Huidong Lion Island Hiking Guide: Treading the Waves and Exploring the Rocky Coastline

1. Introduction Along the extended coastline of Huidong lies a hidden gem resembling a lion resting by the sea — Lion Island. This place combines "sea-eroded strange rocks, red cliffs of Danxia landform, and pristine beaches." From a distance, you can hike here to step on the waves and listen to the surf, while traversing geological wonders millions of years old. As you walk along the coast, beneath your feet are fine sandy beaches and rugged reefs, before your eyes the blue sea and sky with the "lion" rock perched alone on the sea. The sea breeze carries a salty scent, as if telling ancient stories of this maritime area. Now, let’s embark on this hiking journey, unveil the mystery of Lion Island, and enjoy the joy of hiking and the grandeur of the coast in the symphony of nature and mountains meeting the sea. 2. Past and Present Lion Island was formed through geological changes over hundreds of millions of years. In ancient times, it was a sedimentary rock layer that, after long-term erosion by seawater and weathering, gradually formed the unique sea-eroded landform seen today. A huge reef rock resembling a lion lying down by the sea became its iconic landmark, giving rise to the name "Lion Island." Over the long years, Lion Island served as a navigation marker for fishermen going out to sea and a sanctuary for seabirds. According to local elders, fishermen used to worship by the shore before heading out, praying for the "lion" to bless them with safety and a bountiful catch. With the development of tourism in Huidong, Lion Island has gradually become known for its unique natural scenery, becoming a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Today, it remains largely undeveloped, attracting more and more visitors with its pristine coastal scenery and rich geological features, shining as a natural jewel along the Huidong coastline. 3. Detailed Hiking Information 1) Best Hiking Time The best time to hike Lion Island is from April to October each year, when the weather is warm and the sea water is clear, ideal for coastal hiking. The months of May-June and September-October are the prime periods, avoiding the summer heat and typhoon season (July-August requires weather monitoring). 2) Key Scenic Spots 1. Lion Island Reef Cluster: Located in the middle section of the coastline, a huge reef rock stands prominently, resembling a lion lying by the sea, with clearly distinguishable head and body contours. Especially when waves crash against it, it looks majestic. This is a signature checkpoint on the hike, where you can closely admire the unique charm of sea-eroded landforms. 2. Danxia Cliffs by the Sea: Along the hiking route, a section of red sandstone cliffs stands by the sea. Long-term erosion by seawater has created colorful patterns and unique shapes, contrasting beautifully with the blue sea and sky, like a natural Danxia painting. 3. Crescent Bay Beach: Near the end of the hike is a crescent-shaped beach with fine, white sand and crystal-clear water. It’s an ideal spot to rest and play in the water after hiking, where you can enjoy a moment of tranquility and comfort. 4. Recommended Hiking Routes 1) Classic Coastal Hiking Route (suitable for beginners) - Route Details: Starting from Bijiacun Pier in Pinghai Town, ending at Lion Island Beach, about 8 kilometers in total, taking 3-4 hours. The route passes through Bijiacun, rocky beach, Danxia cliffs by the sea, Lion Island’s core scenic area, and finally reaches Crescent Bay Beach. - Route Features: The entire route follows the coastline, mainly on sandy beaches, reefs, and some rocky sections, with low difficulty, suitable for beginner hikers. You can stop anytime to enjoy the sea view, take photos, and may encounter crabs, sea snails, and other marine creatures. - Key Points: Bijiacun Pier: Starting point, where you can organize your gear and replenish water. Rocky Beach: About 1 hour into the hike, requires careful climbing on the reefs and attention to tides to avoid being trapped. Danxia Cliffs by the Sea: Mid-route, the red cliffs contrast sharply with the blue sea, perfect for photography. Lion Island Reef Cluster: About 2.5 hours into the hike, you can closely admire the "lion" rock and rest or picnic here. 2) Advanced Coastal Loop Route (suitable for experienced hikers) - Route Details: Starting from the Power Plant Pier in Pinghai Town, passing through Daxingshan Fort, Xiezhou Island, Lion Island, and returning to the Power Plant Pier, forming a loop of about 15 kilometers, taking 5-6 hours. - Route Features: This route covers more diverse terrain, including beaches, reefs, forests, and fort ruins, with moderate difficulty, suitable for hikers with some experience. You can visit Daxingshan Fort to learn about local history and culture, and enjoy views of Xiezhou Island and island scenery. - Notes: Some sections require forest crossing, so beware of mosquitoes and bring insect repellent; supply points are limited, so bring enough water and food in advance. 