Wailingding Island: A journey from the ancient port of poetry to the utopia of the sea

The Name of the Poetic Soul - Wen Tianxiang and "Passing Zero Ding Yang"
"Panic on the beachhead says panic, and sighs in the ocean." The soul of Wailingding Island is closely connected with the righteousness of Wen Tianxiang, the hero of the Southern Song Dynasty. In 1279 AD, Wen Tianxiang was defeated and captured, and the escort fleet passed through this sea area. In the face of the raging waves of Lingdingyang (known as "Lingding Yang" in ancient times), he wrote down the eon-age swan song of "who has not died in life since ancient times, and leaves a heart to shine in the sweat". Since then, this island, isolated outside the ocean, has left its name in history with this patriotic spirit that travels through time and space, and has a cultural weight that reaches the hearts of the people.

Millennium track - the code of the Maritime Silk Road sleeping under the waves
The story of Wailingding Island is far earlier than poetry. It was an important stop on the ancient "Maritime Silk Road". As early as the Western Han Dynasty, the islanders may have made and exported pottery here, as evidenced by a pottery shard fragment engraved with "Zhu Shi's Rule". In the Tang and Song dynasties, merchant ships loaded with ceramics set sail from Guangzhou often used the main peak more than 300 meters high as navigation coordinates, where they replenished and rested and sailed to the ocean. In 1977, fishermen salvaged a complete set of Tang Dynasty ceramics in the waters around here, and their loading method of "large and small" silently told the prosperous scene of foreign trade thousands of years ago. These ancient porcelain fragments sleeping on the seabed make Wailingding Island a living footnote to a flowing history.

> In-Depth Understanding: Exploring More China's Island Secrets and Historical Legends >> [East Pole Island]

Natural creation - the magic of the sea, stones, and lakes
Wailingding Island is a natural art museum carved by 140 million years of volcanic movement and 10 million years of waves.

- Lingding Peak and Stone View Park: As the commanding heights of the entire island, climbing Lingding Peak is a sacred ritual to welcome the sunrise. When the morning sun jumps out of the sea and the golden light shines on the vast South China Sea, the outlines of Hong Kong's Lantau Island and Lamma Island are vaguely distinguishable in the distance, and a sense of magnificence arises spontaneously. The stone park along the way down the mountain is full of weathered strange stones, like mythical beasts and mushrooms, which stimulates everyone's imagination.
- Dream Ore Lake: This is a "windfall" left over from the island's past development. After the abandoned mine is stored, it forms a deep blue lake, like a huge Tiffany sapphire embedded in the valley, which forms a strong and charming visual contrast with the gray-white mine wall, and is one of the most popular Internet celebrity check-in spots on the island.
- Blue sea and silver sand and "the most beautiful highway": The sea water on the island is clear and blue, and the beach is delicate and soft. The ring road connecting the wharf and the ore lake is known as the "most beautiful highway", with the blue sea and the magnificent Dadong Bay beach on one side, and the verdant mountains on the other.

Humanistic ingenuity - lighthouses, temples and fishing village fireworks
Traces of humanity inject a warm soul and endless vitality into this natural island.

- Lingding Lighthouse and Jade Belt: Built in 1886, Lingding Lighthouse is a towering seafaring watchman. The "Jade Belt Around the Waist" sea viewing plank road built along the coastline is an excellent path to stroll and enjoy the scenery. Walk here at dusk, watch the sunset dye the sea yellow, and feel the poetry of "jade belt around the waist".
- Pak Tai Temple and Folk Heritage: Located in the middle of Lingding Peak, Pak Tai Temple is the spiritual center of the island. Every year, on the third day of the third lunar month, the "Northern Emperor's Birthday" is an intangible cultural heritage of Zhuhai City, and there will be grand lion dances, parades, sea sacrifice ceremonies and blessing dinners, allowing you to immerse yourself in the strong folk culture of the island.
- Simple fishing village style: The island's small fishing village retains a simple atmosphere of life. In the evening, the fishing boats at the pier return home, the seafood market is bustling, and the air is filled with the umami of seafood and the fireworks of the market, which is the most vivid way to understand island life.

