Whampoa Military Academy

Day tripping on Chángzhōu Island (长洲岛; Chángzhōu Dǎo) is simply fun. Apart from a dozen of relatively undisturbed villages, the highlight on this island is this academy. Established in 1924 by the Kuomintang, it trained a number of military elites for both the Kuomintang and the CCP who went on to fight in many subsequent conflicts and civil wars. It was destroyed by the Japanese in 1938 and the present structure was restored in 1965. Today the complex houses a museum dedicated to the military history of modern China.

Take metro line 2 to Chìgǎng station, then exit C1. Board bus 262 on Xingang Zhonglu to Xīnzhōu pier (新洲码头; Xīnzhōu Mǎtou). Ferries (Y1.50) to the academy depart every 40 minutes past the hour from 6.40am to 8.40pm. Private boats can also take you there; expect to pay Y15 for the whole trip. Taking photos on the ferry is strictly prohibited, as it passes through a naval base.