Hudong Lion King Scenic Area

Hudong Lion King Scenic Area

The Hudong Lion King Scenic Area is located in Hudong Town, Lufeng City, approximately 48 kilometers from Lucheng. It is commonly known as "Houhai" (Rear Sea). The waters of Houhai are part of Hudong Port, which was historically called Ninghai Port and is one of the three major fishing ports in Lufeng. This coastal area boasts enchanting natural scenery, with about 2.5 kilometers of shoreline. At just 120 meters from the shore, the water depth is only 1.4 meters, with no mud on the seabed, fine sand, no shells, and a gentle slope averaging 15 degrees.

The scenic area features natural attractions such as an ancient beacon tower, the Lion King Stone, an old well, the Elephant Trunk Stone, the Little Lion Stone, and the Stone Drum. There are also picturesque beaches and coastal forest belts.

The beacon tower was an important facility for information transmission in ancient times. Since it emitted smoke when in use, locals called it a "smoke mound." According to the Qing Dynasty Qianlong edition of the "Lufeng County Annals," in the seventh year of the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty (1634), additional coastal watchtowers were established, and Ninghai, being an important fishing port of the county, was included. This historical fact proves that Hudong was a key military and economic site at the time. The beacon tower was built with rammed earth and lime mortar, forming a square platform 6 meters high and 5 meters wide. Ships at sea could see this tower, making it a navigational landmark guiding vessels from the open ocean into Hudong Port. After liberation, relevant government departments installed lighting equipment on it, turning it into a modern, still-in-use navigational aid—thus preserving its historical function for contemporary use.

The Lion King Stone juts out from the sea. Viewed from the shore, it resembles a majestic lion playfully crouching atop a ball, lifelike in appearance—hence its name. The scenic area has many uniquely shaped rocks and reefs scattered across the sea and beach, including the Elephant Trunk Stone, which looks strikingly like an elephant’s trunk, and the Lion Stone, resembling a small lion. These rocks have been shaped over hundreds of millions of years by wind and wave erosion, resembling objects and animals with remarkable accuracy, inspiring awe for nature’s wonders.

Extending from the beach is a massive rock spanning tens of thousands of square meters, with the “Ancient Well” situated at its center. The well has a circular surface with a diameter of less than two meters, and its water level remains level with the sea. A local legend tells of a powerful sea demon residing in the well, capable of wreaking havoc on both the human world and the underwater realm. The Dragon King of the Sea, unable to match the demon’s magic, could do nothing about it. The demon was said to “eat people when there are people, and shadows when there are none.” Influenced by this tale, the “Ancient Well” has long been shrouded in mystery and fear, sparking endless discussion and dread among locals—no one dares to explore it. In modern times, brave explorers have investigated the well and found it to be about 50 meters deep vertically, then sloping downward toward the sea. The water inside is seawater, with strong undercurrents and turbulent, dangerous conditions.

Climbing up to the beacon tower hill offers a panoramic view of the coastal scenery below. Near the shore, the beach stretches out, with waves crashing against rocks and sending up sprays of foam. Further out to sea, sails dot the horizon where the water meets the sky. As night falls, fishing boats appear dimly, accompanied by the sound of waves and fishermen’s songs.

The Lion King Scenic Area showcases the unique natural beauty of the bay and cape through its diverse rock formations; it presents the pleasant ambiance of a seaside destination with its beaches and forest belts; and it invites imagination through its beacon tower and ancient well. Once you set foot in this beautiful coastal area, you’ll find it hard to leave.

Hudong Town: Located in the southeastern part of Lufeng City, Hudong Town borders Jiaxi and Jiazi towns to the east, Jieshi Town to the west, Nantang Town to the north, and faces the South China Sea to the south, with a coastline stretching 16 kilometers. The town covers a total area of 54 square kilometers and has a population of 80,000, governed by 20 village (resident) committees. It serves as a major distribution hub for Lufeng’s fishing products. The town is rich in natural resources, producing grouper, lobster, mackerel, squid, cuttlefish, and hairtail, which supply major markets across the city, earning it a reputation as a notable “land of fish and rice” in Lufeng. The coastal areas of Hudong feature rocky reefs, both visible and submerged, with clear and flowing seawater. Hudong Port is one of Lufeng’s five major fishing ports... More details about Hudong Town++