Sanniang Bay

Sanniang Bay

Sanniang Bay is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Sanniang Bay is one of the top ten scenic spots in Guangxi and the hometown of the "pandas of the sea"—the Chinese white dolphins. It is located south of Xiniujiao Town in Qinzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Sanniang Bay has many touching legends. One of them tells that the bay was originally inhabited by only three handsome young men who shared a boat, a fishing net, and a cabin, relying on each other for survival. One day, three fairies descended to the mortal world and were captivated by the unique bay and the diligent, handsome young men, deciding to marry them and live among humans. Upon learning this, the Jade Emperor allowed them to stay temporarily for three years. The husbands went fishing at sea while the wives wove nets at home. They lived in love and harmony, raising children and enjoying a blissful life. When the three years were up and the fairies had not returned, the Jade Emperor, furious, stirred up fierce winds and monstrous waves that engulfed the fishing boats. The three women stood side by side on the shore, braving the storm, waiting for their husbands’ return. Over time, they turned into three standing granite pillars, with the sea bearing witness to their steadfast love and symbolizing diligence and bravery. People have since offered flowers, incense, and candles to the "Three Sanniang Stones," keeping the site perpetually alive with worship as a tribute to great motherhood, beautiful womanhood, and eternal love. "Rather than heaven, we choose Sanniang Bay"—such is the beautiful legend that has been passed down through generations.

The Beauty of Character

The beauty of Sanniang Bay lies not only in its moving legends but also in its extraordinary charm. The golden sands are soft and inviting, the swaying trees are graceful and serene, the clear gentle waves are resilient and persistent, the uniquely shaped rocks stand majestically, the quaint fishing village is warm and peaceful, the playful dolphins call out affectionately, and the leisurely fishermen go about their days… All of this convinces visitors that this is a rare haven of warmth in the world—pure as a fairy tale, as if woven by celestial beings from the most natural, open, and tender emotions of humanity. It is a place of exceptional beauty and inspiration. Nestled in the warm embrace of Sanniang Bay, all pretense, pressure, constraints, and bondage vanish, leaving only a natural and open state of mind. It is a cradle for the poetry of life and love, a harbor that purifies the soul. Among its most distinctive features are the dolphins and the peculiar rocks. In these waters, hundreds of colorful Chinese white dolphins are active year-round, and they can be seen up close in all seasons. Whenever fishermen head out to sea or tourists go sightseeing, the dolphins often chase the boats, nuzzle the fishermen, play with visitors, or frolic in the sea, creating a harmonious and heartwarming scene of coexistence between humans and dolphins. Another highlight is the abundance of unique rocks scattered across the area—on the beach, in the shallows—each with its own striking form, vividly lifelike, leaving visitors in awe. Major attractions include: the Fishing Village, Fubo Temple, Dolphin Island, Weide Temple, Tide-Watching Rock, Sow Rock, Three Sanniang Rocks, Romantic Rock, and Sky-End Rock.

The Beauty of the Scenic Area

Thanks to the frequent appearances of Chinese white dolphins, Sanniang Bay has quickly become one of the hottest destinations in Guangxi. Here, golden beaches, bright sunshine, magical legends, simple local customs, and adorable dolphins weave countless beautiful and touching stories. Experts, scholars, photographers, and tourists alike are invariably enchanted upon setting foot here, capturing ordinary yet profound moments. The captivating charm of Sanniang Bay is like a spring breeze, filling hearts with blossoms. The booming popularity since its opening demonstrates its vibrant vitality. During the 2003 National Day Golden Week, it welcomed 180,000 visitors. In 2004, during the May Day Golden Week, Sanniang Bay received 233,000 visitors, generating tourism revenue of 18.64 million yuan, setting a new record for visitor numbers among major scenic spots in Qinzhou City and establishing itself as a dynamic and highly promising new attraction in Qinzhou’s tourism industry. Since the end of last year, Chinese white dolphins have been frequently spotted in the waters of Sanniang Bay, with over a hundred appearing at once on some occasions. After authoritative reports by outlets such as People’s Daily, Xinhua Net, CCTV, and Travel Satellite TV, this has become Sanniang Bay’s biggest draw. Nowadays, dolphin watching and seaside sightseeing have become top choices for many visitors, propelling Sanniang Bay to become another golden tourist destination in Guangxi and even nationwide.

Xiniujiao Town: Located at the southernmost tip of Qinnan District, Qinzhou City, Xiniujiao is surrounded by sea on three sides and borders land on one. To the east, it faces Xichang Town in Hepu County across the Dafeng River; to the northeast, it connects with Dongchang; to the northwest, it borders Dafanpo Town; to the west, it lies across the Jinggu River from Qinzhou Port; and to the south, it faces the Beibu Gulf. The town government is situated 46 kilometers from the city center. The administrative area covers 254.4 square kilometers, with a coastline stretching 94.7 kilometers. The town currently has 22 village committees and 301 natural villages, with a total population of 64,290 at the end of the year. In October 2003, it was designated as a Model Well-Off Town in Guangxi.

2003…… Detailed information about Xiniujiao Town++