The climate of the Dongshan Islands is humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa) and moderated by their coastal location, without frost through the year.