Dongshan Wind-Rocking Stone Scenic Area

Dongshan Wind-Rocking Stone Scenic Area

The Dongshan Wind-Rocking Stone Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Dongshan Wind-Rocking Stone, situated on the rocky cliffs of the eastern gate by the seashore in Dongshan Ancient City, has long been the proudest and most treasured natural wonder for the island’s people, and one of the most beloved sights for tourists. Known for its uniqueness, perilous position, and dramatic suspension, it ranks among the top of China’s over 60 wind-rocking stones. Ancient scholars hailed it as “the world’s number one marvelous stone,” and now it has become an iconic landmark of Dongshan Island. It’s often said that visiting southern Fujian without going to Dongshan is a regret, and going to Dongshan without seeing the Wind-Rocking Stone is an even greater one. Indeed.

This massive wind-rocking stone stands atop a steep cliff. It is 4.37 meters high, 44.47 meters wide, 4.46 meters long, and weighs about 200 tons. Its shape is pointed at the top and round at the base, resembling a fairy peach. It rests precariously on a large, slightly elevated, seaward-leaning rock slab, with only a contact surface of just over ten square centimeters between them. When strong winds blow, the massive stone sways gently. If you lie on the base rock, lift your feet, and push, the giant stone will also sway—but it won’t fall. Standing beneath the Wind-Rocking Stone gives one a thrilling sensation, marveling at this wonder of the world, hence its name “Wind-Rocking Stone.” A poem describes it: “The wind blows, and the stone moves with a force of ten thousand pounds.”

On the Wind-Rocking Stone, there is an inscription from autumn 1648 (the year of Wuyin in the Yongli era of the Ming Dynasty) by Governor Lu Zhenfei: “The Three Loyal Ministers of Tongshan: Huang Daozhou, Chen ??, Chen Shiqi.” On the right side of the base rock, there are four large characters “Dongbi Xinghui” (Starlight on the Eastern Wall) inscribed by the Ming Dynasty’s Xieshan Hermit. On the left stands a stone stele engraved with a poem by Ming Dynasty Navy Commander Cheng Chaojing.

Zhangzhou Dongshan Wind-Rocking Stone

There is also a beautiful legend about the Wind-Rocking Stone. During the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, Japanese pirates invaded Dongshan Island, attempting to steal this peculiar wind-rocking stone. They used several warships, tied ropes around it, and pulled with all their might. However, after exhausting their strength, all they heard were a few loud “snaps” as the ropes broke, sending the pirates tumbling into the sea in utter disarray. The Wind-Rocking Stone remained standing firmly in its place.

Over the dynasties, many famous individuals have written poems about the Wind-Rocking Stone. For example, the Ming Dynasty’s Wen Sanjun wrote: “This stone, like a star, graces the heavens. It is not the wind that rocks the stone, but the stone that rocks the wind. Its roots reach straight into the clouds, and its peak could serve as a ladder to the moon.”

Address: Tongling Town, northeastern part of Dongshan Island, Zhangzhou City

Type: Geological Landform

Rating: AAAA

Recommended Visiting Time: 3–4 hours

Phone: 0596-5661099; 0596-5660927

Opening Hours:

7:00-17:00

Ticket Price: 45 RMB

Transportation:

There are many buses from Zhangzhou Xincheng Bus Station to Dongshan, departing every half hour. Upon arriving on Dongshan Island, if you get off at Xipu Town, you can take the Xipu–Tongling bus to Tongling or hire a taxi. If you get off directly at Tongling, you can walk or take a minivan to the Wind-Rocking Stone Scenic Area.

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