The Submarine Villages in Haikou

The Submarine Villages in Haikou

Overview

The Submarine Villages (海南海底村庄地震遗址) are a unique geological heritage site in Hainan, China, recognized as the only historical location where land has sunk into the sea due to an earthquake. This extraordinary event occurred over 300 years ago during a rare seismic occurrence.

Description

The Submarine Villages are the remnants of ancient cultural relics submerged by an earthquake. At low tide, visitors can observe flat ancient farmland extending 10 kilometers from Puqian Bay (铺前湾) to Beichuang Port (北创港) in a shallow sea area. Faint traces of ancient villages can be spotted along the beaches from Dongzhai Port (东寨港) to Puqian Bay. Through the clear waters, one can see an organized arrangement of basalt stone coffins, tombstones, wells, and millstones.

Not far from Dongzhai Port lies a well-preserved stage constructed of square stone blocks. Approximately four kilometers north of Puqian Bay is the ancient “Rencun” (仁村) site, where remnants of courtyards and irregular house foundations can be discerned through about 10 meters of seawater. Beneath the sea between Puqian Bay and Beichuang Port stands a finely carved “Chastity Archway” (贞节牌坊). The “Juewei Ditch” (绝尾沟) that runs under Dongzhai Port is a crack left by the earthquake, measuring over 10 meters deep and more than 20 meters wide. On the ancient riverbed to the east, a stone bridge still spans the river.

Experts from the earthquake department believe that this phenomenon indicates a vertical subsidence of the land, a rare occurrence in China’s seismic history. Each year after the Qingming Festival, when the sea water becomes clear, locals visit the area near Dongzhai Port to see the “Village Stones,” where the ancient stage is covered with oysters and shells. During low tide, nearby villagers often come to catch fish and shrimp.

In recent years, many domestic and international tourists have visited the Submarine Villages, drawn by the mystery of this earthquake site. They pay homage to the ancient inhabitants lost to the sea while also appreciating the scenic beauty of this unique tourist destination.

Earthquake Disaster

Complex geological movements have brought both disaster and wonder. The Submarine Villages are located in the bay between Dongzhai Port and Puqian Town (铺前镇) in Wenchang City (文昌市). In the Ming Dynasty (公元1605), a major earthquake devastated Hainan Island, causing about 100 square kilometers of land, consisting of 72 villages, to gradually sink vertically into the sea by approximately 3 to 4 meters. This phenomenon is extremely rare. During low tide in May and June, boat tours allow glimpses of the sunken village ruins, including courtyards, stone bridges, and ancient stages, marking it as the only discovered underwater earthquake ruin in China.

Historical Significance

The Submarine Villages stand as a testament to nature’s powerful transformations, providing invaluable historical data for earthquake research. They captivate both local and foreign tourists. Experts from Hainan’s Earthquake Bureau note that the province is rich in geological heritage resources, including volcanic activity sites, structural erosion sites, meteorite remnants, coastal erosion sites, karst formations, and hot spring relics.

Hainan has numerous developed geological sites, such as Wuzhishan (五指山), Qixianling (七仙岭), and Dongshan Ridge (东山岭), along with various caves and unique rock formations. There are still many undeveloped geological sites with great potential, including over 31 peaks exceeding 1,000 meters in elevation, numerous caves, and more than 200 small islands formed by basalt, granite, and marine sediment, as well as the coral islands of the South China Sea.

These geological relics, formed through long geological processes, not only hold significant scientific value but also serve as ideal locations for popular science and sightseeing activities.

Transportation

To reach the Submarine Villages, visitors can take a minibus from Haikou (海口) to Puqian (铺前). Upon arrival, it is recommended to hire a three-wheeled vehicle for the final leg of the journey to the beach area where the submarine ruins are visible.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

The optimal time to visit is during low tide, particularly in May and June, when visibility of the underwater ruins is best.

Safety Precautions

When exploring the area, always be cautious of changing tides and adhere to local guidelines to ensure safety.

Guided Tours

Consider joining a guided tour for a comprehensive experience, which includes historical context and insights into the geological significance of the site.