Speaking of tourist attractions that have seasonal appeal, this small island in China might be the most fascinating one yet.
Dubbed the ‘lucky turtle island’, the rock only emerges from the water and takes the shape of a turtle once a year for about a month.
For nine months every year, the rock stays under the Muodaoxi River in Chongqing; while for the rest two months, it appears to connect to the rest of the mountain because of low water levels.
The interesting natural phenomenon has apparently made the rock a popular tourist attraction in China, and the best time to observe it is mid-March.
A remarkable aerial footage released by China’s Xinhua News Agency today shows the island in its most vivid and complete manner.
According to People’s Daily Online, since 2015 tourists have flocked to the bank of Muodaoxi River every spring in hope of getting a glimpse of the giant turtle, an auspicious sign in China representing longevity.
The rock’s appearance depends on the amount of floodwater heading downstream. The turtle shape only appears when the water level stands between 163 and 168 metres (534 and 551 feet).
Muodaoxi river is located within the Three Gorges Reservoir Region and the water level is controlled by the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest power station by installed capacity.
Spring is the best time to enjoy the scene because the Three Gorges Reservoir supplies water to the areas downstream, which brings down the water level.
‘It’s a popular saying round here for the arrival of spring, we just say the turtle is coming,’ said local Meng Liu.
When the river is at its normal depth at 175 metres (574 feet), the island only shows a small tip above the water.
In comparison, when the water falls to around 145 metres (475 feet), the rock becomes connected to the mainland.