> Photography Tips:
Sunrise panorama: The seat is at the top of Lingding Peak, and you need to get up early to take the sunrise special sightseeing bus (reservation must be made one day in advance).
Ore Lake blockbuster: Standing at the guardrail of the lakeside road, you can take a shocking group photo of the characters and the blue lake, it is recommended to go when the sun shines directly at noon on a sunny day, and the lake water is the most dazzling.
Romantic sunset and night view: The "Jade Belt Around the Waist" plank road or the double star pavilion is the best place to watch the sunset. After nightfall, the lights of the arch bridge crossing the water are turned on, looking like a heart from a specific angle, and the neon reflection is extremely romantic.
Island Culture: Photograph the parade during the Northern Emperor's birthday or capture the vivid moments of the fish trade at the seafood market.

Five things you must do to unlock the complete Lonely Journey
1. Climb to the top of Lingding Peak and greet the first rays of sunlight over the South China Sea: This is the most ceremonial experience on Wai Lingding Island. Reach the summit at dawn and watch the red sun break through the sea, bathing the world in glorious light.
2. Encounter the "Tiffany Blue" mineral lake: Hike or drive to this hidden gem, take a set of unique photos, and feel the strange beauty created by the collision of nature and man-made relics.
3. Indulge in the "Three Treasures of Lingding": Living by the sea, Lingding is famous for its "Three Treasures"—sea urchin fried rice, goose barnacles, and sea clam shells—a must-try local delicacy. You can also buy fresh seafood at the seafood market and have it cooked at a restaurant to enjoy the freshest flavors.
4. Take a leisurely island tour and collect picturesque landscapes: Take a sightseeing bus around the island or hike along the "most beautiful road" to enjoy the blue sea, strange rocks, fishing villages and blue sky all at once, and take in the magnificent scenery where mountains and sea meet.
5. Experience intangible cultural heritage and feel the island's folk customs: If you visit the island on the third day of the third lunar month, be sure to participate in the grand Beidi Birthday celebration, watch the lion dance, hang lucky ribbons, and observe the sea worship ceremony to deeply feel the pulse of the island's culture.

Suggested tour routes
Wai Lingding Island is of moderate size and has a concentration of attractions, making it ideal for a 1-2 day immersive slow-paced tour.

One-day "Classic Island Tour" (suitable for those with limited time):
Arrive in the morning → Visit the pier and lighthouse → Stroll along the "Jade Belt Around the Waist" boardwalk → Take a bus to Mineral Lake for photos (approx. 1.5 hours) → Return to the seafood market for lunch → Climb Lingding Peak and visit the Stone Scenic Park in the afternoon (approx. 2 hours) → Watch the sunset at Shuangxing Pavilion or Jade Belt Around the Waist → Enjoy the night view of the arch bridge after dinner → Take the evening ferry to leave the island.
IntoTravelChina Tip: This itinerary is packed, so it is recommended to purchase a full-trip ticket for the island sightseeing bus in advance (unlimited rides on the same day) to save a lot of walking time.

Two-day "deeply relaxing" trip (highly recommended):
Day 1: Arrive and check in before noon → Lunch at the seafood market → Afternoon sightseeing bus tour around the island, focusing on Mineral Lake and Rock Park → Evening sunset at Yudaiwanyao → Dinner featuring "Lingding Three Treasures" → Night tour of the arch bridge, experiencing the tranquil island night.
Day 2: In the early morning, take the sunrise tour to Lingding Peak to watch the sunrise (advance reservation required) → Return to the hotel for a nap or have breakfast and then stroll around the fishing village → You can choose to experience sea fishing, diving (Zhuhai's only island diving base) or go to the beach to play in the water → In the afternoon, return home with lots of memories.
IntoTravelChina's advantages: We can book the most suitable accommodations for you, arrange all the connections between activities, and provide detailed hiking route maps and safety guidelines.

