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| Dongao Island, a Pleasant Resort |
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Dong'ao Island's beautiful landscapes include gentle slopes, dense
forests, and the clear water along its three beaches: Nansha Bay,
Dazhu Bay, and Xiaozhu Bay. Nansha Bay, also known as "Diamond
Beach" is the most favored of the three, with Qing Dynasty structures,
like a Guanyin sculpture reputed to bring fertility to those who pray
there. Visitors to the beach can enjoy surfing, scuba diving, and
sailing in the cool, blue water.
Dongao island is only one of dozens of islands that form the island
chains surrounding Zhuhai. Measuring 4.62 square kilometers, the
island is one of the earliest in Zhuhai that were developed for
tourism. Except for the regular water activities like swimming,
diving, fishing and surfing, what interested me most was the historical
relics.
The island was a historical naval fortress. The remains of an ancient
city at the eastern tip of the island are still well preserved.
Known as Chong City, the place served as a frontier troop station
beginning in 1729. Rusted iron cannons still sit at the top of the
city wall, facing a rocky coast and the vast South China Sea. The
coast was marked as the spot where British used to discharge smuggled
opium in the 1800s. Now the sound of bombs has vanished and troops
are gone, but the burnt rocks and military remains still recall
those dark days.
The best part is that the journey to Chong City was the picturesque
scenery. A stone path winds along the coastline through the port
to the eastern tip of the island. Blooming flowers and running brooks
greet you from time to time. Though the journey is without any difficulty
at all, there are stone tables and chairs set on rocks that allow
you to stop and enjoy the splendid view. The whole journey is perfect
either for families or lovers.
For those who prefer excitement, climbing hill is another choice.
At Honey Tower on a 200-meter-high hill you can look down on the
entire island and the nearby water. If that is not exciting enough,
locals can also introduce you to an underground world: the tunnels.
Interlaced tunnels built for military use in the past are now a
wonderland for visitors. Bold visitors squeeze themselves into the
dark and damp tunnels, only to be amazed by the uncertainties and
spectacular views that would pop up after climbing up and out from
underground. |
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