Changshan Islands Provincial Scenic Area

Changshan Islands Provincial Scenic Area

The Changshan Islands (Changhai County) are located in the northern part of the Yellow Sea off the eastern coast of the Liaodong Peninsula, consisting of 112 islands, islets, and reefs. It is China's only island-bordering county, with a human habitation history dating back over 6,000 years.

The tourism resources of the Changshan Islands are characterized by the ever-changing sea erosion and deposition formations that create uniquely shaped reefs and rocks. These are set against the backdrop of the vast sea and scattered islands, complemented by an elegant environment, beautiful scenery, crystal-clear waters, clean beaches, lush forests, flocks of seagulls, moist air, and a climate that is warm in winter and cool in summer—forming a vibrant island-style pastoral landscape. It is an ideal destination for summer retreats, convalescence, and vacations.

The Changshan Islands are a national-level island forest park, a provincial scenic area, one of Liaoning Province’s first “Top 50 Scenic Spots,” a provincial tourism-strong county, and one of China’s key fishing counties. Based on their geographic locations, the islands are divided into four major scenic zones:

The First Zone: Da Changshan and Xiao Changshan Central Area – Located in the central part of the Changshan Islands, its main attractions include Qixiang Garden, Beihai Bathing Beach, Sanyuan Temple, the Monument to Island Construction and Defense, Shuangfeng Chaoyang Tower, Sidao Gou Bathing Beach, Hedazhouda Provincial Marine Specialty Reserve, and the China Angling Association’s Sea Fishing Base. Additionally, during the Japanese-Russian struggle for Lushun, the Japanese fleet was stationed in these waters.

The Second Zone: Guanglu Tieshan Scenic Area – Situated in the western part of the Changshan Islands, it is the closest scenic area to Dalian City and Golden Pebble Beach. Key attractions include Mazu Temple, Shajianzi Bathing Beach, and the Zhujia Tun Shell Mound Site.

The Third Zone: Shicheng Archipelago Scenic Area (including Haiwangjiu Islands) – Located in the eastern part of the Changshan Islands and close to Zhuanghe Bingyu Valley, its main attractions include the Haiwangding International Lighthouse, North Bird Island, Black-and-White Rocks, Turtle Rock, Yinwo Stone Forest, Chengshan Fortress Ruins, and Southwest Bathing Beach.

The Fourth Zone: Outer Changshan Archipelago (Marine Scenic Area, Zhangzi Island) – Located in the southeastern part of the Changshan Islands, its main attractions include the fishing harbor scenery, Eagle Beak Rock, Mingzhu Park, Kunniangding, Qinglong Mountain National Forest Park, and Taiping Bay.

In recent years, Changhai has leveraged its unique island resources to develop a series of distinctive tourism products such as fishing and beachcombing tours, fishing village cultural experiences, sightseeing fisheries, seafood tasting, and island scenery tours, which have been highly favored by visitors. Since the mid-1990s, the county has received an average of over 350,000 domestic tourists annually.