Huoshan Island Natural Ecology Scenic Area
Located in Zhangpu County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, Huoshan Island Nature Eco-Scenic Area is China’s sole coastal volcanic geological park and a national AAAA-rated tourist destination. Formed by volcanic eruptions 24.6 million years ago, the island showcases over 140,000 hexagonal basalt columns rising from the sea, earning comparisons to Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway. Designated a national geological park in 2001, it combines rare volcanic landscapes with modern attractions like pink castles and rainbow hills, attracting over 1 million annual visitors.
Historical Overview
Volcanic activity began 24.6 million years ago during the Neogene Period, with lava flows cooling into hexagonal columns. In 1999, geologists confirmed its status as China’s first coastal volcanic site. The area was developed into a scenic park in 2001, later expanding to include cultural installations like the "Pink Labyrinth" (2018) and Rainbow Mountain (2020). In 2025, it was listed among Fujian’s top eco-tourism destinations, blending geological education with leisure experiences.
Structural Layout
The park spans 318.8 square kilometers, divided into three core zones:
- Geological Core Zone: Features basalt columns, volcanic vents, and the "Sea-Love-Oath Terrace" (a heart-shaped volcanic neck).
- Cultural Experience Zone: Includes the Pink Labyrinth, Rainbow Mountain (inspired by California’s Salvation Mountain), and Bubble Forest (transparent domes).
- Recreational Zone: Offers RV campsites, a children’s adventure park, and coastal trails.
Major Attractions
- Basalt Column Forest: A 2km coastline of 140,000+ hexagonal black basalt columns.
- Pink Labyrinth: A castle complex with spiral staircases and sea views (¥60 separate ticket).
- Rainbow Mountain: A vibrant hillside with hand-painted murals, ideal for sunset photography.
- Sea-Love-Oath Terrace: A volcanic vent shaped like a heart, popular for marriage proposals.
- Qisha Bay Black Sand Beach: A 3km beach with volcanic rocks, revealing fossilized lava textures at low tide.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Classic Geology Tour (2–3 hours):
Visitor Center → Basalt Column Forest → Sea-Love-Oath Terrace → Qisha Bay Beach → Return
Highlights: Volcanic formations and coastal scenery. -
Instagram Hotspot Tour (4–5 hours):
Visitor Center → Pink Labyrinth → Rainbow Mountain → Bubble Forest → Sunset at Qisha Bay
Includes: Photo stops and cultural installations. -
Family Adventure Tour (Full Day):
Visitor Center → Children’s Adventure Park → Basalt Column Forest → RV Camp → Night Sky Observation
Best for: Families with children; includes camping and stargazing.
Ticket Purchase
- Basic Ticket: ¥60 (adults), ¥30 (children/seniors). Includes geological museum and core zones.
- Combo Ticket: ¥158 (includes Pink Labyrinth, Rainbow Mountain, and shuttle bus).
- Annual Pass: ¥280 (unlimited entry for 1 year).
- Online Booking: Available via WeChat mini-program "Zhangzhou Huoshan Island" up to 7 days in advance.
Transportation
- Self-Drive: Guangzhou/Shenzhen → Shantou → Zhangpu (4.5hr); Xiamen → Zhangzhou → Huoshan Island (1.5hr).
- Public Transit:
- From Xiamen: High-speed ferry to Zhangzhou Port (¥14, 20min), then bus #605 to the park.
- From Zhangzhou: Direct buses from Zhangzhou Bus Station to Huoshan Island (1hr, ¥25).
- Tours: Daily group tours depart from Xiamen (¥198/person, includes transport and tickets).
Best Time & Tips
- Optimal Seasons: May–November (avoid June–July monsoons). July–August offer swimming and water sports.
- Avoid Crowds: Arrive before 9 AM; weekends see 60% more visitors.
- Essentials:
- Sturdy shoes for rocky terrain.
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen).
- Cash for rural vendors (some stalls lack mobile payment).
- Prohibitions: No swimming in non-designated areas; drones require park approval.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
