One of the 12 islands in the Qiangjiao Islands. It is an important part of the developing Ninghai Bay tourist resort. The island runs north-south, is 0.76 kilometers long and 0.23 kilometers wide. The highest point has an altitude of 51 meters. No matter from which angle you view the island, it is in a horizontal shape, like the character ‘mountain’, hence the name. There is Zhenfu Nunnery on the island. Originally, it had two halls, front and back. The foundation was built in the Ming Dynasty, and the beams and columns are in Qing Dynasty style. It is called ‘Little Putuo’. Devotees from Fenghua, Ningbo and Ninghai come in an endless stream. The island is lush with tall bamboos and trees, verdant and serene. The surrounding rocks of the island, after being pounded by the sea waves for years, have formed wave-eroded cliff caves in various shapes and are very attractive. If you are fortunate enough to visit here, you will become a ‘fairy guest from Penglai’! Other scenic spots include Punan Chan Monastery and the former site of the provincial aquatic products school. This is an ancient and mysterious island. As early as the Han Dynasty, Emperor Wu set up Jieqi Pavilion here because this place is a strategic point on the sea route. In the Northern Song Dynasty, Lin Bu, who was accompanied by his wife Mei and crane, became interested in this place and built the Taiji Palace in the shape of the Eight Diagrams on Siguping. In the Ming Dynasty, this place was called Shenlou Gate because of the appearance of a mirage, and the entire seacoast was named Shenhai. At this time, a story of Guanyin solving difficulties was spread among the people. Thus, Zhenfu Nunnery dedicated to Guanyin was erected on Hengshan Island, and the name of ‘Little Putuo’ became widely known. Since the Ming Dynasty, felling of trees has been prohibited. Today, the whole island is full of ancient trees, including mulberry trees and hibiscus trees that are more than 700 years old. Nowadays, Qiangjiao has built a 3,000-ton dock. It is a natural excellent port and seafood base in Ningbo City. However, historical sites such as pavilion and stockade ruins, ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and Siguping Taoist temple and the halls of Little Putuo are still intact. Visiting here, you can indulge in nostalgic thoughts, enjoy the wonders of the sea and sky, and taste the fresh flavors of seafood.
Open all year round. Opening hours: 08:00 – 16:00.
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