Huaniao Island

Huaniao Island is located to the north of the Shengsi Archipelago in Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province. There are many stories about the origin of its name, but the widely accepted one is that the island resembles a seagull spreading its wings to fly, with flowers and trees covering the mountains and fields, and the island is adorned with blooming flowers, hence the name. The locals often refer to it as ‘Huaniao Mountain’, which literary scholars interpret as ‘the master of all flower mountains’, implying that while the surrounding islands are beautiful, none can compare to Huaniao, and the islanders’ love and pride for their homeland are unmistakable.


Additionally, due to the island being shrouded in mist all year round, it is also known as the Misty Island. Geographically, it is located at 122°40′E longitude and 30°50′N latitude, 25.9 kilometers away from the main island of Shengsi. Situated on an international shipping route, it is in the northern part of the Ma’an Archipelago, surrounded by the sea on all sides, and adjacent to the open sea to the east.


Huaniao is established as a township under Shengsi County, governing two administrative villages, Huaniao Village and Lighthouse Village. The island has distinct seasons, a pleasant climate, ample sunlight, and a small temperature difference between day and night.


Attraction 1) Huaniao Lighthouse: The Huaniao Lighthouse is located on the northwestern cape of Huaniao Island (also known as Huaniao Mountain), with a geographical position of 30°51′N latitude and 122°40′E longitude. It is significant due to its important geographical location, large scale, comprehensive functionality, long history, and international influence. The lighthouse has a cylindrical body, 16.


5 meters high, with a white lower part made of concrete and masonry, and a black upper part primarily made of iron plates. The interior of the lighthouse is divided into four floors. The top is a copper-cast dome with a weather vane. The top floor uses large glass as the wall and is equipped with a light source. Initially funded by the British, it was built by laborers recruited from Shanghai in 1870.


The lighthouse was later managed by the British and underwent renovation in 1916.


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Attraction 2) Buddha’s Hand Rock (Five Fingers Rock): Standing on the northern cliff of Huaniao Mountain, it resembles a palm with distinct fingers. Due to the proximity of a temple and the hand shape resembling a Buddhist gesture of inquiry with a single hand raised, it is called Buddha’s Hand Rock (Five Fingers Rock). Buddha’s Hand Rock is an excellent spot to watch the sunrise. As the dawn’s light emerges from the sea, the entire island gradually awakens, and fishermen are about to go out to sea to fish. This scene is simple yet exceptionally precious.
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Attraction 3) Fluorescent Sea: Also known as ‘Blue Tears’, the phenomenon is caused by the presence of many noctiluca algae on the sea surface, which emit a blue glow when hit by waves. When the tide recedes, noctiluca algae near the shore are left on the beach, and large wave disturbances cause the algae to glow. The months of May to August each year are when the chances of encountering the fluorescent sea are high. The fluorescent sea is more likely to appear on clear summer nights, and one can visit Nan’ao Beach or Bei’ao Wharf after nightfall to watch.


Open all year round, the entire day.


Preferential policies for children: under 6 years old (inclusive) or with a height of 1.2 meters (inclusive) are free of charge.
Admission to Huaniao Island is free for children under 2 meters in height, who must present a valid ID card. Elderly individuals aged 70 and above also enjoy free admission upon showing a valid ID card. Seniors aged 60 to 69 are eligible for half-price admission when presenting their valid ID cards.


Active-duty and disabled military personnel with the appropriate military ID are granted free admission. Retired cadres with a retirement cadre certificate also enjoy free access. Journalists holding press cards issued by the National Press and Publication Administration and the National Radio and Television Administration are exempt from admission fees.


Blood donors who have received the National Voluntary Blood Donation Award are admitted for free with their relevant documentation (Zhejiang Province Voluntary Blood Donation Honorary Certificate). Individuals with a first or second-grade Disability Certificate of the People’s Republic of China, along with a valid disability and ID card, are admitted for free. Those with a third or fourth-grade certificate receive half-price admission.


Full-time undergraduate and lower-level students are eligible for half-price admission with a valid student ID and ID card.


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