Liugong Island

​1. Overview​​
Liugong Island, a ​​UNESCO World Heritage candidate​​ and ​​China's first national marine forest park​​, is a microcosm of Shandong's coastal history. Its strategic location made it a naval stronghold since the ​​Qing Dynasty​​, while its natural beauty earned nicknames like "Fairy Isle on the Sea."

​​2. Historical Significance​​

• ​​Military Legacy​​:
  • Headquarters of the ​​Beiyang Fleet​​ (1888), destroyed in the ​​First Sino-Japanese War (1894–95)​​.
  • ​​28 preserved battle sites​​, including ​​Dingyuan Warship replica​​ and ​​Beiyang Navy Memorial Hall​​.
• ​​Colonial Era​​: British-occupied (1898–1930), leaving ​​Victorian-style buildings​​ like St. Michael's Church.
• ​​Ancient Roots​​: ​​Warring States Period (475–221 BCE) ruins​​ and Han Dynasty legends of "Liu Gong," a benevolent elder who rescued sailors.

​​3. Key Attractions​​

• ​​Museum of Sino-Japanese War​​:
  • Exhibits 500+ photos, 300+ artifacts (e.g., naval uniforms, weapons), and 4D battle simulations.
• ​​Liugong Island Expo Park​​:
  • Features ​​jade murals​​, a ​​13-string water harp​​, and the ​​Whale Museum​​ (home to a 19.6m sperm whale specimen).
• ​​National Forest Park​​:
  • ​​Black pine forests​​, wild ​​sika deer​​, and scenic trails like ​​Tingtao Cliff​​.

​​4. Natural Wonders​​

• ​​Biodiversity​​: 100+ plant species, 50+ bird types, and protected animals like ​​pandas​​ and ​​Père David's deer​​.
• ​​Coastline​​: Sandy southern beaches contrast with northern cliffs, ideal for sunrise views.

​​5. Visitor Experience​​

• ​​Tickets​​: ¥130 (includes ferry ride; ​​real-name booking required​​).
• ​​Ferry Schedule​​: 6:50 AM–4:30 PM (20-min ride from Weihai Tourism Dock).
• ​​Dining​​: Seafood at ​​Liugong Island Fish Shop​​ or British-themed cafes.

​​6. Cultural Impact​​

• ​​Patriotism Hub​​: President Xi Jinping visited in 2018, urging citizens to "remember historical lessons."
• ​​Global Recognition​​: Featured in ​​National Geographic​​ for its "layered narrative of conflict and resilience."

​​7. Conservation​​
AI monitors forest health, while ​​3D scanning​​ preserves wartime relics.