The Yushan Islands (渔山群岛), located in Xiangshan County, Ningbo City, consist of 13 islands and 41 reefs arranged in a northeast to southwest direction. Spanning 7.5 kilometers from north to south and 4.5 kilometers from east to southeast, the total area of the islands is approximately 5 square kilometers. The islands are divided into three groups: Beiyushan, Nanyushan, and Wuhu Reefs, with Nanyushan being the largest and Wuhu Reefs occupying a strategic position as part of the baseline for territorial waters.
Known for their abundant marine resources, the islands boast clear and transparent waters with visibility of over 10 meters. Situated at the convergence of the northern and southern ocean currents, the area is rich in fish, shellfish, and algae, totaling more than 300 marine specialties. Standing on the reefs, visitors can witness various fish swimming in the water, earning the islands the reputation of being the “Number One Fishing Ground in Asia.”
The term “Yushan” commonly refers to Beiyushan. The island is dotted with air-raid shelters and features attractions such as lighthouses, the Immortal Bridge, Broken City Peak, and fishing villages. During nights with many visitors, bonfire parties and barbecues are often organized, making it a great place for leisure and recreation.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Yushan Islands
- Vlog about Yushan Islands
- Other Attractions in Xiangshan County
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day |
Location and Transportation
The Yushan Islands are situated in Xiangshan County, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, approximately 27 nautical miles southeast of Shipu (about 45 kilometers). To reach the islands, visitors can take a bus or drive to Shipu Town first. From there, they can board a fast boat at the pier located at the bottom of Yuquan Road to reach the islands. Fast boats depart at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM each day, with a one-way ticket priced at 220 yuan per person. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, travelers can arrange to charter a boat with local fishermen, with prices to be negotiated on-site.
Highlights of Yushan Islands
Yushan Lighthouse
The Yushan Lighthouse stands as the hallmark of the Yushan Islands, renowned as the “largest lighthouse in the Far East.” Built in the 21st year of the Guangxu reign (1895), this lighthouse was constructed with 50,000 taels of silver by the Shanghai Customs. Standing at 16.9 meters tall with a diameter of 4 meters, the lighthouse boasts a special class mirror, crafted by the Paris-based Barbier company. This mirror, with a diameter of 2.66 meters, a height of 3.6 meters, and a weight of 15 tons, was the largest of its kind in the world at the time. Today, the lighthouse was reconstructed on its original site in 1985, approved by the Ministry of Transport. It utilizes solar panels, xenon lamps, and a drum-shaped lens, with a main light range exceeding 25 nautical miles. From the lighthouse, one can gaze over Maotou Sea, witnessing the speckled white sails and bustling fishing boats, providing a serene experience.
Immortal’s Bridge
Another marvel of the Yushan Islands is the “Immortal’s Bridge.” When walking on the island, it appears as a “bridge,” but when viewed from the sea, it resembles a massive “gateway,” standing approximately 20 meters high and 30 meters wide. Originally, this area was a seaside precipice, but through the forces of nature, it evolved into a monumental formation. A collapse of a roughly 200-square-meter rock ledge, carried away by the waves, left behind a suspended stone beam, creating the Immortal’s Bridge. Crossing above the roaring waves, standing on the bridge offers a sensation of being surrounded by wind and thunderous waves, as the bridge itself seems to tremble, evoking a feeling of imminent collapse.
Renowned Fishing Grounds
With a coastline stretching approximately 21 kilometers, the Yushan Islands are renowned for their rich marine resources, making them a gathering place for various marine species. In addition to common fish, the islands are home to prized species such as red snapper, black porgy, yellowfin seabream, groupers, black hairy crabs, and sea bass, totaling 15 precious fish species. The islands offer year-round fishing opportunities, extending for 10 months from March to December. Various fishing activities such as shore fishing, trawling, and boat fishing are available. Since the Yushan International Fishing Invitation Tournament in 2003, fishing enthusiasts from all over the world have flocked to these waters.
