Huludao, a prefecture-level city in southwestern Liaoning Province, China, is a coastal gem nestled along the Bohai Sea, approximately 300 km southwest of Shenyang, the provincial capital, and 150 km west of Dalian. Known as the "Gateway to Northeast China," Huludao is named after its gourd-shaped peninsula ("Huludao" means "Gourd Island"). With a population of 2,434,194 as of the 2020 census (632,717 in its urban core), Huludao spans 10,414.94 km², blending urban vibrancy, industrial prowess, and scenic beauty. The city is renowned for its beaches, historical sites like the Jiumenkou Great Wall, and its role as a petrochemical and port hub.
Huludao is located in the Liaoxi Corridor, a strategic coastal region
connecting Northeast China to the North China Plain. Its 261.5-km
coastline along the Bohai Sea features sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and
offshore islands like Juhua Island. The terrain is diverse, with 50%
mountains and hills, 40% plains, and significant forest coverage (45%).
The Liugu River and Wujin River support agriculture and industry.
Huludao administers three districts (Longgang, Lianshan, and Nanpiao),
one county (Suizhong), and two county-level cities (Xingcheng and
Jianchang), encompassing 47 towns, 1,177 villages, and 208 communities.
Huludao has a monsoon-influenced humid continental climate (Köppen
Dwa), moderated by its coastal location:
Summer (June–August):
Warm and humid, with temperatures averaging 24–28°C (75–82°F). August is
the wettest month, contributing to the annual 600–800 mm precipitation.
Typhoons are rare but possible.
Winter (December–February): Cold and
dry, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F).
Snowfall is light, and the Bohai Sea prevents extreme cold.
Spring
and Autumn: Mild and ideal for tourism, with April–May and
September–October offering clear skies and temperatures of 15–20°C
(59–68°F). Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage enhance the city’s
appeal. Huludao’s air quality is relatively good, benefiting from
coastal breezes and reduced heavy industry compared to inland Liaoning
cities. Its beaches and wetlands, like the Longwan Coastal Wetland,
support biodiversity.
Huludao’s history reflects its strategic coastal position and
cultural diversity:
Prehistoric and Ancient Period:
Archaeological evidence links Huludao to the Hongshan Culture (4700–2900
BC), with jade artifacts found in Jianchang. During the Warring States
Period (475–221 BC), it was part of the Yan state. The Qin (221–206 BC)
and Han (206 BC–220 AD) dynasties built fortifications, including early
Great Wall segments.
Ming Dynasty (1368–1644): Huludao was a military
outpost, with the Jiumenkou Great Wall constructed in Suizhong to defend
against Mongol invasions. Xingcheng, a well-preserved Ming-era city,
served as a regional stronghold.
Qing Dynasty (1644–1912): Known as
Jinxi, Huludao was a trade and fishing hub. Its port facilitated
commerce with Shandong and Tianjin.
Japanese Occupation (1931–1945):
After the Mukden Incident, Japan occupied Huludao, developing its port
and railways for resource extraction. The city suffered economic
hardship and forced labor.
Post-WWII and Communist Era: Post-1949,
Huludao was prioritized for industrial development, particularly
petrochemicals and shipbuilding. The establishment of the Huludao
Shipyard in 1958 marked its rise as a naval and commercial shipbuilding
center. The city was officially named Huludao in 1989, reflecting its
geographic identity.
Modern Era: Huludao has grown into a key port
and industrial city, with tourism gaining prominence due to its beaches,
historical sites, and proximity to Beijing. Environmental efforts and
economic diversification are addressing the challenges of its industrial
past.
Huludao’s economy is driven by industry, port activities, tourism,
and agriculture, leveraging its coastal advantages:
Petrochemicals: Huludao is a major petrochemical hub, with China
National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) operating large refineries. The
city produces fuels, plastics, and chemicals, contributing 30% to
Liaoning’s petrochemical output.
