Golden Sand Island

Golden Sand Island

Originally named Dawangang, Golden Sand Island is located in the Bohai Sea southwest of Leting County, Tangshan City, Hebei Province. It is an arc-shaped sandy island made up of 11 discontinuous sandbars. The island lies in the Bohai Bay southwest of Leting County, facing Puti Island across the water. It is the westernmost part of Dawangang Island, stretching 1.5 kilometers from east to west. It earned its name due to its fine golden sand, solid and clean beach. During low tide, the island connects with the main body of Dawangang; during high tide, it separates and becomes an independent small island.

Originally named Dawangang, Golden Sand Island is located in the Bohai Sea southwest of Leting County, Tangshan, Hebei. It is an arc-shaped sandy island formed by 11 discontinuous sandbars. It stretches 13.5 kilometers in length, is up to 250 meters wide, and covers an area of 3.25 square kilometers. It resembles a giant ship anchored amidst the waves or a huge whale lying on the water’s surface. Legend has it that when the Eight Immortals crossed the sea, Han Zhongli accidentally spilled flowers from his basket, transforming the land into Dawangang Island and giving rise to the tale of a phoenix flying over to watch the tides. As the saying goes, “a phoenix does not alight where there is no treasure,” leading people to believe that treasures remain buried at Luofeng Slope to this day, yet none have ever been able to unearth them. Golden Sand Island features islands within the sea, lakes within the islands, and even islands within the lakes, creating a rare maritime spectacle. With the rise and fall of the tides, the width of the island constantly changes, resulting in ever-shifting and picturesque landscapes. The island is covered with fine, soft yellow sand that glistens golden under the sun, hence the name “Golden Sand Island.” This long, narrow island divides the nearby sea into inner and outer sections. The outer sea boasts bright golden sands and crystal-clear blue waters, making it a natural beach for swimming. The inner sea has nutrient-rich waters teeming with fish, crabs, and shellfish along the shallows, offering the perfect spot for fishing, crabbing, and shell collecting. Every May and November, large flocks of red-crowned cranes and grey cranes visit the island, thrilling those lucky enough to witness them. Countless seagulls freely forage along the beach and soar through the sky. On a good day, even professional bird-watching groups might spot the world’s rare Saunders’s gull. Close to the western tip of the island lies the main shipping channel used by local fishermen when heading out to sea. Fishermen set off in boats, returning laden with catch, singing joyfully, and escorted by friendly seagulls. The island’s beach consists of medium-fine, clean white sand that feels solid underfoot without sinking. The outer tidal beach is relatively narrow but offers a broad swimming area with calm, pollution-free waters—making it a natural spot for both sand and sea bathing. Meanwhile, Golden Sand Island is also an ideal place for sunbathing. With intense solar radiation, especially abundant infrared rays, it helps promote metabolism and blood circulation, nourishing the body’s tissues and helping regulate bodily rhythms while strengthening health and enhancing beauty.

[] Climate Type

Golden Sand Island has a warm temperate semi-humid monsoon continental climate, with an average annual temperature between 11°C and 13°C. The climate features dry winters, humid summers, concentrated precipitation, distinct seasons, and significant monsoon influence. The wind direction on the island changes with the seasons. In winter, the area is often dominated by strong cold air masses from Siberia, bringing predominantly northwesterly winds. In summer, the influence of warm, moist maritime air leads to frequent southerly winds. Spring and autumn serve as transitional seasons between winter and summer winds, featuring variable wind directions. The seasonal wind patterns on Golden Sand Island are quite distinct. Autumn marks the transition from summer to winter, during which cold air from the north frequently moves southward while warm air retreats. The summer monsoon gradually gives way to the winter monsoon. After autumn begins, precipitation notably decreases. Therefore, autumn is considered the best season to visit Golden Sand Island.

Transportation

Take a boat from Beigang Pier to Golden Sand Island, or from Yuekuo Island.

Admission Fee

Ticket price: 60 RMB (includes round-trip boat fare and admission fee)

Location

Laoyujian Village, Leting County, Tangshan City, Hebei Province