Dalu Island (大鹿岛, Big Deer Island), located off the coast of Dandong in Liaoning Province, is the largest island at the northern end of China’s coastline, covering an area of 6.6 square kilometers. With a permanent population of over 3,000 residents, the island is shaped like a reclining sika deer resting in the Yellow Sea, giving it a unique and picturesque appearance.
One of the island’s main attractions is Moon Bay, a natural beach stretching 3 kilometers along the coast and extending 1 kilometer inland. The gentle slope of only 1 meter, along with the fine sand and absence of underwater rocks, makes it one of the finest beaches in China. Visitors can enjoy the waves, take a boat ride, or simply relax by the shore. At night, the neon lights along the coast reflect in the water, creating a stunning display of colors that blend the lights of the shore with the reflections in the sea. It’s a perfect spot for shell-picking, fishing, surfing, watching the sunrise in the morning, or listening to the soothing sound of the waves at night.
Historically, Dalu Island has been an important military stronghold. It was near this island that the famous Battle of the Yellow Sea took place during the First Sino-Japanese War, where national hero Deng Shichang and 700 soldiers perished, along with the sinking of four warships, including the “Zhiyuan.” A statue and memorial of Deng Shichang can be found on the island, commemorating his sacrifice. In addition to its historical significance, Dalu Island offers other attractions, including Er Lang Stone, Gabazao Tree, Dripping Water Lake, the Mausoleum of Mao Wenlong, a Sea Goddess Temple, a British-style lighthouse, and the ruins of a Danish church.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | Admission: Free Ferry: 70 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0415-7599833 |
Location and Transportation
Dalu Island is located in Gushan Town, Donggang City, Dandong, Liaoning Province. It is connected to Zhuanghe and Dalian to the west, and merges with Dadong Port and the Yalu River in Dandong to the east. To reach Dalu Island, visitors can take a ferry from Dalu Island Port Passenger Terminal. There is one ferry per day, with the first ferry departing at 7:30 AM and the last one at 5:00 PM.
