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Nanding Island, part of Zhangzhou's Volcano Island National Geopark, offers scenic boat tours around its unique volcanic landscapes. Visitors can explore the island's geological features, such as columnar basalt formations and coastal cliffs, best viewed from the sea. Due to tidal conditions, access to the island is limited, so it's advisable to check local schedules and weather conditions before planning a visit.
Nanding Island is an ellipsoidal volcanic island belonging to Zhangpu County, Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. Its vast cliffs are composed of approximately 1.4 million suspended basalt columns (comparable to the 40,000 basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway, a World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, UK). These densely packed columns resemble frozen waterfalls or neatly combed silk, cascading down to the sea. From afar, they resemble a piece of black jade embedded in the azure blue sea.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Best in spring and autumn
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All day
Nanding Island is renowned for its geological significance, featuring volcanic formations that contribute to the area's rich natural heritage. It is part of the Zhangzhou Volcano Island National Geopark, which preserves central-style volcanic eruption structures and later-stage weathering and sea erosion geological landscapes.
Nanding Island is located in Zhangpu County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province. To reach the island, visitors can take a bus from Zhangzhou Bus Center to "Qianting" or "Volcano Park," which takes approximately 1.5–2 hours. From there, boat services are available to the island, but access depends on tidal conditions.
The Zhangzhou Volcano Island National Geopark, which includes Nanding Island, operates from 08:15 to 18:00 from May 1 to October 7, and from 08:15 to 17:30 from October 8 to April 30. The best times to visit are during the dry season, avoiding the rainy months from May to September, to ensure safe travel conditions.
The entrance fee for the Zhangzhou Volcano Island National Geopark is 60 RMB. Additional attractions within the park, such as the Monument Valley Maze and Rainbow Mountain Love Castle, have separate fees of 150 RMB each. A combined ticket for all attractions is available for 250 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the park entrance.
It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability. Advance booking can be done through the official park website or authorized travel agencies. Booking at least a few days in advance is recommended.
A visit to Nanding Island and the surrounding Volcano Island National Geopark typically takes about 3 to 4 hours, including boat rides and exploration of the geological formations. If planning to visit additional attractions within the park, allocate extra time accordingly.
Key highlights include the unique volcanic formations, such as columnar basalt structures and coastal cliffs. The Monument Valley Maze and Rainbow Mountain Love Castle are also notable attractions within the park.
Guided tours are available at the Zhangzhou Volcano Island National Geopark. Guides typically speak Mandarin Chinese, and some may offer services in English. It's advisable to inquire about language options when booking the tour.
The best viewpoints are along the coastal cliffs and from the boat tours around Nanding Island. These locations offer panoramic views of the volcanic landscapes and are ideal for photography.
Begin with a boat tour around Nanding Island to view the volcanic formations from the sea. Afterward, explore the Monument Valley Maze and Rainbow Mountain Love Castle within the park. Conclude with a visit to the Zhangpu Volcano Island Resort for additional attractions and relaxation.
Currently, the Zhangzhou Volcano Island National Geopark does not offer night visits or light shows. The park operates during daylight hours, and it's best to plan visits accordingly.
The park can be crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, preferably in the early morning. Off-peak seasons, such as late autumn and early spring, are also less crowded.
The park provides basic facilities, including restrooms, food stalls, and water stations. There are also rest areas for visitors to relax. Shops selling souvenirs and local products are available near the park entrance.
The park has some accessible facilities for elderly and disabled visitors, but due to the natural terrain, certain areas may be challenging to navigate. It's recommended to check with the park staff regarding specific accessibility needs before visiting.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are accepted at the park. Credit cards may be accepted at some locations, but it's advisable to carry cash or use mobile payment methods for convenience.
There are several local restaurants and cafes near the park entrance offering Fujianese cuisine. For a unique experience, consider dining at a local Hakka restaurant to taste traditional dishes.
Vegetarian options are available at some local restaurants. Halal food options may be limited; it's advisable to inquire at restaurants in advance or consider bringing your own meals if necessary.
There are several accommodations near the park, ranging from budget hotels to mid-range options. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Nearby attractions include the Zhangzhou Ancient City, known for its historical significance and cultural heritage. The Zhangzhou Nanshan Temple and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster are also within a day's travel.
Souvenir shops are located near the park entrance, offering items such as volcanic rock souvenirs, local handicrafts, and Fujianese tea. These make for memorable gifts or personal keepsakes.
After visiting, you can return to Zhangzhou city by bus or taxi. For onward travel, Zhangzhou Railway Station and Zhangzhou Bus Station offer connections to various destinations in Fujian Province and beyond.
