Island Tour - The Bells of Wailingding Island

Wailingding Island Many years after hearing about Wailingding Island from Wen Tianxiang, I finally set foot on this legendary islet. Although the sun was shining brightly, the wind and waves were strong, and the boat rode the rough seas as if it were a horse without reins, tossing us for over an hour. From the shore, I could see fishing boats busy at work on the sea. The island's towering landmark tower stood among the rocks. Children at the dock were excitedly climbing up a sand dune with plastic turnover boxes, and we were excited too, waiting for them to slide down, either swiftly or tumbling over. At around seven in the morning, I reached the top of Wailingding Peak, passing by the Water God Temple and observing the seated statue of the Northern Emperor amidst the auspicious mists halfway up the mountain. Looking south from the peak, the morning sun pierced through the thick clouds, radiating light in all directions. Gazing at the vast sea, the light and shadows changed constantly, with boats like mayflies sailing among them. The mountain wind blew fiercely, revealing the giant rocks as the grass was flattened. Suddenly, the deep and clear sound of a giant bell resonated, shaking the area for miles, with its reverberations never ceasing. There is a miraculous sight in the sea called the 'Mist Sea Immortal Raft,' where the morning mist spread over the sea surface obscured our view of Lantau Island, Cheung Chau, and the Tsing Ma Bridge in Hong Kong. The boats sailing under the strip of sunlight were undoubtedly warm. The rocks at the peak were huge and strangely arranged, like a maze. We heard someone shouting from the opposite side but couldn't find the way in. After struggling to climb the giant rocks, we suddenly saw people squeezing through a narrow crevice. Once inside the crevice, we turned left and right, finding the space too narrow for our large bodies to pass through. In our hesitation, we saw people appearing as if from within the rocks, revealing a hidden paradise behind the stone walls. The vermilion rock walls on both sides stood tall, with a narrow path winding between them. The walls were over ten meters high, and looking up, we could see only a sliver of sky. Walking through this path required one to hold their breath and suck in their belly, and after a few meters, it was impossible to proceed. At the foot of this remote island, two companies of the Second Coastal Defense Regiment have been stationed. In the past, they were based on the mountain, living in harsh conditions, but the dense forest still revealed the original tunnels and warehouses. As the sun set, the last rays of light were the flickering lights of returning fishing boats. Climbing halfway up the mountain, I saw a wooden sign that read: 'Climb high and gaze far, a myriad of islands scattered like stars.' Where the engines roared and the waves splashed, the sea was plowed by a white wave, and the winged trawlers returning home with their nets spread. The dock began to bustle. On the island, one must try the 'Wailingding Treasures': sea urchin, dog claw snail, and general's cap. The sea urchin, though spiky, is delicious. During the day, in the diving area, I saw two young men pick more than a dozen sea urchins in half an hour. The dog claw snail is a type of shellfish that grows in the crevices of reefs, with tender flesh. The general's cap is crunchy and thick. As night fell, the sea breeze was cool under the dense shade, and a round table with a few bottles of beer and a few good friends made for a delightful time. 🏝Location: Wailingding Island, Dangan Town, Xiangzhou District 🛥Transport: Xiangzhou North Embankment Passenger Terminal Ferry, 👣Tour: This tiny island, located at the mouth of the Pearl River entering the sea, is known as the most beautiful island on the South China Sea defense line because of its clear blue waters and huge, strange rocks. 🍤Eat: Fishermen's restaurants or buy and process at the market, or fish and dive by the seaside ⛺Stay: Hotels and homestays, as one pleases 👣Walk: Coastal plank road, mountain climbing, beach ☕Play: Fishing, sea outings, jet skiing, kayaking This is a small island that you can walk around in two or three hours This is an island that you cannot fully experience in three or five days This is an island that will be stored in your memory This is an island that I will definitely visit again The elderly couple fishing by the sea in bright red vests; The children sliding back and forth on the high sand dunes, playing and frolicking The fishermen picking seafood on the returning fishing boats The couples walking along the Lover's Path The sea shining with strange colors under the sunset through the thick clouds He, lying in the room, seemingly comfortable but constantly on the phone due to the strong sea breeze You, who took a nap in the stone maze and then continued to climb And the local residents climbing the mountain, gradually leaving behind not only her silhouette but also that dog...