Doumao Island

Doumao Island

Doumao Island

Sanmen Bay, also known as Sandu'ao, is located in the southeast of Ningde City, about 20 kilometers from the city center. It serves as the “gateway to the sea and the throat of five counties” along the eastern Fujian coast, covering a sea area of 714 square kilometers. It consists of the Cheng'ao Peninsula, Guanjingyang, Fudingyang, and 19 islands including Sandu, Qingshan, Doumao, Baipao, and Jigongshan. The bay features deep waters and calm waves, with a wide interior and a narrow mouth, capable of accommodating ships weighing several hundred thousand tons. Its waters deeper than 10 meters span 173 square kilometers, and it has 72 kilometers of developable deep-water coastline — both ranking first in the world. Sun Yat-sen referred to it as the world’s “deepest ice-free good harbor” in his “Program for National Reconstruction.”

This world-renowned natural harbor shines like a pearl on the vast shores of the East China Sea. It not only possesses the natural harbor conditions praised by Mr. Guo Moruo as “deep waters and broad bays like a heavenly lake,” but is also a picturesque and enchanting tourist destination.

Doumao Island features seven hilltops arranged in the shape of the Big Dipper — namely, Dubhe, Merak, Phecda, Megrez, Alioth, Mizar, and Alkaid — resembling a spoon and handle, which inspired the island’s name. When viewed from the sea, the central part of the island is higher while the edges are lower, resembling the shape of a hat, hence it is also called Doumao (literally “Dipper Hat”). Another legend says the island was named after the Mother of the Big Dipper — Doumu Niangniang, who was worshipped there alongside the stars of the Purple Tenuity and the Heavenly Pivot.

Covering an area of 0.64 square kilometers, Doumao Island is situated at the strategic throat of Sandu'ao where five waterways converge, creating naturally resonant tides. From its heights, one can take in the full view of Guanjingyang and Dongwu’yang, with the surrounding landscape unfolding before the eyes. It has long been a renowned scenic spot in eastern Fujian. The Doumu Scenic Area is located at the heart of the island, representing the most spectacular section of the Sandu'ao landscape.