Huaniao Island - Explore the Enchanting Flora and Fauna

Huaniao Island, located to the north of the Shengsi Archipelago in Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province,[...]

Huaniao Island, located to the north of the Shengsi Archipelago in Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, has many legends about the origin of its name. The prevalent belief is that the island resembles a seagull about to take flight, with flowers and trees covering the mountains and fields, and the island itself is a splendid display of blossoms, hence the name. The locals often refer to it as ‘Huaniao Mountain’, which literary scholars interpret as the ‘mastermind of the mountain of flowers’, suggesting that while the surrounding islands are beautiful, none can compare to Huaniao.

The islanders’ love and pride for their homeland are evident. Due to the island being shrouded in mist all year round, it is also known as the ‘Isle of Mist’. Geographically, it is situated at 122°40′E and 30°50′N, 25.9 kilometers away from the main island of Shengsi. It is located on an international shipping route, 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 a township with jurisdiction over two administrative villages, Huaniao Village and Lighthouse Village. The island enjoys distinct seasons, a pleasant climate, ample sunlight, and small diurnal temperature variation.

1) Huaniao Lighthouse

The Huaniao Lighthouse is located on the northwestern promontory of Huaniao Island (also known as Huaniao Mountain), at 30°51′N and 122°40′E. It is significant for its geographical importance, large scale, comprehensive functionality, long history, and international impact. The lighthouse has a cylindrical body, standing at 16.5 meters tall, with a white lower part made of concrete and masonry, and a black upper part primarily made of iron plates.

Inside, the lighthouse is divided into four floors. The top is a copper dome with a weather vane. The topmost floor uses large glass walls and is equipped with a light source. Initially funded by the British, laborers were recruited from Shanghai to construct it, and it was completed in 1870. The lighthouse was managed by the British and underwent renovation in 1916.

2) Buddha’s Hand Rock (Five-Fingered Rock)

Buddha’s Hand Rock, also known as Five-Fingered Rock, stands on the northern cliffs of Huaniao Mountain, resembling a palm with distinct fingers. It is named for its proximity to a temple and its resemblance to a Buddhist gesture of inquiry with a single hand raised. Buddha’s Hand Rock is an ideal spot for watching the sunrise. As the first rays of light emerge from the sea, the island gradually awakens, and fishermen prepare to go out to sea, presenting a scene that is simple yet exceptionally precious.

3) Fluorescent Sea

The Fluorescent Sea, also known as ‘Blue Tears’, is a phenomenon where the sea surface emits a blue glow due to the presence of noctiluca, a type of bioluminescent algae. When the waves crash, the algae emit a blue light. During low tide, the noctiluca near the shore can be left on the beach, and significant wave disturbance causes the algae to glow. The best time to encounter the Fluorescent Sea is from May to August, often on clear summer nights. After nightfall, one can visit Nan’ao Beach or Bei’ao Wharf to witness this spectacle. The island is open all year round, accessible 24 hours a day.

Children’s优惠政策: Children under 6 years old (inclusive) or with a height of 1.2 meters (inclusive) are eligible for preferential treatment.

Children under 2 meters (inclusive) and elderly individuals aged 70 and above (inclusive) with valid identification cards enjoy free admission. Elderly individuals aged 60 to 69 (inclusive) with valid identification cards receive half-price admission. Active-duty and disabled military personnel with military identification cards, retired cadres with retirement certificates, and journalists with press cards issued by the National Press and Publication Administration and the National Radio and Television Administration all enjoy free admission.

Blood donors who have received the National Unpaid Blood Donation Award with relevant documents (Zhejiang Province Blood Donation Honor Certificate) also enjoy free admission. Disabled individuals with a Disability Certificate of the People’s Republic of China, first and second level, with valid disability and identification cards, receive free admission. Those with a Disability Certificate of the People’s Republic of China, third and fourth level, with valid disability and identification cards, receive half-price admission.

Full-time undergraduate and lower-level students with valid student and identification cards receive half-price admission.