Live Your Best Lives
The 2020 Spring Festival Gala featured a memorable skit that sparked heated discussion on Weibo upon its broadcast, drawing even more attention to the drama "Parents' Love." The northern island, where the story takes place, as depicted by Wang Haiyu, also evokes a yearning for nature, beauty, and romance.
The Spring Festival Gala's "Parents' Love" warmly interprets love and family affection
Island scenes in the play
It was selected as one of the most beautiful islands in China by China National Geographic. It is the only island national geological park in China and has unique island beauty.
Map of China's ten most beautiful islands and the location of Changdao
"Fairy mountain on the sea", "like a pearl and a treasure", there is poetry and life here, from the geographical environment to the history and culture, it has a unique attraction.
This is Changdao. Let us unveil its veil and feel the charm of the northern island.
Research has revealed that the unusual stratigraphic sequence of the Penglai Group's quartzites and sandstones, with their near-horizontal occurrence, suggests that Changdao experienced significant tectonic changes, resulting in compact folds and the now-surfaced strata representing inverted folds. This discovery has enhanced the scientific value of Changdao tourism.
Graphic explanation of the "inverted fold" landform
The island's geological resources, dating back 1.9 billion years, are unique. About 4,500 years ago, large trees such as pine, oak, mulberry, and cypress grew abundantly on Changdao Island, creating a lush forest landscape. Over time, herbaceous plants such as algae gradually emerged, culminating in the island's current reef landscape. This ever-changing environment has enriched Changdao's tourism resources.
Long Island has rich natural landscapes (sea, reefs, trees, etc.)
Changdao Island comprises 32 islands and 8,700 square kilometers of sea area. The islands and 66 exposed reefs are arranged in a straight north-south line within the Bohai Strait, connecting the Shandong and Liaodong Peninsulas. This unique geographical location offers a unique tourist attraction that captivates visitors.
Changdao is located between the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea.
The confluence of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea
As the "darling" of the archaeological community, Changdao continues to provide surprises. Several levels of ancient sea surface relics have been discovered, and there are tens of thousands of cultural relics: from the Paleolithic stone tools (broken copper pieces) to the Neolithic painted pottery, from the Longshan Culture period eggshell pottery to the Shang and Zhou bronzes. These discoveries show the historical value of Changdao.
According to existing archaeological data, human social activities were already present in the Changshan Islands during the middle and late Paleolithic period, more than 100,000 years ago. This marked the first step for prehistoric human activities to enter the ocean.
Changdao in the prehistoric civilization period
The discovery of a 6,500-year-old matriarchal primitive village (Beizhuang Prehistoric Site) on Daheishan Island represents China's "fishing and hunting civilization." From an archaeological perspective, it rivals the Banpo Ruins in Xi'an and is known as China's "Eastern Banpo."
The pottery unearthed from the Beizhuang site shows that Changdao has had maritime exchanges since ancient times, and also shows that Changdao fishing tourism began 6,000 years ago.
Beizhuang Ruins (Matriarchal Tribe)
Neolithic human-faced pottery, painted pottery, and bird-shaped pottery
From Beizhuang to Longshan Culture (a cultural site characterized by black pottery 4,000 years ago), the integrity and continuity of the development of the prehistoric culture of the Changshan Islands are quite prominent in the entire Jiaodong prehistoric culture and have a very important position.
Eggshell pottery related to the Longshan culture unearthed in Changdao
Archaeologists have unearthed numerous stone, pottery, bone, and clam artifacts on the Shandong Peninsula, dating back approximately 3,500 years. These artifacts have been identified as belonging to an ancient culture created by the Dongyi people. This discovery suggests the development and evolution of new production relations.
Jade Street is one of the oldest names of Changdao. According to the "Penglai Geography", the north and south Changshans are five miles apart, with a road in the middle that is more than twenty feet wide and is made of pearls and rocks, hence the name Jade Street.
According to legend, when Emperor Taizong of Tang was on an expedition to the east, he was afraid of the rapid waves and turbulent currents, so he prayed to God to grant him a sea bridge, which was indeed built at night. Therefore, Jade Street is also known as the Night Street.
