Door of Nature
It is China’s only Tropic of Cancer monument built on an island. Enjoy breathtaking sea views, astronomical wonders through this iconic coastal landmarks located on Nan’ao Island.
- City
- Shantou
- Address
- Qing’ao Bay Plaza, Nan’ao Island, Nan’ao County, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
- Cost
- Free
This striking monument marks the Tropic of Cancer and is the only Tropic of Cancer marker tower built on an island in mainland China. Blending science, art, and natural beauty, it has become a must-visit attraction in Shantou.
Set against golden sands and turquoise waters, the monument offers a unique combination of astronomical significance and spectacular seaside scenery. Located in scenic Qing'ao Bay, the monument is surrounded by one of eastern Guangdong’s most beautiful beaches, often nicknamed the Hawaii of the East.
Inspired by Astronomy
Completed in 2011, The Door of Nature was designed using the Chinese character 门 (door) as its architectural inspiration. The structure stands 20m high and features two leaning pillars supporting a spherical globe, symbolizing the connection between Earth, space, and time.
Its design incorporates meaningful astronomical measurements linked to the solar calendar.
The pillar angle corresponds exactly to the 23°26′ latitude of the Tropic of Cancer, while other dimensions reference the dates of the equinoxes and solstices.
汕头南澳岛北回归线标志.jpeg
The most remarkable moment occurs every year during the summer solstice, when the sun shines directly overhead at noon. Sunlight passes through the circular opening in the sphere and projects onto the center of the platform below, creating the famous phenomenon known as no shadow at noon.
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#### Thumbnail photo by 水餃喵 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
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