Hailv Island (Sea Donkey Island, 海驴岛), also known as Haimao Island (海猫岛), is located about 4 nautical miles from the mainland in Weihai, China. The island covers an area of approximately 0.11 square kilometers. It gets its name from its appearance, resembling a lean donkey lying in the sea, with “Hai” meaning sea and “Lv” referring to a donkey in Chinese. The island’s stunning scenery, combined with its isolation from the mainland, makes it a haven for seabirds, particularly seagulls. Locals often call these seagulls “sea cats,” hence the alternative name, Haimao Island.
Hailv Island is renowned for its rugged and picturesque landscapes. The cliffs and rocks, shaped by the relentless waves over time, are dotted with numerous sea caves of various sizes. Some of these caves are large enough to navigate by boat, while others are small and intimate, allowing just a few people to enter. The island’s pink-hued rocks are layered and uniquely shaped, adding to its natural allure.
Several attractions enhance the island’s appeal to visitors:
- Bird Watching Platform: A designated area where tourists can observe the multitude of seabirds, especially during the nesting and breeding seasons.
- Fishing Platform: A popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, offering a tranquil environment to enjoy the sport.
- Mountain Trails and Tunnels: Pathways and tunnels that traverse the island, providing adventurous routes for hiking and exploration.
- Tingtao Pavilion: A scenic spot where visitors can listen to the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs.
The island is also home to dense patches of hibiscus bushes, reeds, and wild jujube trees. During spring and summer, the hibiscus flowers bloom in abundance, creating a vibrant landscape that attracts egrets, a national second-class protected species. These egrets travel great distances to nest and breed on the island, adding to the island’s dynamic ecosystem. In autumn, they migrate with their fledglings, leaving the island until the next season.
Hailv Island’s creation is steeped in local mythology. According to legend, the island was formed during an endeavor by the mythical figure Erlang Shen, who was tasked with moving mountains to fill the sea. As he was passing Chengshan, he was startled by the braying of a donkey from the east and the crowing of a rooster from the west. In his surprise, his shoulder pole broke, and the baskets he was carrying fell into the sea, transforming into two islands. Consequently, the eastern island became known as Hailv Island, and the western island as Jiming Island. Between these two islands stand two towering stone pillars, said to be the remnants of Erlang Shen’s broken shoulder pole.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 120 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 18.00; Last admission: 16.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0631-7834888 0086-0631-7834666 |
Location and Transportation
Hailv Island is situated in the northern sea area of Rongcheng Shantou in Weihai, Shandong Province, approximately 4 nautical miles from the mainland. To visit Hailv Island, follow these steps:
- Travel to Longyan Port: Take a tourist bus from Weihai Train Station to Chengshantou. These buses run every few minutes and are affordable.
- Arrive at Longyan Port: Get off at Longyan Port where you can purchase tickets for the boat ride.
- Boat Ride to Hailv Island: Board a yacht from Longyan Port to Hailv Island.
