Tianheng Island (田横岛), named after Qi King Tian Heng and his five hundred loyal warriors who chose to die rather than surrender, has become a historically significant site. The island boasts fresh air and lush green pines, with distinct features on its southern and northern slopes. The southern slope features a beautiful blend of coves and reefs, making it an excellent spot for fishing. In contrast, the northern shore is known for its deep bays and calm waters, ideal for swimming, sailing, and jet skiing.
On the island, there are several resort complexes, including Menghai Garden, Jiulong Residence, and Zhongguo Garden, alongside facilities such as a shooting range and a children’s playground. Visitors can engage in various activities, including island tours, sea fishing, surfing, and parachuting.
Tianheng Island is rich in attractions, including the mysterious Xuan Yang Drum Island, the Qi Wang Hall, Laoxian Cave, Tianheng Peak, the Tomb of the Five Hundred Loyal Warriors, the Sea God Temple, and the Tianheng Bronze Horse statue, alongside the enchanting South Country Paradise.
Travel Information about Tianheng Island
Ticket and Opening Hours
The ticket price for entering the island is 40 RMB (including passenger boat) or 46 RMB (including speedboat). The ticket for the scenic spots (including South Country Paradise, Sea Goddess Temple, Qi Wang Temple, and Underwater World) costs 30 RMB. The island is open from 07:00 to 16:30.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Tianheng Island is from March to November, when the weather is warm, the vegetation is lush, flowers are in full bloom, and all the island’s recreational activities are available, making it the peak tourist season.
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Tianheng Island is situated in the eastern part of Jimo City, in Hengmen Bay.
Transportation:
- Take a long-distance bus from Qingdao to Jimo and then transfer to a bus to the Tianheng Island dock.
- If driving, take the Jiqing Expressway to Nanquan (exit at Jimo Expressway) and then continue to the Tianheng Island dock, where parking is available.
Scenic Spot Ratings
Features: ★★★★★
Cultural: ★★★★
Leisure: ★★★
Beauty: ★★★
Romance: ★★
Adventure: ★★
Highlights of Tianheng Island
Sea God Temple
The Sea God Temple houses a statue of the Sea Goddess, believed to have been “invited” from the Tianhou Palace in Qingdao. She holds a revered position, second only to Guanyin, as one of the most worshipped deities in the area. The main hall is dedicated to the Sea Goddess, flanked by Shunfeng Ear and Qianli Eye, which are symbolic guardians.
To the right of the main hall is the Dragon King Temple, where the East Sea Dragon King, Ao Guang, is worshipped. On the left is the Treasury Supervisor’s Hall, dedicated to the Wealth God, Guan Gong, along with his second son, Guan Ping, and his loyal general, Zhou Cang.
The Sea God Temple represents safe and successful fishing trips, while the Dragon King Temple symbolizes bountiful catches. The Treasury Supervisor’s Hall signifies prosperity and wealth for every household.
Five Hundred Heroes’ Tomb
The Five Hundred Heroes’ Tomb is situated at the highest peak of Tianheng Island, known as Tianheng Ding. The tomb has a perimeter of 30 meters and stands approximately 2.5 meters tall. A square stele is positioned facing east, inscribed with the words “Tianheng Five Hundred Heroes’ Tomb.”
This tomb is the most famous historical site on Tianheng Island, attracting every visitor who comes to the island. There is a saying that goes, “If you don’t visit the Five Hundred Heroes’ Tomb, you haven’t truly been to Tianheng.” This emphasizes the tomb’s significance as a symbol of bravery and sacrifice.
Story of the Five Hundred Warriors:
During the late Qin Dynasty, the descendants of the Qi State, led by Tian Heng and his brothers, attempted to restore the Qi State but were tragically defeated by Han Xin. To protect the lives of his followers, Tian Heng retreated to a remote island. Aware of the dangers ahead, he spoke to his two retainers, saying that Liu Bang merely wanted his head. He instructed them to bring his severed head to Liu Bang after his death, and then he took his own life.
His loyal retainers followed his wishes and delivered his head to Liu Bang. Moved by Tian Heng’s loyalty and sacrifice, Liu Bang granted him a dignified burial. After Tian Heng was interred, the two retainers dug their own graves next to his tomb and took their own lives, causing Liu Bang to be greatly astonished. He regarded Tian Heng’s followers as men of great virtue. Upon learning that there were still five hundred others on the island, he sent emissaries to offer them peace. However, when the remaining followers heard of their leader’s death, they were overwhelmed with grief and also chose to end their lives.
Qi Wang Hall
The Qi Wang Hall covers an area of nearly 20 acres and features striking red walls and green tiles. On both the east and west sides of the courtyard, there are observation towers. The entrance is guarded by two warrior statues, and the central screen wall displays the three large characters “齐王殿” (Qi Wang Hall).
Upon entering the courtyard, visitors are greeted by a formation of 108 life-sized warrior statues, recreating the scene of military drills and evoking the heroic era of ancient warriors. The main hall is situated at the northern end of the courtyard and is an impressive structure adorned with red pillars and glazed tiles. Flanking the hall are couplets that read, “The loyalty of Qi Wang shines brightly across Huaxia; the bravery of heroes is renowned in land and sea.”
