Off the coast of Dameisha, a silent sentinel rises from the sea. This is Zhouzai Island, a small, uninhabited islet with a story to tell. Zhouzai Island, also known as Peak Rock, holds a unique position in the history of the region. It’s a large granite island located within Dameisha Bay, part of the larger Dapeng Bay area.
Zhouzai Island was once considered part of Hong Kong’s territory. Historic maps from 1922, created during British rule, clearly mark the island and refer to it by its British name, “Peak Rock”. These maps show Zhouzai Island within Hong Kong’s jurisdiction. However, due to its uninhabited status and proximity to the Chinese mainland, the island was largely ignored by British and Hong Kong authorities. Visitors from Shenzhen could easily access the island by boat without interference.
The island’s status changed after Hong Kong’s handover to China. Discussions between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and the central government in Beijing led to adjustments in the maritime boundary. The waters near the shore, including Zhouzai Island, were transferred to Shenzhen’s administration. This marked the end of the debate regarding the island’s sovereignty.
Today, Zhouzai Island is poised for transformation. A government plan aims to develop the island into a public leisure and tourism attraction. This plan envisions services for public leisure, science popularization, and sightseeing. The development will integrate Zhouzai Island with the nearby Dameisha Seaside Resort and Xiaomeisha Sea World, creating a comprehensive tourism hub. Future plans include Metro stations at Dameisha and Xiaomeisha along Line 8, providing convenient access for visitors. Zhouzai Island is expected to become a flagship attraction in Dameisha and a model for the protection and utilization of offshore islets. Shenzhen is also developing Laishizhou Island, known as Xichong’s Lovers Island, into a leisure and recreational area. This demonstrates Shenzhen’s commitment to enhancing its tourism offerings by utilizing its coastal resources.