Spiral Shell Rock

Spiral Shell Rock

Spiral Shell Rock

Spiral Shell Rock, a natural rock formation and a wonder of the Sandu'ao Doumu Scenic Area. It is an isolated rock formed by marine erosion during the transgression period and is named Spiral Shell Rock due to its resemblance to a seashell. It is not only a remarkable spectacle along China’s southeastern coast but also a rare and unique natural wonder in the world, being the largest, most lifelike, and most peculiar hollow rock formation.

The Spiral Shell Rock is 6.5 meters long, with the “shell head” standing 3 meters high and the entire structure reaching 6 meters in height, and has a circumference of 15 meters. Its hollow interior has a maximum height of 1.2 meters, is 3 meters long, and 1.5 meters wide, capable of accommodating 7–8 people at once. The “head” of the shell is large and round, while the “tail” is smaller and slightly spiraled. The hollow interior opens at the tail end of the shell, with an opening about 1 meter high.

The Spiral Shell Rock leans against a coastal cliff with an incline of over 60 degrees. Weighing approximately 90 tons, it faces the vast waters of Guanjingyang, a natural breeding reserve for large yellow croaker in Fujian Province, and lies opposite the solitary Yuanyu Islet in the sea. There is also a small hole on the seaward side of the rock, through which one can extend a hand from inside the hollow.