Shipbuilding: The Bohai Shipyard
(Huludao Shipyard) builds naval vessels, including submarines, and
commercial ships. It employs 10,000 workers and is a cornerstone of the
local economy.
Port Activities: Huludao Port, part of the Bohai
Economic Rim, handles 50 million tons of cargo annually, including oil,
coal, and containers. It supports trade with South Korea and Japan.
Metallurgy and Mining: Huludao produces steel and aluminum, with mines
extracting coal, gold, and zinc. Nanpiao District is known for its coal
reserves, though output has declined.
Agriculture and Fisheries: The
Liugu River valley supports rice, corn, and fruits like pears and
peaches. The Bohai Sea yields seafood, including shrimp, crabs, and
oysters, with Xingcheng and Suizhong leading production.
Tourism:
Huludao’s beaches, historical sites, and hot springs attract 8 million
visitors annually, generating 15 billion CNY. Jiumenkou Great Wall and
Xingcheng Ancient City are top draws.
Economic Data: In 2022,
Huludao’s GDP was 92.7 billion CNY, with industry (45%), services (40%),
and agriculture (15%) as key sectors. Urban per-capita disposable income
was 24,000 CNY, reflecting moderate prosperity.
Challenges:
Dependence on heavy industry has caused pollution, though green
initiatives like offshore wind farms are reducing environmental impact.
Economic diversification remains a priority.
Huludao’s culture blends coastal charm, historical significance, and
multi-ethnic influences:
Historical Legacy: The Ming Dynasty’s
influence is evident in Xingcheng Ancient City, a UNESCO-nominated site
with preserved walls and temples. The Jiumenkou Great Wall, unique for
spanning a river, symbolizes Huludao’s military past.
Ethnic
Diversity: The Han Chinese majority coexists with Manchu, Mongol, and
Hui communities. Manchu traditions, like archery and festivals, are
preserved in Jianchang, while Hui cuisine adds culinary diversity.
Festivals: Key events include:
Huludao International Beach
Festival (July): Features beach sports, seafood feasts, and fireworks at
Longwan Beach.
Xingcheng Hot Spring Festival (Winter): Celebrates the
city’s therapeutic hot springs with cultural performances.
Jiumenkou
Great Wall Festival (September): Includes hiking and historical
reenactments.
Education: Huludao hosts Liaoning University of
Technology’s Huludao Campus, focusing on engineering and maritime
studies. Vocational colleges train workers for shipbuilding and tourism.
Cuisine: Huludao’s coastal cuisine emphasizes seafood, with dishes like
grilled oysters, crab dumplings, and Bohai shrimp. Local specialties
include Xingcheng’s pear soup and Jianchang’s roasted lamb. Night
markets, like Longgang’s Seafood Street, offer diverse flavors.
Community: Huludao’s residents are known for their hospitality, with
beachside promenades and parks like Tashan Park hosting social
activities like dancing and kite-flying.
Key Attractions
Huludao’s attractions combine coastal beauty, historical landmarks, and
natural wonders:
Jiumenkou Great Wall:
A UNESCO World Heritage
Site in Suizhong, this Ming Dynasty Great Wall section is unique for its
nine water gates spanning the Jiujiang River. It offers hiking trails
and views of the Bohai Sea.
Visitor Tips: Entry ¥60; visit in autumn
for mild weather and foliage.
Xingcheng Ancient City:
A
4A-rated site in Xingcheng, this well-preserved Ming Dynasty city
features 600-year-old walls, gates, and temples. Key sites include the
Confucian Temple, General’s Mansion, and Bell Tower.
Highlights:
Historical tours and cultural performances; entry ¥50.
Longwan
Beach (Dragon Bay):
A 5-km sandy beach in Longgang District, popular
for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The adjacent Longwan Coastal
Wetland is a birdwatching haven for migratory species like egrets.
Activities: Beach volleyball and seafood dining; free entry to the
beach.
