Hua’ao Island (花岙岛), covering an area of 12.62 square kilometers, is a picturesque island characterized by its diverse landscapes. About one-third of the island is flat land, while its highest point, Jishan Peak, reaches an elevation of 308.5 meters. The island features volcanic rock formations and coastal erosion landforms, shaped by volcanic eruptions and subsequent erosion and weathering by seawater, creating the unique “sea stone forest”.
Not only does Hua’ao Island boast stunning natural scenery, but it also has rich cultural heritage. Its history dates back to the Tang Dynasty, and during the Ming Hongwu period, it was placed under prohibition. It was reopened in the first year of the Qing Guangxu reign, leading to the migration of residents to the island. As early as the Southern and Northern Dynasties, it was renowned alongside Nantian Island as one of the “Seventy-Two Blessed Lands of the Southern Heaven.” The famous patriotic poet Wen Tianxiang of the Southern Song Dynasty praised the spectacular scenery of Xiangshan County (where Hua’ao Island is located) in his poetry. Dafushan (Big Buddha Mountain) served as a navigational landmark during the Tang and Song Dynasties.
Moreover, Hua’ao Island holds historical significance as the gathering place for troops led by Zhang Cangshui, a renowned general who fought against the Qing Dynasty. The remains of Zhang Cangshui’s barracks are now designated as a county-level key cultural relic protection unit. These remnants, including the Gaodu Barracks site, Zhiji Mountain Barracks site, and Hua’ao Mountain military terraced fields, add a layer of historical depth to Hua’ao Island.
Notably, Hua’ao Island also preserves a traditional sea salt field, bearing witness to Xiangshan’s history as a major salt-producing region. During the peak of summer, the scene of salt harvesting and drying unfolds on the island, with salt fields displaying various colors, resembling a vast abstract painting when viewed from above. This annual tradition adds vibrancy to the island’s cultural landscape and serves as a reminder of its historical role in salt production.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | Admission: 40 RMB Round-Trip Boat: 70 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.00 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-13858387390 |
Location and Transportation
Hua’ao Island is located approximately 14 kilometers southwest of Shipu Town, on the eastern side of Sanmen Bay Mouth, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China. It is situated near Gaotang Island. Visitors can reach Hua’ao Island by first arriving at Jinggaoyi Pier (金高椅码头) and then taking a ferry to the island. Ferries depart every hour, and the latest return ferry leaves at 4:15 PM.
