Huoshaoyu Isle

Huoshaoyu Isle is the biggest islet in the west coast of Xiamen. It has an area of 270,000 sq meters. It is shaped like the letter M. With winding coast line, colorful rocks, multi-shaped eroded caves, Huoshaoyu, the beautiful tropic islet in South Asia, has attracted more and more visitors. It is said that it was primarily named Angling Island, for in old days villagers from the neighboring islets often went there to angle. In the late South Song Dynasty, the villagers moved to the isle to escape Yuan Army. Later, Yuan Army set a fire to the isle and forced the villagers to move back. Then it was renamed Huoshaoyu Isle.

In 1970s, the municipal government re-afforested the area. After 30 years’ forestation, now the isle is covered with thick forests and it becomes an ecological park. It mainly consists of three zones: Woods, Four Lakes, and Colored Stones. The islet is cover with woods. Walking on the paths winding though the woods or along the coast line, you can enjoy quietness and thorough relaxation, and appreciate beautiful waterscape. There is an observation platform, on which you can watch the Chinese white dolphins swimming freely in the water. On the highest point of the islet stands a Lookout Tower. Mounting the tower, you can have a clear aerial view of the neighboring islands and Xiamen City. Huoshaoyu Isle is scattered with four man-made lakes: Jingyue Lake, Cuiyue Lake, Luqi Lake, and Lulin Lake. The first three are fresh-water lakes. The fourth one is a sea-water lake. Beside Jingyue Lake is a small bamboo cabin, where you can stay for a night or two. You may as well catch fish or crabs in the lakes, or you may have a barbecue or picnic in the open air. You may roam about and have yourself completely immerged in the beautiful, harmonious nature regardless of everything that is troubling or tends to trouble you. The southeast coastal area of Huoshaoyu Isle is densely dotted with strange colored stones. They boast multiple shapes and dazzling colors. To protect the stones, an aerial walkway has been set up above the area. Walking through the walkway, you can appreciate an aerial view of the colored stones.