1605 January 1 a magnitude 7.5 earthquake occurred in Qiongshan, Hainan Island

1605年7月13日a magnitude 7.5 earthquake occurred in Qiongshan, Hainan IslandUpdate time：2025-07-17 20:44:36

419 years ago today, on July 13, 1605 (May 28, 1605 in the lunar calendar), a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Qiongshan, Hainan Island.
It was the only major earthquake in history that caused land to sink into the sea. The land subsidence was generally 3-4 meters, and the maximum land subsidence into the sea was more than 10 meters. In addition to more than 100 square kilometers of land in the earthquake zone that penetrated into the seabed, thousands of square kilometers of land also sank to varying degrees. The earthquake was felt as far north as Linwu County, Hunan, more than 600 kilometers away, and the 6-degree damage range reached Luchuan and Bobai in Guangxi, more than 300 kilometers away, and Yangjiang in Guangdong.
Historical data. Introduction to
the Haikou Undersea Village Ruins Scenic Area The ancient earthquake ruins that integrate the history and humanistic connotation of the four hundred years of villages sinking under the sea in northern Hainan have important scientific research value, archaeological value and tourism value, and should be protected. However, today when people visit the ruins of the ancient underwater village, they find that some large and complete relics have disappeared, and the protection of the ruins is out of the question. In addition to being amazed, I can't help but feel regretful and helpless. 1. The disaster left behind a "rare" heritage. The largest earthquake in history; the underwater village became the only earthquake site in China where the land sank into the sea. The magnitude was 7.5, the maximum intensity in the epicenter was 10 degrees, the focal depth was 15 kilometers, and the maximum vertical rise and fall of the ground was 3 meters to 4 meters. The land sank into the sea ruins were distributed over 100 square kilometers, including dozens of ancient villages, cemeteries, archways, bridges, trees, farmland, salt fields, as well as earthquake fissures and sand liquefaction water spraying belts. The earthquake was felt in a wide range, from Nanling in the north to Linwu, Hunan, Guilin in Guangxi, and to Huilai and Chaozhou (Haiyang) in eastern Guangdong in the northeast. 2. Large relics are constantly lost 3. Archaeological excavations have almost zero history, but there are many different statements and contradictions in these records, and we can't help but feel doubtful. What was the layout and structure of the underwater village like back then? Is there any difference from the written records? Has its layout and structure changed over the years? What is its cultural connotation? What is its scientific research value? At that time, what level was this area at in terms of political, economic and cultural development in Hainan? What status was it? What was the political, economic and cultural exchange situation between it and the mainland? Answering this series of questions all depends on archaeological investigation and excavation. Historical relics not only have certain historical and cultural value, but also have great natural science research value; the underwater village obviously has a strong mysterious color. If its layout can be clarified and the ancient villages, dwellings, ancient temples, tombs, etc. can be more clearly displayed in front of people, it should be a unique domestic tourism resource. Historical and cultural resources are already very limited. Should we let this "treasure" be lost before our eyes? 4. Cultural and museum experts "shy" to mention the protection of historical and cultural cities. During the planning process, some experts proposed that it is necessary to list the underwater village separately and make a separate protection plan. But this suggestion was not adopted. For this reason, Zhang Kunrong felt "at his wit's end". The historical node may be completely unrecognizable. But the appeals and proposals fell on deaf ears. 5. How to develop is worth exploring. Only by carrying out historical archaeological research and natural science research can the existing research results be enriched. "He also believes that Hainan's natural landscape resources have been generally developed and utilized, but the development of cultural relics and historical sites is far from enough. The underwater village reflects the relationship between cultural relics and historical sites and the natural environment. It has both history and natural phenomena and humanistic content. It is undoubtedly a major "highlight" in domestic tourism resources. Once successfully developed and utilized, it will have immeasurable significance for enriching Hainan's cultural connotation and enhancing Hainan's popularity.