Professional Guide: IntoTravelChina offers personalized itineraries, including a dedicated guide, transportation, and activity arrangements, ensuring a worry-free and in-depth travel experience. >> [Inquire Now for a Customized Itinerary]

How to get there: Sailing out to sea is the only way
Wai Lingding Island has no land connection; taking a boat is the only way to reach the island, with Zhuhai Xiangzhou Port being the main departure port.
- From Zhuhai city center: Take a ferry from Xiangzhou Port Passenger Terminal to Wai Lingding Island. The journey takes approximately 70-80 minutes, with one-way tickets starting from 140 yuan. There are many departures; you can book in advance through the "Xiangzhou Port" WeChat official account.
- From Shenzhen: You can take a high-speed ferry directly from Shenzhen Shekou Cruise Home Port. The journey takes about 70 minutes and the one-way ticket price starts from 160 yuan.
- Island Transportation: There is a sightseeing bus that circles the island and covers the main attractions. The core developed area (the pier, food street, and guesthouse cluster) is not large and can be easily explored on foot.
Important return trip reminder: Please confirm the departure ferry time in advance and arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure to complete the formalities. Ferry tickets are in high demand during holidays, so it is recommended to purchase round-trip tickets in advance.

Best time to visit
Wai Lingding Island can be visited in all seasons, but spring and autumn are the most comfortable and pleasant seasons.
- Spring and autumn (October to April of the following year): The climate is cool and pleasant with warm sunshine, making it the best time for mountain climbing, hiking, and sightseeing. It is also the season when seafood is at its best.
- Summer water activities (May-September): Suitable for swimming, diving, and sea fishing. However, the sun is strong during this period, so be sure to take precautions against sunburn. It is also the peak season for typhoons, so check the weather and flight information before traveling.
- Quiet Winter Season (December-February): Fewer tourists, better value for money accommodations. Mild weather, ideal for travelers who prefer peace and quiet.

Accommodation options
- Budget-friendly seaside guesthouses: These are mostly located near the pier and Shitao Garden, offering sea views right outside the door. They are convenient, affordable, and a popular choice for students and young travelers.
- High-end resort hotels: such as Xiangsi Forest Resort, are usually located on the mountainside or in secluded places, with a wider view and more complete facilities, suitable for tourists who seek a comfortable vacation experience.
- Unique camping experience: Beach camping is also available on the island, where you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves, but you need to contact us in advance to rent tents and equipment.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Recommendations:
We strongly recommend planning your trip and booking accommodations at least 1-2 weeks in advance, and even earlier during holidays. Booking through us not only gives you real-time room availability but also allows you to package your accommodation, ferry tickets, and island activities together, often offering bundled deals and ensuring a seamless itinerary. Tell us your budget and needs, and we'll match you with the most suitable "island home." >> [Click to contact an IntoTravelChina travel consultant]

Wai Lingding Island is an excellent starting point for exploring the Wanshan Islands and even the islands of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and also a perfect ending to a family trip with a touch of azure romance.

Classic 4-Day Guangzhou-Zhuhai Family Fun Tour: Day 1-2 Guangzhou (Chimelong Safari Park & ​​Chimelong Paradise, immerse yourself in the land animal kingdom and amusement park fun) → Day 3 Zhuhai (Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, explore the underwater world and watch the grand parade) → Day 4 Wai Lingding Island (relaxed island tour, seafood tasting, enjoy a half-day of leisurely island family time before returning home). This is a four-fold fun journey designed specifically for families, combining rare animals, theme parks, marine life, and a refreshing island. >> View the 4-Day Guangzhou-Zhuhai Family Fun Tour Itinerary

The story of Wailingding Island is about the echo of history, the gift of nature and the healing of body and mind. IntoTravelChina focuses on creating a deep, personal, and hassle-free Chinese travel experience. Our travel experts can help you:
- Tailor-made itinerary: Design exquisite island-hopping routes that include Wailingding Island and surrounding islands according to your interests and time.
- One-stop service: Get ferry tickets, special accommodations, island transportation, and event reservations, and take all your worries away.
- Exclusive experience: Arrange in-depth cultural experiences for the Northern Emperor's birthday, guide to the best sunrise viewing locations, sharing of niche camera positions, etc.

Let your trip to Wailingding Island not only see the sea, but also a deep breath immersed in history and nature.
> Start planning your journey today
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