Inside, the hall is dedicated to Tian Heng, with statues of his subordinates, Tian Rong and Tian Guang, on either side. Eight wall murals depict significant events from Tian Heng’s life. The east hall serves as a cultural exhibition space for the Qi State, showcasing artifacts unearthed from various historical periods, as well as a replica of Xu Beihong’s famous painting, “Tian Heng and His Five Hundred Loyal Soldiers.”
Tianheng Monument Pavilion
The Tianheng Monument Pavilion is located north of the Five Hundred Loyalists’ Tomb and was established in 1982, designed in the style of ancient Chinese pavilions.
The interior walls are adorned with six colorful murals that depict the journey of Tian Heng and his five hundred loyalists, from their uprising to their heroic martyrdom. At the center of the pavilion stands the historical monument dedicated to Tian Heng, which provides a detailed account of the events leading to Qi Wang Tian Heng’s defeat by Liu Bang, his courageous self-immolation, and the collective sacrifice of his loyalists. This pavilion serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic yet valiant history of Tian Heng and his followers.
Tianheng Island Seaside Bathing Area
The Tianheng Island Seaside Bathing Area is located on the southeast side of the island, just a few meters from the coastline. The waves crashing against the shore often splash up to the pool’s edge, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the vastness and grandeur of the ocean.
The bathing area is sheltered from strong winds and large waves, making it an ideal spot for swimming even in less favorable weather. Notably, guests can enjoy night swimming, turning the area into a nearly all-weather swimming facility. The experience of splashing in the pool while gazing at the expansive sea views offers a unique sense of relaxation and enjoyment.
Visitor Guide for Tianheng Island
Transportation on Tianheng Island
On Tianheng Island, there are sightseeing electric car services available for visitors. A full round trip around the island costs 380 yuan, while a half round trip is priced at 220 yuan. The rates can be quite high, so it’s advisable to negotiate the price, especially when there are more people in your group.
Things to Do on Tianheng Island
Fishing: Fishing on Tianheng Island offers a unique experience. The best times to fish are just after high tide and just after low tide, as the water flows gently, making it ideal for fish activity and feeding. You can find bait nearby by digging for sea worms or asking local fishermen for small shrimp. Good fishing spots include the reefs southeast of South Country Paradise, known locally as Luanshi River, and the area east of Dongyuan Restaurant. For a more comfortable experience, the dock is also a nice place to fish. If you’re interested in boat fishing, the best locations are at the entrance of Hengmen Bay, Niu Island, and Maling Island.
Tide Pooling: The eastern, western, and southern coastlines of Tianheng Island are perfect for tide pooling. You can discover a variety of seafood, including clams, crabs, octopuses, sea beans, and kelp. If you’re lucky, you might even find wild sea cucumbers and abalones. At the northeastern end of Polanzi Island, you can dig up the famous Tianheng clams. It’s best to check the tide schedules beforehand, as the lower the tide, the better the experience. Consulting with local fishermen or going with them is advisable.
Sunrise Watching: To catch the sunrise, head to Tianheng Peak. In summer, aim to arrive before 4 AM, while in winter, you can push this back by more than an hour. For sunset, Tianheng Island was historically known as “Hengmen Evening Glow.” The best way to enjoy this view is by taking a boat out to sea, or you can choose a spot on the cliffs southwest of the seawater bath.
Accommodations on Tianheng Island
Luxury Villas (海景别墅): The island features several villa areas, including the Sea View Villas, which are situated right by the coast. These villas provide stunning views, with the east side facing the sunrise and the south side overlooking the vast ocean. Each villa is luxuriously equipped and comes with dedicated butler service, allowing guests to indulge in a serene lifestyle described as “facing the sea, with spring flowers blooming.”
Chinese Garden (中国园): This area showcases traditional Chinese architecture, designed in the style of classic courtyard homes. The four seasonal courtyards—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter—offer a picturesque environment filled with blooming flowers and lush lawns. Strolling through this tranquil setting allows visitors to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of classical Chinese architecture while enjoying the ocean breeze.
Jiulongju Area (九龙居区): Comprising nine buildings of varying styles, this area resembles a dragon soaring into the sky when viewed from above, symbolizing strength and vitality. This unique design adds character to the island and offers a distinctive experience for guests.
Menghai Garden (梦海园): This living area integrates leisure, entertainment, and conference spaces, making it the most vibrant core of the island. It’s perfect for those seeking a lively atmosphere combined with comfort.
Cuisine on Tianheng Island
Tianheng Island is renowned for its seafood, particularly the “Five Treasures of Tianheng” (田横五宝), which include Tianheng clams (田横蛤蜊), horseshoe crabs (马蹄蟹), free-range chicken (土鸡), bass (鲈鱼), and seaweed (海紫菜), complemented by mountain chicken eggs (山鸡蛋). Visitors should try the famous “Five Treasures Feast” (田横五宝宴), featuring saltwater horseshoe crab (盐水马蹄蟹), spicy stir-fried Tianheng clams (辣炒田横蛤蜊), braised free-range chicken with matsutake mushrooms (松菇炖小公鸡), wood-fired bass (木柴大锅鲈鱼), and seaweed soup with mountain chicken eggs (山鸡蛋紫菜羹). Pair your meal with “Warrior’s Wine” (壮士酒) and enjoy staples like homemade corn cakes (玉米饼子) and sweet potato buns (地瓜面包子).