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I'd like to recommend a place, a sparsely populated, pristine island nestled in the East China Sea. Its volcanic coastline stretches for kilometers, and its undulating sea-level rock formations stand tall and proud like warriors, protecting the peaceful fishing village beyond.
This place is Huaao Island, a niche secret place certified by China National Geographic, the filming location of the variety show "The 72-Story Tower", and the summer vacation spot for Kris Wu, Zhao Liying, and Wu Lei.
Picture from tourists@微胖奥凸曼
Huaao Islandcheck the details
Hua'ao Island Scenic Area is located at the mouth of Sanmen Bay in southern Xiangshan County, Ningbo, close to Taizhou City. As one of the world's three major volcanic landforms, Xiangshan Hua'ao Island boasts a majestic landscape, numerous bays, steep cliffs, and extensive columnar joints, earning it the nickname "Stone Forest." The towering rock formations, particularly the sea-eroded landscape, are a unique sight in Southeast China. The Wanzhu Cliffs are a prime location for slow-motion photography. The island boasts captivating lush greenery and captivating scenery, boasting 36 coves and 108 caves, each boasting its own unique scenery and a celestial presence. It's known as the "Fairyland of Sea and Mountains, a City on Earth." However, it's a virgin tourist destination, preserving its pristine charm and imbued with a sense of wonder. Join China-TravelNote on Hua'ao Island to explore the photography locations recommended by National Geographic.
3998 recommendations, 2044 visits
Gaotang Township, Xiangshan County, Ningbo City, east of Sanmen Bay in the southern part of Xiangshan County
Xiangshan County consists of the Xiangshan Peninsula and 608 offshore islands and reefs. There are three large islands close together in the southern part of the peninsula: the largest Nantian Island (Hepu Town), Gaotang Island (Gaotang Island Township) and the smallest Huaao Island, which are across the sea from Sanmen, Taizhou.
Picture from tourists@微胖奥凸曼
By car: Navigate to Jingaoyi Pier, turn right before entering the pier and enter the parking lot. Parking is free.
It takes about 3.5 hours from Hangzhou, about 4.5 hours from Shanghai, and about 2 hours from Ningbo city.
Purchase the island ferry ticket at Jingaoyi Pier
🔵Car ferry
5 seats or less: 35 yuan/car/trip, 70 yuan round trip
6-9 seats: 45/vehicle/time
🔵Ferry ride
Single ticket: 5 yuan/person
Bicycle: 6 yuan/time
Electric vehicle: 7 yuan/time
If you are traveling by car, it is recommended to take the car ferry or bring your own bicycle. Transportation on the island is inconvenient and walking is long.
No need to worry about group tours, as we provide pick-up and drop-off services.
🔵Departure time
[Jingaoyi Pier] 07:30-16:00, about 1 hour per trip
[Hua'ao Island Pier] 07:40-16:10, about 1 hour per trip
🔵Shipping time
The distance is short, the journey takes about 10 minutes, you can chat and watch the sea
Image from tourists@森柒
Hua'ao Island, the smallest island in Xiangshan County, has a population of only about 1,000, and low stone houses are common. There are no wide asphalt roads, no traffic lights, and no blaring horns. Even going further requires walking along a bumpy, dusty dirt road.
This pristine, undeveloped island offers city dwellers a glimpse into the intimacy and nature of the 1980s and 1990s. While the island lacks resources, it offers every bit of scenery and fun.
Image from tourists@森柒
The Stone Forest by the Sea is a must-see when visiting Hua’ao Island. Most of the photos of Hua’ao Island posted online were taken from here.
Image from tourists@飞翔
It takes about 20 minutes to reach the coast at the foot of the mountain from the entrance. This section of the road goes up the mountain, with stone paths and flat roads intersecting. The part at the top is very narrow, only wide enough for one person to pass. When you hear the sound of waves and shouts, you know you are not far from the end.
Turning the corner onto the mountainside, you'll see the famous sea erosion landscape. These rocks are formed by the cooling and solidification of volcanic lava. The massive columnar joints are the second largest sea erosion rock formation in the world, second only to the Giant's Causeway in England. Research has shown that this volcanic rock native landscape will continue to grow over time due to crustal movement.
Image from tourists@你的喜儿
In addition to these vertical rock formations on the beach, there are also occasional mysterious caves at the bottom, formed by broken rock pillars. If you are afraid of the sun or just want to be a quiet beauty, hiding in the cave entrance and chatting among the rocks is a good choice.
Walk to the beach, step on the waves, and feel the vitality and endless power from the depths of the ocean.
Image from tourists@飞翔
Tips:
Tickets: 40 yuan for adults, half price for children and seniors, free for children under 1.2m
In the eastern coastal areas, when talking about mudflats, the most familiar place must be Xiapu in Fujian. At sunrise or sunset, the flat and wide mudflats are like a golden mirror or a huge and smooth silk under the light.
