Xingcheng Juehua Island

Xingcheng Juehua Island

Juehua Island, commonly known as Dahai Mountain, was called Peach Blossom Island in the Tang and Song dynasties and Juehua Island in the Liao and Jin dynasties. Due to the abundance of wild chrysanthemums on the island, it was renamed Chrysanthemum Island in the 11th year of the Republic of China (1922). In 2009, the name Juehua Island was restored. Along with the ancient city and hot springs, Juehua Island is known as one of the “Three Treasures of Xingcheng,” and is an indispensable part of the city’s five major landscapes: city, spring, mountain, sea, and island.

Located over 10 kilometers southeast of Xingcheng and 9 kilometers from the beach, Juehua Island can be reached in 50 minutes from the shore. The island is shaped like a long gourd, covering an area of 13.5 square kilometers. Its terrain is higher in the south and lower in the north, with the highest elevation at 198.2 meters. The coastline stretches 27 kilometers, making it the largest island in the Bohai Bay. Its size has earned it the nickname “Little Macau of the North.”

During the Liao and Jin dynasties, Juehua Island was a renowned Buddhist sanctuary. The famous monk Master Sikong once resided on the island and built the Dalonggong Temple there. After its completion, the Dalonggong Temple became the Buddhist center of the Liao Dynasty, and its abbot was honored as the National Preceptor. The local saying “Putuo Mountain in the south, Juehua Island in the north” speaks volumes about its significance. By the Ming Dynasty, the island had become a key hub for ship transport and coastal defense.

Juehua Island boasts beautiful rocky landscapes and towering ancient trees. To the south lie Zhangshan Island and Yanshan Island, while to the north is Mopan Mountain, creating a picturesque scene with one large and three small islands. The island is home to numerous historical sites, including the Liao Dynasty's Dalonggong Temple, the Ming Dynasty's Dabeige Pavilion, Haiyun Temple, Shifo Temple, Bajiao Well, Tangwang Cave, Shengshui Basin, Grain Storage City, and General Platform. There are also natural wonders such as Jiuding Stone and Stone Forest, along with stunning natural formations like “Granite Wave Carvings,” “Slate Sea Carvings,” and “Sea-Crossing Stone Boats.”

In 1175, Jin Dynasty poet Wang Ji composed poems such as “Juehua Island” and “Inscription Left at Longgong Temple on Juehua Island” during his visit. His verses include lines like “Clouds surge, mist billows, white waves curl, a lone leaf rises amid the raging tide,” “All my life I’ve admired the beauty of rivers and mountains, but to me, Longgong Temple on Juehua Island stands above all,” “Gazing around, whale-like waves cradle the jeweled cliffs, glassy rings frame emerald spiral shells,” and “The cool night sea moon keeps me awake, I almost reach out to touch the stars in the sky.” Qing Dynasty poet He Ying also praised Juehua Island in a five-character poem: “The blue sea is truly picturesque, Penglai Cliff lies across the water; the surging waves form crenellated walls, skillfully carved homes hide within. When peach blossom boats set sail, one can seek chrysanthemums in the valley. When shall I climb up there, to find rosy clouds hiding atop the peak?” These verses offer a glimpse into the island’s enchanting natural scenery.

Juehua Island has a ring road encircling it, with some sections featuring gravel surfaces. During the tourist season, minibuses offer island tours. Motor vehicles are only allowed to travel clockwise around the island, which spans approximately 25 kilometers. The entire island belongs to Juehua Island Township under Xingcheng City and is divided into North Village and South Village, comprising eight smaller settlements. Fishing, limited agriculture, and tourism are the main livelihoods of the islanders, most of whom have private wells. The island has many beaches along its circumference, though they may be mixed with pebbles and seashells.

Blessed with a prime location, coupled with its serene environment, lush trees, fragrant wildflowers, and abundant historical sites, Juehua Island has become one of Xingcheng’s key scenic spots and an ideal destination for summer retreats, leisure, and relaxation. The island is home to bodhi trees, rare in northern China, and the historic yet still-functioning Bajiao Well. It also has fishing families who have lived here for generations. Visitors can buy freshly caught seafood directly from fishing boats and have it prepared on the spot—a delightful experience for travelers.

Today, the island is equipped with comprehensive facilities and well-developed land and sea transportation, creating an ideal environment for tourism development. With its unique landscapes, Juehua Island is attracting a growing number of domestic and international visitors.