Old photos of Jade Street
During the Republic of China period, it was called "Yushi Township". In 1963, when the county was established, it was renamed "Changdao". Yushi Street is both the geographical coordinate of Changdao and a witness to its history.
Changdao was once the land of "Laiyi", which originated from Shennong. According to the research of Mr. Wang Xiantang, "Lai is the descendant of Shennong"; "Records of the Grand Historian: The Family of Qi" records that "Lai Hou came to attack and compete with them for Yingqiu", and the Laiyi were relatively strong at that time; "Book of Documents: The Tribute of Yu" also records that "Laiyi are pastoral, and they do not wear silk"; and Changdao Dahao discovered the stern and stone anchor of the Longshan era, which proves that the Laiyi's shipping industry was developed. The combination of historical records and archaeological discoveries shows that Changdao played an important role in the process of human beings creating a glorious civilization.
There are many place names in Shandong with the word "Lai" in them, and this is also due to historical reasons.
In addition to historical records, Changdao also often appears in literary works, with a "fairy mountain on the sea" as the creative background, and it has its own halo.
According to the "Dengzhou Prefecture Chronicle", in the second year of the Qingli period of Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty, a knife fish patrol was set up in Changdao, and sailors were recruited to garrison Shamen Island.
During the Northern Song Dynasty, except for those sentenced to death (the death penalty was also rare in the Northern Song Dynasty), criminals were mostly tattooed on their faces and exiled. The most severe punishment was tattooing and exile to Shamen Island.
Shamen Island in the Song Dynasty, a place of exile
In "Water Margin", Jade Unicorn Lu Junyi was framed innocently and ended up being exiled to Shamen Island. It was here.
Illustrations related to the exile plot in Water Margin
Dazhushan Island appears in Su Dongpo's "Records of the Twelve Stones of the North Sea"; Changdao appears in "Xu Fu's Eastward Voyage", the legend of Qin Shihuang seeking elixir; the literary creation of Wang Haiyu, "China's No. 1 Writer on Marriage", is mostly based on Changdao.
The rich history and unique environment naturally gave birth to Changdao's own culture and customs, and presented a "Changdao" business card to the tourism market, attracting countless tourists.
Changdao Seafood Festival, Marathon, Changdao Fishing Boat, Mazu Culture and other activities
The fishing culture, which dates back more than 380 years, is of typical significance in China. The "Changdao Fishing Boat" has been listed in the second batch of national intangible cultural heritage.
The Xianying Palace on Miaodao Island, nearly 900 years old, is the oldest and most influential official Mazu temple in northern my country. Every year on the 15th day of the first lunar month, tens of thousands of believers come to experience the thousand-year-old Mazu culture.
The "Long Island Seafood Festival" held every September adapts to local conditions and lives up to the reputation of "Home of Abalone" and "Home of Scallops". You can taste the best seafood from 38° north latitude.
The Long Island Marathon is called the "most worthwhile marathon" by runners from all over the world.
2020 Long Island Marathon scheduled for May
As the venue for the National Sea Fishing Championship, anglers from all over the country come here every year to compete.
From nature to humanities, the charm of this northern island is self-evident. Whether you are a "history lover", "outdoor expert", "landscape photographer" or "food connoisseur", there is something you like here.
Natural scenery
Aerial view of Long Island
Seafood
Changdao was included in the third batch of "Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains Are Gold and Silver Mountains" practice and innovation bases in 2019, demonstrating its excellent natural environment. With distinct seasons, mild winters and mild summers, and an average summer temperature of 22°C, Changdao attracts a large number of tourists each year seeking to escape the summer heat and relax and vacation, making it one of China's top summer resorts.
Long Island is also known as the "Hawaii of China"
Long Island Attractions Overview
It includes many scenic spots such as Jiuzhang Cliff, Crescent Bay, Linhai, Wangfu Reef, and the intersection of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea. Special landscapes include mirage landscape, Haizi, advection fog, and Changdao Island, which is located at the intersection of the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea.
Jiuzhang Cliff is a must-see spot in Changdao and a national AAAA-level scenic spot.
Jiuzhangya
Crescent Bay Beach is the best natural bathing beach in Changdao.
Crescent Bay
Fengshan, with an altitude of 148 meters, is the highest peak in Changdao.