5. Accommodation Recommendations 1) Seaside Guesthouses - Lion Island Haiyu Sand Guesthouse: Located near Crescent Bay Beach, a 5-minute walk to the sea. The guesthouse offers sea view rooms and courtyard rooms with windows facing the sea. Rooms are simply and comfortably decorated, equipped with private bathrooms and viewing balconies. Seafood cooking services are available; you can buy seafood yourself and have the guesthouse cook it. Prices range from about 300-500 RMB per night, suitable for families or couples. - Bijiacun Fisherman’s Courtyard: Located at the hiking start point in Bijiacun, this is a local-style fisherman’s courtyard with clean and tidy rooms and good value. The owner is a local fisherman, and you can experience fishing trips (advance booking required). Prices range from about 150-250 RMB per night, suitable for budget-conscious hikers. 2) Resort Hotels - Huidong Shuangyue Bay Tan Yue Howard Johnson Hot Spring Resort Hotel: About a 30-minute drive from Lion Island, the hotel offers luxurious sea view rooms, hot spring pools, and infinity pools with complete facilities and excellent service. After hiking, you can relax in the hot springs to relieve fatigue. Prices range from about 800-1500 RMB per night, suitable for travelers seeking high-quality accommodation. 6. Food Recommendations 1) Seafood Feast - Pinghai Town Seafood Market: Located in the center of Pinghai Town, you can buy fresh seafood here after hiking. The market offers a wide variety of crabs, shrimp, shellfish, etc., at affordable prices. It’s recommended to buy seafood and have it cooked at nearby restaurants. The average cost is 50-80 RMB per person for a sumptuous seafood meal. - Bijiacun Fisherman’s Restaurants: Several fisherman’s restaurants in Bijiacun specialize in fresh seafood and farmhouse dishes. Recommended dishes include boiled sea shrimp (fresh and sweet), steamed grouper (tender and flavorful), and garlic vermicelli steamed scallops (delicate texture). The average cost is 60-100 RMB per person. 2) Local Specialty Snacks - Pinghai Rice Cake: A traditional snack from Pinghai Town made from high-quality rice through frying, grinding, and baking processes. It has a crispy texture and fragrant taste, making a great souvenir. - Hakka Pickled Noodles: You can taste authentic Hakka pickled noodles at village restaurants along the hiking route. The noodles are chewy, served with special sauce, lean meat, bean sprouts, and other ingredients. Simple but delicious, it’s an ideal energy booster. 7. Precautions 1) Hiking Gear - Clothing: Wear quick-dry, breathable sportswear and hiking shoes; avoid cotton clothes. Bring sun-protective clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, and take sun protection measures. Prepare a lightweight jacket to guard against the sea breeze. - Footwear: Must wear hiking shoes or mountaineering shoes with good anti-slip performance. Some reef sections are slippery; avoid sandals or flip-flops. - Backpack: Carry a 20-30L backpack with drinking water (at least 2L per person), high-calorie food (chocolate, energy bars, etc.), first aid supplies (band-aids, iodine, etc.), a power bank, and trash bags. 2) Safety and Environmental Protection - Tide Awareness: Check the tide schedule before hiking to avoid crossing reef areas during high tide to prevent being trapped. - Reef Climbing: Be cautious on reef sections, hold handrails firmly, move slowly, and avoid jumping recklessly. - Environmental Principles: Follow the "Leave No Trace" principle, do not litter, carry out all waste, and protect the coastal ecosystem. - Emergency Contact: Keep your phone charged, download offline maps in advance, inform others of your hiking route and expected return time, and call for help promptly in emergencies. 3) Other Tips - Transportation: If driving, navigate to "Huidong Lion Island." Both Bijiacun Pier and Power Plant Pier have parking lots. Public transport: take a shuttle from Huidong County to Pinghai Town, then taxi to the hiking start point. - Seasonal Notes: In summer, take measures against heatstroke and bring herbal cooling drinks; in winter, the sea breeze is strong, so dress warmly. 8. Conclusion When the sunset dyes the sea red, the fatigue of hiking gradually fades in the sea breeze. Looking back at the outline of Lion Island, the "lion" seems to be sleeping in the dusk. On this hiking journey, we traversed geological wonders millions of years old, stepped across pristine beaches and rugged reefs, and experienced the raw beauty of the Huidong coast. We hope this guide helps you gain an unforgettable experience hiking on Lion Island, and may every hiker treat this natural secret place with reverence, allowing the mountain and sea beauty of Lion Island to last forever. Until next time, perhaps at another sunrise, we will meet the "lion" for a morning light rendezvous by the sea.