Wailingding Island is located in Dangan Town, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province. It belongs to the Wanshan Archipelago and is the seat of the People's Government of Dangan Town. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. It was selected into the first batch of National Beautiful Islands in 2023 and one of China’s Ten Most Beautiful Islands by China National Geography in 2025. The island covers a land area of 4.46 square kilometers with a total coastline length of 12,419.13 meters. Its main peak, Lingding Peak, stands 311.8 meters above sea level, and the forest coverage rate reaches 70.23%. It lies approximately 27 nautical miles west of downtown Zhuhai, 35 nautical miles north of Shenzhen, and about 6 nautical miles from Cheung Chau in Hong Kong. Situated at the Pearl River Estuary, it is a necessary passage for international routes from the Pearl River Delta to the South Pacific. It is a granite bedrock island with higher terrain in the east and west, lower terrain in the north and central areas, and steep eastern coastal slopes. Famous for its exotic rocks, blue sea and original coastal scenery, the island is equipped with piers, homestays, seafood markets, coastal boardwalks and circular sightseeing lanes. It is a well-known coastal leisure resort island in the Pearl River Delta.
History and Culture
The Wailingding Ocean became widely known because of Wen Tianxiang’s Poem Over the Lingding Ocean. At the end of the Southern Song Dynasty, Wen Tianxiang was captured and passed through the Lingding Ocean. He wrote the timeless famous line "Since ancient times no one has escaped death; may my loyal heart shine forever in history". This line endows the sea with profound patriotic cultural connotations. An inscribed cliff of Poem Over the Lingding Ocean remains on the island, serving as an iconic cultural relic.
Pottery shards carved with the words "Made by Zhu Shi" dating back to the Western Han Dynasty were discovered at Shuyongwan on the island. They are among the early Han written relics around the Pearl River Estuary. Pottery and porcelain fragments from the Xia, Shang, Han, Southern Dynasties, Tang, Song and Ming-Qing periods were unearthed at the site. Ceramic relic sites from the Song Dynasty were also found at Dadongwan. These prove that this area was on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, and maritime trade activities took place here for a long time in ancient times.
Fishermen began settling on the island during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. Most early residents came from Cheung Chau in Hong Kong and gradually formed fishing villages. The belief in the Northern Emperor has been passed down for more than two hundred years. Records of the Northern Emperor Festival can be traced back to the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty. Today, the Wailingding Northern Emperor Festival is an intangible cultural heritage of Zhuhai City. Folk activities are held on the third day of the third lunar month every year to inherit traditional sacrificial culture of fishermen. In modern times, it has long been a coastal defense stronghold at the Pearl River Estuary, witnessing changes in coastal defense and fishery development in these waters.
Main Attractions
Lingding Peak
Lingding Peak is the main peak of Wailingding Island, with an elevation of 311.8 meters and the highest point of the whole island. A mountain trail runs through the acacia forest and connects multiple scenic spots. On clear days, visitors at the summit can overlook the entire Wailingding Island and the Wailingding Ocean. When visibility is good, the coastline toward Hong Kong can be seen. It is the top spot on the island to watch sunrise over the sea.
Stone Scenery Park
Located on the hillside of Lingding Peak, Stone Scenery Park is also known as Wanshan Chessboard. It is a natural strange rock park in the Wanshan Archipelago. It is covered with pictographic granite boulders formed by weathering, including One-Line Sky, Rooster Rock and Seal Rock. Huge rocks stack scattered and trails wind through rock crevices. It represents the island’s geological landscape.
Jade Belt Around the Waist
Jade Belt Around the Waist is the coastal boardwalk of Wailingding Island, about 4 kilometers long. Built along the western coastline, it has forests on one side and blue sea on the other. The boardwalk passes through reef beaches, inscribed cliffs, fishing platforms and Arch Bridge Crossing Water. The path is flat and suitable for hiking. It is also a popular route for watching sunset over the sea.
Inscribed Cliff
The inscribed cliff sits on the cliff beside the Jade Belt Around the Waist boardwalk, carved with the text of Poem Over the Lingding Ocean. Created based on Wen Tianxiang’s famous poem, it is a core cultural check-in spot on the island. Against the backdrop of reefs and blue sea, it boasts natural scenery and educational value for patriotism education.
Mineral Lake
Mineral Lake is formed by accumulated water in an abandoned quarry from the 1990s. Rich minerals in the water give the lake a unique turquoise colour. Next to the circular island road, visitors can view both the lake and open sea at the same time. It is a favourite photography spot.
Northern Emperor Morning Bell
Northern Emperor Morning Bell is located halfway up Lingding Peak. It features an 8-metre-tall Northern Emperor Stone Statue completed in 1998 and a bronze bell cast in 1996. Built on the former site of the Northern Emperor Temple, it carries the local fishermen’s belief in the Northern Emperor and is a folk cultural attraction.
