Nature's Creation—A Masterpiece by Earth's Sculptor
The natural landscape of the Huoshan Islands is an eternal dialogue between fire and stone,sea and wind.
Volcanic Rock Landscapes:A Frozen Epic of Flames
Nan'ding Island Basalt Forest:As the"treasure of the island,"Nan'ding Island is covered with over 1.4 million stone pillars composed of black basalt.From afar,they resemble ribbons cascading into the sea;up close,they look like a terracotta army array.The pillars are pentagonal or hexagonal,15-30 cm in diameter and 20-30 meters high,a columnar jointing spectacle formed by the slow cooling and uniform contraction of volcanic magma.Domestic academics call it the"Terracotta Army of the Sea,"a rare sight worldwide.The best way to view it is from the Xiangshan Scenic Area or by boat around the island,experiencing the awe-inspiring sight of thousands of stone pillars rising from the blue waves.
Lotus Throne Fumarole:Located in the Xiangshan Scenic Area,this is the best-preserved fumarole landscape.It spews not magma,but gases such as water vapor.Large amounts of gas erupt from the still-unsolidified magma,forming radial and ring-shaped patterns around the fumarole.Over millions of years,the erosion by ocean waves has shaped it into the form of a blooming lotus flower.Photography Tip:Visit at low tide for a clear view of the entire"Lotus Flower"formation,creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of the azure sea and sky.
Sea Oath Platform:A heart-shaped platform formed by tens of thousands of basalt joints,located at the eastern end of the Xiangshan Lava Beach.It appears and disappears with the ebb and flow of the tide,creating a spectacular view of"half seawater,half flame."A popular spot for couples,legend says that those who make a wish here will receive eternal love.
Strait Dragon Vein:A basalt wall about 100 meters long extends into the sea at a 290-degree angle to a 110-degree angle.Formed during the later stages of a volcanic eruption,black basalt formed a vein.Due to its strong resistance to weathering,this wall remained even after the surrounding rocks were eroded.This"dragon vein"points towards Penghu Island,confirming the land-based connection between the Huoshan Island and Penghu.In 2009,Zhangpu County and Penghu County became sister islands because of this connection.
Island Wonders:Volcanic Pearls in the Azure Waters
Linjin Island Volcanic Fumarole Cluster:This small island,covering only 0.16 square kilometers,boasts 16 rare volcanic fumaroles strung along a beach only 400 meters long.Among them are"rootless fumaroles"and"rooted fumaroles"related to the volcano;some appear singly,while others are clustered like beads.Legend has it that this is where Lin Zhen,the only scholar to achieve the highest rank in the imperial examinations in Zhangzhou's history,once lived,hence the island is also known as"Scholar Island."
Niutou Mountain Ancient Volcanic Crater:Located on the beach of Baitang Village,Longjiao She Ethnic Township,Longhai City,it is submerged at high tide and exposed at low tide.In plan view,it is elliptical in a northeast direction,resembling a chair opening to the northeast;in cross-section,it is funnel-shaped,wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.It is one of the best-preserved submarine ancient volcanic craters in the world.The surrounding area also features geological structures such as"watermelon rind"convergent columnar joints,vesicular columns,and"fish scale stones."
Ecological Resources:A Breathing Coastal Oasis
The scenic area boasts a forest coverage rate of over 84%,a winding coastline,and 10 high-quality beaches,including Longjiao Bay,Houcai Bay,and Jiangkou Bay,many of which have been certified as Class A beaches by experts.The park is rich in birdlife,with seagulls,egrets,and other nationally protected animals frequently seen.A stroll along the coastal boardwalk at dawn or dusk offers the chance to witness a picturesque scene of flocks of birds in flight.
The natural landscape of the Huoshan Island is far more than just"viewing";it's about"interpreting"and"perceiving."Every volcanic rock is a page in a geological history book.
Humanistic Ingenuity—Time Imprints by the Sea
The architecture and relics here represent a dialogue between human civilization and the natural environment.
Zhenhaiwei City Site:Located at Zhenhai Cape on the north side of the Huoshan Island,it was first built in the 20th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty(1387)to defend against Japanese pirates.It was one of the four major garrisons of the Ming Dynasty,along with Weihaiwei,Jinshanwei,and Tianjinwei.The city walls and stone steps,weathered by over 600 years of wind and rain,still offer a glimpse into ancient history.Climbing the city ruins provides a panoramic view of the sea,allowing one to contemplate the turbulent coastal defenses of yesteryear.
Zhenhai Cape Lighthouse:Standing at the end of a narrow peninsula,this lighthouse guides ships and is a favorite spot for photographers.With its strong winds,high waves,and expansive views,it's an excellent location for watching the sunrise and sunset.
Fishing Village Charm:The surrounding villages,such as Zhengmei Village and Jiangkou Village,retain the simple life of traditional Minnan fishing families.Fishermen drying cuttlefish,fishing boats moored in the harbor,and the fish market at the morning docks...everywhere exudes a genuine,vibrant atmosphere.
Photography Tips:
The best panoramic viewpoint is the seaside boardwalk in Xiangshan Scenic Area,encompassing both the black basalt coastline and the azure sea.
The best vantage point for viewing Nan'ding Island is on the east side of Xiangshan,requiring a telephoto lens.
The"Sea Oath and Mountain Alliance Platform"emerges from the sea at low tide;low-angle shots will create a heart-shaped silhouette.
Zhenhai Cape is recommended for sunrise photography,and the Xiangshan lava rock beach is recommended for sunset.
Drones are permitted to fly,allowing for magnificent panoramic views of the islands and the sea.
