This attraction introduction is compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · Scenic Spots section). Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated. Please refer to the latest official announcements from the scenic area before traveling; some content consists of historical background/cultural introductions and is for reference only.
Legend has it that in ancient times, a divine turtle escaped from the East Sea Dragon Palace and swam into the Xiang River. About 40 li upstream from the Xiang River Bridge in Hengyang City, it felt the convergence of heaven and earth spiritual energy, and so the divine turtle concealed itself here and became an island. Whenever mountain floods broke out, the divine turtle would tighten its body and arch upward, and as the water rose, the island grew. Later people called it Dazhou Island.
Dazhou Island is one of the 38 administrative villages of Songjiang Township, with a total area of about 1,146.7 mu, including about 160 mu of dry land and about 139.6 mu of orchards. In the past, the people of Dazhou Island made their living by fishing for generations, with sideline work as a supplement, to fill their stomachs and survive and reproduce. People planted trees and grass at the head, tail, and around the island to prevent floods from raging and maintain ecological balance. The environment here is beautiful, and it rarely suffered plunder from outside forces. People built sheds as houses and could often live a life of half-hunger and half-fullness.
Today's Dazhou Island keeps pace with the times. People fish and dredge sand in the river, go out to work or do business, and live a comfortable, moderately prosperous life. On the island, ancient trees tower to the sky and green trees provide shade; stretches of reeds and clumps of bamboo groves often draw flocks of birds. Flowers bloom in every season, refreshing the heart and mind. "Bamboo shadows quiver, a thousand birds stir" is a true portrayal of the island's beautiful scenery. After tea or a meal, strolling along the tree-shaded paths is truly a special pleasure. Every spring, summer, and golden autumn, guests come to the island for holidays in an endless stream. The islanders are warm and hospitable, and they also look forward to people of vision coming to the island to invest and develop it.