Fengshan
Xianjingyuan is said to be the place where the Eight Immortals lived, and it was also the place where the Qin Emperor and Han Emperor sought immortality and medicine.
Wonderland Source
Miaodao Xianying Palace is the earliest and most famous Mazu temple in northern my country.
Mazu Temple
Tips:
Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 on weekdays, 7:30-18:00 on holidays
Scenic spot level: AAAA
Ticket price: 180 yuan for the entire line, 120 yuan for the south line and 120 yuan for the north line
Recommended months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Scenic area telephone number: 0535-3216568
Scenic area address: Nanchangshan and Beichangshan Island, Changdao County, Shandong Province
Tour: Long Island boat tour (tour the island by boat and get close to animals such as seagulls and seals)
Recommended equipment: Sunglasses, sunscreen, sandals, swimsuit
Service facilities: Parking lots include Jiuzhangya Parking Lot and Yueyawan Parking Lot. Shopping facilities are located in Jiuzhangya Shopping Plaza and Yueyawan Shopping Area.
Comprising the Changdao Islands (Wanniao Island, Houji Island, Tuoji Island, and Heishan Island), it boasts a coastline of over 1,860 meters. With its azure skies and turquoise seas, clean beaches and reefs, picturesque forests and steep cliffs, the area has earned the reputation of "Fairy Mountain on the Sea" since ancient times.
Seagulls fly together on Wanniao Island
Black Mountain Island Snake Eggs
Houji Island Lighthouse, a 136-year-old lighthouse
Tips:
Opening hours: 7:00-18:00 on weekdays, 6:30-18:00 on holidays
Scenic spot level: AAA
Ticket price: 50 yuan
Scenic area telephone number: 0535-3216568
Scenic area address: Changdao County, Yantai City
Tour item: Take a cruise, boarding location: Sea Tour Pier, generally running time is 7:30-18:15 according to tourist demand
1. The best places to watch the sunrise are: Crescent Bay and Beicheng Village on North Changshan Island; Wangfu Reef, Xianjingyuan, and Fengshan on South Changshan Island.
2. The best places to watch the sunset are: Jiuzhang Cliff and Huagou Village on the North Changshan Island; Liancheng Village, Heishizui Village, Haibin Road, and Linhai Peak on the South Changshan Island.
3. In summer, sunrise is usually between 4:30 and 5:00, and sunset is between 19:00 and 19:30. The sunrise scenic spot is not open, so you need to buy a ticket one day in advance and go to the entrance of the scenic spot to be checked by security.
<Summer Sunrise and Sunset Schedule of Long Island>
Changdao pebbles, also known locally as "pheasant eggs" or "steel eggs," are found most abundantly on Crescent Bay Beach, where large and small pebbles form a 2,000-meter-long and 50-meter-wide belt.
Ball Stone
Changdao Tuoji Inkstone: also known as Venus Snow Wave Inkstone, it is one of the famous Lu inkstones. It is made of Venus Snow Wave stone, a specialty of Tuoji Island, and has a history of thousands of years.
Tuoji inkstone raw material: Venus Snow Wave Stone
Changdao Sea Cucumber: Commonly known as "the first of the eight treasures of the sea", among which the sea cucumber produced in Bohai Sea is the most precious and top quality. Changdao is also known as the "hometown of sea cucumbers".
Changdao Sea Cucumber
The only way to get to Changdao is by boat. From 5:30 to 19:00 every day, there is a bus departing from Penglai Port Passenger Terminal for passenger ships or passenger ferries to Changdao every half hour. The fare is 30 yuan per person and the journey takes about 1 hour.
Passenger ship appearance
To maximize tourism, the island's few bus routes have successfully avoided all tourist attractions, leaving travelers with only chartered vehicles. Taxis start at 7 yuan, and a typical chartered vehicle tour of the six scenic spots on the north and south islands costs between 250 and 300 yuan.
Sip a glass of Long Island and witness the past and present of the northern islands. If only a sea could comfort your joys and sorrows, this is it. Embrace the raging sea, or sit quietly on its shores. Your attitude towards life is revealed within. In the cool sea breeze, transform yourself into a dream, immerse yourself in the ocean, and follow the light, drifting far away.
