Changhai Moon Bay

Changhai Moon Bay

Moon Bay is located on the southwest coast of Liutiao Village, Guanglu Island, Changhai County, Dalian. The shoreline of Moon Bay Beach is arc-shaped, stretching 1,500 meters. The sandy area in Moon Bay is called Golden Sand Beach. The beach features fine sand, clear seawater, a gentle slope, and both incoming and outgoing tides that surge with vigor, making it an excellent spot for swimming and surfing. The natural landscape is also uniquely beautiful.

Legend about the origin of Moon Bay: It is said that the Eight Immortals, riding on the cheer of wine, traveled northward to Guanglu. Iron-Crutch Li used his magical gourd to subdue a thousand-year-old octopus demon. The eight immortals were deeply captivated by the island’s golden deer and stunning natural scenery. Zhang Guolao, who rode his donkey backward, cheerfully suggested, “Why don’t we all stay here for the night to make this journey truly worthwhile?”

Upon hearing this, the other immortals readily agreed. They then showcased their magical talents, strolling slowly around the island, drinking wine, composing poetry, listening to the golden deer’s calls, admiring the soaring sandpipers, observing the peculiar rocks, and savoring the island’s specialties.

Before they knew it, the bright moon had risen over the eastern hills. The Eight Immortals arrived at a misty island and decided to stay there for the night. This island later came to be known as “Ge Xian Island,” also called “Ge Xian Island.”

The Eight Immortals, having had a rewarding journey and in high spirits, continued to drink joyfully and share amusing stories on Ge Xian Island. At midnight, Lan Caihe, He Xiangu, and Han Xiangzi secretly wandered southward to admire the beauty of the moonlit island. In the blink of an eye, they arrived at a bay in the South Sea. There, the bright moon cast its glow on the sea, making the water shimmer with silver light. A gentle breeze blew, creating ripples on the surface. What amazed and enchanted Lan Caihe, He Xiangu, and Han Xiangzi even more were the wonderful melodies created by the waves and the rocks on the beach. Han Xiangzi, even more inspired, played his jade flute. The beautiful music blended with the sound of the waves caressing the soft sand and crashing against the rocks, making everyone feel refreshed and joyful under the moonlight.

The three immortals, reluctant to leave, quickly called the others to come and enjoy the breathtaking scene of the bright moon, the melodious flute, the shimmering waves, and the gentle tides. Unknowingly, the sky began to lighten in the east. The immortals suddenly came back to reality. He Xiangu remarked casually, “This bay is shaped like the moon, and it is even more magnificent on a moonlit night. Why not call it Moon Bay?” The other immortals nodded in admiration, exclaiming, “Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!”

As the sun began to rise in the east, the moon quietly disappeared, and the enchanting moonlit beauty of Moon Bay gradually faded away. The immortals, still enchanted, felt that if this wonderful night scene could be further enhanced by a spectacular sight in the broad daylight, it would add even more charm to the moon bay of the island.

Lü Dongbin murmured, “If any demons appear again, I can use my sword to subdue them…” Before he could finish, Lan Caihe smiled and took over the conversation, “Why don’t I give it a try!” He then took some golden pollen from the magical flowers in his basket, gently flicked it, and the pollen scattered with the wind onto the beach and the sea. Instantly, under the sunlight, the sea sparkled with golden light, and the beach shimmered brilliantly, creating a dazzling and mesmerizing spectacle. Cao Guojiu was the first to praise, “Truly wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!, The beauty of the moonlit night and the radiant daytime blend into a dreamlike harmony, making this bay and this island even more of a earthly wonder. The dance of the blue waves and the fine sand creates beautiful melodies, while the golden light, the blue waves, and the fine sand enhance each other, filling the island with endless radiance. Why don’t we call this beach ‘Golden Sand Beach’?”

The immortals burst into laughter, all exclaiming, “Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!”

From then on, Moon Bay and Golden Sand Beach have been named as such and remain famous to this day.