Huayao Stone Forest

Huayao Stone Forest

Although many columnar jointing groups have been discovered in China, those that form sea cliffs are very rare and are found only in a few places such as Zhangpu, Penghu, and Huayao Island. Most of these formations are grayish-black basalt landscapes. The Huayao Stone Forest stands out with its bright color tones and rustic forms, being a rather rare type of welded tuff. Its massive size surpasses that of the stone pillars in Zhangpu and Penghu, and is even more robust than the pillars of the Giant’s Causeway in England, which have diameters of up to 40–50 centimeters.

Located on the waters at the mouth of the Sanmen Bay in the southern part of Xiangshan County, the Huayao Stone Forest scenic area covers a land area of 11.12 square kilometers, including 9.83 square kilometers on Huayao Island itself. The site consists of four main parts: the island’s natural scenery, coastal erosional landforms, beaches, gravel beaches, and cultural attractions. The island features lush mountains and captivating views, with 36 coves and 108 caves—each cove offering unique scenery, and each cave said to be home to a “fairy.” The area is rich in tourism resources, particularly known for the Grand Buddha Head of the Great Buddha Mountain, the majestic Stone Forest landscape, the mysterious and deep caves, the Qingshui’ao Gravel Beach—Ningbo’s only island pebble wonder—as well as the Zhang Cangshui Anti-Qing military camp ruins, the Xian’0 Terrace rock formations, the sea of forests and windswept waves, and fresh seafood tasting experiences. It has earned the reputation of being the “Fairyland on the Sea, a Human Paradise Island.”

Address: Huayao Stone Forest, Gao Tang, Shipu Town, Xiangshan County, Ningbo City

Type: Geological Landform

Recommended Visiting Time: About 1 hour

Phone: 0574-65049222

Opening Hours:

07:30–17:30

Admission

Huayao Stone Forest Admission (Adult) – Official Price: ¥40