On the contrary, in Zhoushan, the most common sights on the coast are steep rock cliffs. The large, pristine mudflats hidden on Hua'ao Island are particularly rare. Being close to the shore and free of strong winds and waves, it is natural to have fun here.
Image from tourists@森柒
Warm reminder: before going to the mudflats, please be sure to change into your gear, wear old clothes, roll up your trouser legs, and wear the long socks given by China-TravelNote. It will be safer to go to the mudflats after you are fully armed.
Image from tourists@森柒
Catch big-eyed crabs, jump fish, pick mud snails, dig razor clams, be a little fisherman, and experience the life of the indigenous people on the island, which is hard to come by on other islands.
Image from tourists@森柒
Just behind the jumping fish catching area, there is an area of water where you can set up ground traps. Follow the master on the island to find a good spot, put down the cage, and you can collect it early the next morning.
Although it is a fishing ban period, you can still catch a basin full of small shrimps, fish and crabs, and they will be your lunch the next day!
Image from tourists@森柒
Many people who come to the island don’t know that there is a quiet mudflat on the other side of the Big Buddha Head Mountain.
Thousands of sea ducks graze on the harmless creatures of the mudflats and lay healthy, nutritious eggs. The keepers leave a few eggs every day, and if you're skilled enough, you can gather a bucket full in half an hour! (Just a heads-up: there's a surprise if you venture further afield. 🤪)
Xiangshan has been an important salt-producing area in the country since ancient times. Its salt-making history can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. It has the reputation of "the hometown of tribute salt".
Picture from tourists@微胖奥凸曼
Image from tourists@森柒
The salt-drying technique has a history of more than 1,300 years, and the Huaao Salt Field on the island was designated as a national intangible cultural heritage inheritance base in 2017.
Image from tourists@森柒
If you visit Hua'ao Island, don't miss this intangible cultural heritage experience. Before you start, learn about the history of salt drying on Hua'ao Island at the museum. This will give you a more confident perspective when you visit the salt fields.
Tips:
Experience 35 yuan per person per time, free for group tours
There are currently no commercial hotels on the island, only two or three homestays and farmhouses, where accommodation and meals are concentrated together. It is easier to order dishes when there are more people, and the average cost per person is about 50 yuan.
Image from tourists@你的喜儿
You can also give the crabs or fish you catch at the beach directly to the store for processing, with the processing fee ranging from several dozen yuan.
Image from tourists@你的喜儿
Because the island is undeveloped, there are relatively few small shops. There are many shops selling things at the entrance of the Stone Forest Scenic Area, but it is a little far from the accommodation and it is not convenient to buy things. It is recommended to bring some snacks with you, which you can use as a substitute if the food is not to your liking.
1. There are many mosquitoes in the summer on the lush island, so you need to carry mosquito repellent spray with you!
2. The temperature difference between day and night on the island is large, so remember to wear an extra coat at night.
3. The sunlight is strong during the day, so both boys and girls must pay attention to sun protection. In addition to applying sunscreen, it is best to wear sun-protective clothing and a sun hat.
4. Nowadays, B&Bs do not actively provide toiletries. For hygiene reasons, it is recommended to bring your own.
5. There are no small shops on the island, so bring your own thermos to replenish water.
6. Because the activities involve mudflats and swimming, be sure to bring a few extra changes of clothes, and don’t forget to bring slippers!
Hua'ao Island is suitable for fishing all year round. Starting in May, when the weather warms up, you can go to the sea and the mudflats. According to government regulations, the fishing ban period in the East China Sea is from May 1st to September 16th. During this period, there are relatively few edible seafood on the island, mostly dried products. Those who like seafood can avoid the fishing ban period and visit in September and October.
Picture from tourists@微胖奥凸曼
1. A tripod is essential for shooting the starry sky. It is best to have a shutter release cable or remote control. If you don’t have one, you can set a delayed shooting.
2. It is best to use a wide-angle lens to capture more of the starry sky.
3. Generally, you need to choose a good foreground for starry sky photography, otherwise it will be monotonous to just shoot the starry sky.
4. When focusing, please set the lens to manual focus, adjust the focal length to infinity, then turn on the camera LCD screen real-time display function, point the lens at the brightest star in the sky, then zoom in and adjust the star's light point to the smallest.
5. Parameter settings:
①. When shooting the starry sky, the aperture is usually opened to the maximum.
② For example: If the maximum aperture is 4, you can adjust the shutter speed to about 30 seconds (refer to the specific situation at the time). If the aperture is 2.8, you can also open the aperture to the maximum, and the exposure time can be shortened. The larger the aperture, the shorter the exposure time.
③, ISO can be set between 1600-3200 according to shutter speed and aperture
④ When shooting the starry sky, it is recommended to keep the color temperature between 2800-3800 and adjust it according to personal preference.
Other points to note are that it is best to avoid light pollution and shoot when there is no moon, few clouds or no clouds.
Tutorial from China-TravelNote tour leader @微胖奥凸曼
Huaao Island, a super healing wonderland on the sea, I hope you can spend a perfect weekend here and have an unforgettable vacation.
