Enchanting Ningde of Mountains and Seas: This Island is Filled with Unique Rocks and Splendid Scenery

Sandu Ao, located southeast of Ningde City, is the 'gateway and throat of five counties' on the eastern Fujian coast. It is not only a world-famous natural deep-water harbor, but also renowned for its unique and beautiful scenery, earning the name 'Pearl on the Sea'! Guo Moruo once wrote a poem here: 'Sandu is a rare fine port, deep water and wide bay like a celestial lake.'

Doumu Island is located in Sandu Ao, about 20 kilometers from downtown Ningde. It is one of the most unique and representative islands in terms of landscape resources among the many islands of Sandu Ao, and has long been a tourist destination in eastern Fujian.

Doumu Island is also known as Auspicious Island and Happiness Island. Its marine erosion landscapes are vivid, and the sea views are magnificent and varied. It is a national geopark. Locals say that Doumu Island gathers almost all the beauty of Sandu Ao, with strange rocks scattered all over the island. The Snail Shell Rock is a great wonder along China's coast, along with the Maze Cave, Doumu Stone City, Rhino Gazing at the Moon, and many more...

On the island, as you climb the stone steps and enjoy the scenery, you can gaze from a high vantage point at the 'Floating Fishing City' on the sea. At a glance, fishing rafts are connected, stretching for dozens of kilometers, like a city floating on the sea.

Doumu Island gets its name from a deity. Legend has it that Doumu is the mother of the Big Dipper's seven stars, also called Doulao. Because she is the patron saint of fishing and navigation at sea, the island's fishermen worship her as Doulao Niangniang. It is said that her appearance is strange: she has a head with four faces, three eyes on her forehead, and four arms on each side of her upper body. Her two middle hands are clasped in a mudra in front of her chest, while the other six arms hold the sun, moon, precious bell, Heavenly Seal, bow, and halberd. Therefore, she has been devoutly worshipped since ancient times, and many tourists come here to kowtow and pray...

Although Doumu Island is less than 100 meters above sea level, it has the basic characteristics of the southern mainland, with familiar plants such as Hongguniang, Shuzicao, banana trees, and thorny roses.

And the amazing Doumu Maze is a natural cave formed by crustal movement and seawater erosion. From the outside, it looks like a pile of rubble, but inside there is another world. The maze entrance is narrow, allowing only one person to pass, but inside it can accommodate forty to fifty people and is very cool. Further in is even more magical: there are three natural exits from the maze, each path full of different surprises and thrills.

Along the coastal cliffs, a seaside plank road is built against the mountain, with the sea right below. The rocks here are huge and smooth, as if cut by a knife. However, some are carved with grooves by water flowing down from the mountain over many years. 'Dripping water wears through stone' truly demonstrates the power of persistence!

Snail Shell Rock is a huge solitary rock formed by long-term seawater erosion. It is named for its shape resembling a snail shell. It is the largest 'conch' on the southeastern coast of China and even in the world. Its interior space can accommodate seven or eight people at a time, which is truly rare. It adheres to a large rock wall with a slope of about 50 degrees. Through the small holes in the snail shell, one can see the scenery of Guanjing Yang. On one side of the Snail Shell Rock is a rugged stone wall, and on the other is the boundless blue sea and sky.

When the sea breeze blows or boats pass by, the fishing rafts sway with the waves. Sitting on the drifting rafts, drinking wine in the wind, tasting freshly caught and cooked seafood delicacies, fishing, watching fish, and relaxing—it's indescribably wonderful.

As the saying goes, 'A mountain need not be high to be famous for its immortals.' This small island is rich in fairy relics and myths everywhere. Facing strange rocks, overlooking the sea, bathing in mountain colors, exploring deep caves, and there is also the legend of the Snail Shell Maiden.

Tips: 1. The ticket price for Doumu Island is 35 yuan, with discounts for online booking. Opening hours: 8:00-18:00. Suggested visiting time: about 2.5 hours. 2. The island mainly consists of stone steps, so it is recommended to wear sports shoes for convenience. There are dining places at the dock on the island, but with limited choices. It is best to bring some dry food. 3. Ningde is the hometown of large yellow croaker; seafood is fresh and delicious. After enjoying the scenery, you can try the local cuisine. 4. To get to the island, you must take a boat. There are no accommodations on Doumu Island or near the dock. It is recommended to stay in downtown Ningde.