The Miaodao Islands lie between the Shandong and Liaodong peninsulas in north China, at the confluence of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea. The islands, including 32 islands and 25 reefs in the Bohai Straits, have a land area of 56 square kilometers and a coastline of l 46.41 kilometers. They fall under the jurisdiction of Changdao County.

These bedrock islands were formed by the breaking and sinking of the earths crust, producing grotesque terrain and varied topographies. Each island has its own charms. Wanniao(Ten Thousand Birds)Island is a bird sanctuary where migratorv birds break their long journeys. The Greater and Lesser Zhushan(Bamboo Hill)islands get their name from their many bamboos, bringing with them a touch of southern China. Lesser Heishan Island is populated by over l0,000 highly poisonous vipers. Tuoji Island is a world of rocks in a dazzling variety of shapes.

The islands were settled over l0,000 years ago. Their long and colorful history and culture have produced a rich cultural atmosphere and historical relics in abundance.

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