Xinsha Island, resembling a Luo Dou, shaped like a golden hairpin, and likened to a seahorse, is also known as the new sand island by the locals of Xuwen. It is located about 50 kilometers east of Xuwen County in the Leizhou Peninsula. Legend has it that during the Qing Kangxi period (1662-1722), there was a sand island a kilometer to the east of the island that sank underwater due to tectonic changes, or it is said to have moved westward here. Initially submerged beneath the sea, it only revealed a long sandbar during low tide. Later, due to tidal action, the sandbar became increasingly exposed and higher, forming an island now known as Xinsha Island, colloquially referred to as Luo Dou Sha because of its resemblance to a Luo Dou.
Xinsha Island stretches 7,750 meters in length and 1,500 meters in width, covering an area of 4.9 square kilometers. It runs from northeast to southwest, with the eastern part being higher and wider, and the western part lower and narrower. The island’s sand is fine and soft, containing black minerals that make a sound when stepped on. There are extensive forests of Casuarina, with strong growth of sea grapes and fragrant grasses. Seabbirds inhabit the area, their songs pleasing to the ear. The environment is serene, akin to a fairyland. Being on Luo Dou is like riding a fairy boat on the sea, with a vast sea and sky stretching boundlessly, the sound of the tide like drums and the wind like strings, offering a unique charm. Xinsha Island originally had two harbors where 40-ton vessels could take shelter and dock, but they were later abandoned due to siltation. In 1979, Xuwen County State-owned Qianshan Protective Forest Farm planted more than 100 acres of Casuarina forests on the island, which have now grown into dense shades. The surrounding waters of the island feature strange reefs and tidal sounds like drums. It is abundant in yellow croaker, grouper, large yellow croaker, horse mackerel, sea eel, and nine-segment shrimp, making it one of the main yellow croaker fishing grounds in Guangdong Province. Every spring, fishing boats come and go, casting nets and fishing, presenting a bustling scene. This island, deep in the South China Sea, offers a spectacular view of the sea, with surging waves that provide a pleasant spiritual cleansing. Here, one can freely enjoy seawater baths, sunbathing, and beach bathing. Running on the white sand beach, one can hear the奇妙 sounds emitted by the beach, known as the singing beach. One can also witness the mirage-like spectacles on the beach and enjoy barbecues, savoring the delicious yellow croaker. Listening to bird songs and observing the differences and similarities between bird eggs and sea turtle eggs. As Xinsha Island (Luo Dou Sha) is a well-known seabird island in the Leizhou Peninsula region, a paradise for seabirds, it is home to seabirds that inhabit and reproduce throughout the year. Especially in May and June each year, when seabirds gather on the island to lay eggs, the bird eggs in each sand nest are of various colors and sizes, very charming. This is an ecological highlight, adding interest to eco-tourism. Although Xinsha Island is not small, it still faces the risk of being submerged by large typhoons and especially high tides. Due to its deep location in the South China Sea, Xinsha Island has not yet had any permanent residents, except for the island’s inhabitants—seabird, and occasionally, temporary fishermen.The specific operating hours are subject to the day’s opening conditions.