Lingding Beach (Xiaoshizui Beach)
Lingding Beach is the main natural beach on the island with fine sand and clear seawater. A designated safe swimming zone is set here. Water activities such as jet skiing and snorkelling are available nearby. Close to the pier living area with catering and rest facilities, it is ideal for beach fun and wading.
Arch Bridge Crossing Water (Rainbow Bridge)
Arch Bridge Crossing Water, also known as Rainbow Bridge, is a landmark stone arch bridge on the Jade Belt Around the Waist boardwalk. Built facing the sea and spanning reef gullies, it pairs with giant surrounding reefs and the sea. It is a popular check-in spot along the coastal walkway.
Pier Lighthouse
The Pier Lighthouse stands beside the boarding pier. With a fresh look next to the harbour, it overlooks moored fishing boats and the Wailingding Ocean. Visitors can stop by on arrival or before departure.
Recommended Itineraries
Classic Two-Day Route: Board ferry at Xiangzhou Port → Visit Pier Lighthouse → Check in accommodation → Jade Belt Around the Waist Boardwalk (Inscribed Cliff, Arch Bridge Crossing Water, Fishing Platform) → Lingding Beach → Dinner at seafood market → Hike Lingding Peak before sunrise next morning → Stone Scenery Park → Mineral Lake → Sightseeing along circular road → Ferry back after lunch
One-Day Compact Route: Board ferry at Xiangzhou Port → Jade Belt Around the Waist Boardwalk → Lingding Beach → Mineral Lake → Stroll around pier area → Ferry back
Travelling Tips
- The best visiting seasons are April to May and September to November, when the sea is clear, waves are gentle and seafood is abundant.
- Visitors with limited physical strength can take the island sightseeing shuttle, which connects Mineral Lake, Northern Emperor Morning Bell, Stone Scenery Park and other spots to save energy for hiking.
- To watch sunrise, travel in groups to Lingding Peak before dawn. There are no street lamps on this section; bring a torch and check the sunrise time in advance.
- Buy seafood at the island seafood market and have it processed at nearby restaurants. Confirm processing fees before ordering.
- Hike Jade Belt Around the Waist in the afternoon or early evening for soft light and great sunset views.
- Set aside time for optional paid marine activities such as sea fishing and snorkelling. Choose licensed operators.
Notes
- Visitors can only reach the island by ferry; there is no cross-sea bridge. Ferry tickets require real-name registration and ID cards. Tickets sell out quickly on weekends and holidays, book ahead.
- The sea can be choppy during the roughly 70-minute voyage, easily causing seasickness. Prepare seasickness patches or medicine beforehand.
- Reefs and coastal boardwalks are slippery. Wear non-slip sports shoes and do not climb undeveloped wild reefs.
- UV radiation is strong on the island. Bring sun-proof clothing, hats and sunscreen. Mosquitoes are common; bring repellent.
- Supplies are transported by ship. Commodities and meals on the island cost more than in urban areas. Bring bottled water and snacks if needed.
- Swimming is only allowed in the designated safe zone of Lingding Beach. Swimming and unauthorised snorkelling around reefs are forbidden.
- Ferries may suspend service temporarily under typhoon, fog or strong wind warnings. Check notices from maritime and ferry platforms before departure.
- Protect the island ecosystem. Do not take away corals or shells, and do not litter.
- Mobile signal is weak in some parts of the island; carry a small amount of cash.
Transportation
- Zhuhai Xiangzhou Port: Main departure terminal with direct ferries to Wailingding Island. Voyage lasts about 70 minutes. Tickets are available via official channels of Xiangzhou Port.
- Shenzhen Shekou Cruise Center: Direct ferry services to Wailingding Island, about 90 minutes at sea.
- Zhuhai Hengqin Port: Direct ferries operate on selected dates only with limited schedules. Confirm availability before travel.
- On-island transport: Walking is the main way. Circular sightseeing shuttles are available, plus free connecting buses between the pier and homestay zones. Private cars cannot be brought to the island.
- Self-drive visitors: Park cars at Xiangzhou Port parking lot. Parking is free within 30 minutes, with a daily cap of 60 yuan.
Opening Hours
Wailingding Island Scenic Area is open all day. There is no closing time for natural attractions. Ferry schedules are subject to weather and sea conditions with fixed departure times. Services may be cancelled temporarily in strong wind, typhoon or foggy weather. Visitors should follow real-time notices from the pier.
Tickets
All natural attractions including Stone Scenery Park, Jade Belt Around the Waist Boardwalk, Mineral Lake and beaches are free of charge.
Ferry tickets are required to board the island, starting from 80 yuan per person.
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Online Booking
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