Juhua Island (Chrysanthemum Island):
An offshore island
in Xingcheng, accessible by ferry, known for its rocky cliffs, Taoist
temples, and clear waters. The island’s Zhangshan Temple, built in the
Yuan Dynasty, attracts pilgrims.
Visitor Tips: Ferry ¥50 round-trip;
overnight stays recommended.
Tashan Park:
A hilltop park in
Lianshan District with pagodas, gardens, and panoramic city views. It’s
a local favorite for morning exercises and evening strolls.
Access:
Free entry; cable car available.
Xingcheng Hot Springs:
A
therapeutic hot spring resort in Xingcheng, offering mineral-rich waters
for relaxation and health benefits. Modern spas and traditional
bathhouses cater to visitors.
Highlights: Winter visits for warmth;
entry ¥100–200.
Shuoyue Mountain Scenic Area:
A forested
mountain in Jianchang with hiking trails, waterfalls, and Buddhist
shrines. It’s ideal for eco-tourism and autumn foliage.
Activities:
Hiking and photography; entry ¥40.
Huludao is a key transport hub in the Liaoxi Corridor:
Rail:
Huludao Railway Station and Xingcheng Station offer high-speed trains to
Shenyang (2 hours, ¥100), Beijing (3.5 hours, ¥250), and Dalian (2
hours, ¥80). The Qinshen Passenger Railway connects to Tianjin and
Qinhuangdao.
Road: The G1 Jingha Expressway and G16 Dandong–Xilinhot
Expressway link Huludao to Shenyang, Jinzhou, and Beijing. Long-distance
buses from Huludao Bus Terminal serve regional routes.
Sea: Huludao
Port operates cargo and passenger services, with ferries to Juhua Island
and Shandong ports like Yantai. The port supports fishing and trade.
Air: Jinzhou Jinzhouwan Airport, 50 km away, serves domestic flights,
with shuttles to Huludao (1 hour, ¥30). Shenyang Taoxian International
Airport (3 hours) is an alternative.
Local Transport: Buses (¥1–2)
and taxis (¥7 base fare) cover the urban core. Bike-sharing and
e-scooters suit coastal routes, especially in Longgang.
Huludao is balancing industrial growth with tourism and
sustainability:
Urban Development: Longgang and Lianshan
districts feature modern malls, hotels, and waterfront developments.
The Huludao Economic Development Zone attracts foreign investment in
tech and logistics.
Sustainability: Offshore wind farms and
wetland conservation have reduced pollution. The Longwan Wetland’s
restoration earned Huludao national eco-city status.
Hospitality:
Hotels range from budget chains like Hanting Hotel (¥100–150/night)
to upscale options like Sheraton Huludao (¥400/night). Restaurants
along Seafood Street serve fresh Bohai catches, with Xingcheng’s hot
spring resorts offering dining and wellness packages.
Nightlife
and Shopping: Longgang Commercial Street and Xingcheng Night Market
are bustling with shops and food stalls. Beachside bars and
teahouses provide evening relaxation.
Community Engagement:
Huludao’s coastal lifestyle fosters a vibrant community, with events
like the Beach Festival promoting local pride.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–August) for beach activities; autumn
(September–October) for mild weather and foliage; spring (April–May) for
blossoms. Winter suits hot spring visits and budget travel.
Getting
Around: Use buses or taxis for urban travel; rent a car for Suizhong or
Jianchang. Ferries to Juhua Island require advance booking.
Cultural
Etiquette: Respect Manchu and Hui traditions, especially in rural areas.
Basic Mandarin is useful; English is limited. Carry ID for historical
site entry.
Packing: Light clothing for summer, layers for
spring/autumn, and warm coats for winter. Comfortable shoes suit beach
and mountain exploration; bring sunscreen for coastal areas.
Safety:
Huludao is safe, with low crime rates. Watch for rip currents at beaches
and confirm taxi fares upfront.