Leiqiong Haikou Volcanoes Global Geopark

Volcanic Eruption Relics: A Testament to Nature's Artistry

The Leiqiong Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark is located in Shishan Town, Haikou City. The park boasts a diverse range of volcanoes, making it a natural geological museum. From the highest point of the crater, you can enjoy panoramic views of Haikou City and the Qiongzhou Strait, with captivating scenery.

Walking along the scenic trail, you'll be surrounded by lush tropical plants and see volcanic eruption relics such as basalt and lava flows. There is also a Volcanic Stone Tool Culture Park, showcasing village gates, stone mills, stone bowls, stone basins, stone tables, sugarcane tools, and more, all made of volcanic stone from the volcanic region more than 2,000 years ago. Immersing yourself in this environment feels like stepping back into the Stone Age.

At the end of the trail is the Volcano Temple, featuring a horizontal plaque that reads "Mountains Match Heaven" and stone tablets inscribed with "Great King God," "Earth God," and "Yingzhu God." Further up the slope are 199 steps, with 99 representing the Double Ninth Festival and 100 signifying longevity upon completing the ascent of this crater.

Beyond that is the Saddle Ridge Crater, one of the world's best-preserved dormant volcanoes. The center is concave, and the prominent north and south peaks are called Wind Furnace Ridge and Bun Ridge, respectively. From a distance, it resembles a large saddle, hence the name Saddle Ridge.

Along the mountain trail are five viewing platforms where you can admire the crater's scenery. Among them, Saddle Ridge Crater is the highest point in Haikou, with an altitude of 222.8 meters. On clear days, the visibility is excellent, and many tourists take photos here. Another noteworthy viewpoint is the Front Vermilion Bird (Haikou View) observation deck, offering distant views of the azure sea and sky of the Qiongzhou Strait and the high-rise buildings of Haikou City, resembling a peacock spreading its tail. To the south, you can see the undulating volcanic clusters covered by tropical rainforests, with charming scenery.

In addition to viewing the crater from the perimeter, you can also enter the bottom of the Wind Furnace Ridge crater along the trail. Its shape resembles a large pot, reportedly large enough to accommodate ten thousand people. The crater is very cool and full of plants, making it a natural oxygen bar. You can also see volcanic ejecta, lava cakes, volcanic bombs, and other relics of volcanic eruptions.