The Crown Jewel Of Big Bear: 7 Fascinating Secrets Of China Island (Garstin Island)
The phrase "China Island Big Bear" often conjures images of a secluded, mysterious landmass somewhere off the coast of Asia, but the reality is far more surprising and closer to home for many North Americans. As of late 2025, this iconic landmark remains one of the most intriguing and photographed pieces of real estate in the United States, a true "Crown Jewel" of the San Bernardino Mountains. The island, officially known as Garstin Island, is a privately-owned, rocky outcrop nestled in the pristine waters of Big Bear Lake, California, famous for its unique, century-old Chinese-inspired architecture.
The persistent curiosity surrounding its name—"China Island"—stems from the Oriental-style buildings perched dramatically atop its granite boulders, a feature that has cemented its status as a historical and cultural centerpiece of the Big Bear region. This article dives deep into the island's true identity, its surprising history, and its current status as a highly coveted, legendary property that continues to make news in the local real estate and arts scenes.
Garstin Island: The True Identity and Historical Profile
To fully appreciate the legend of "China Island," one must first understand its official and historical nomenclature. The island is a small, rocky formation located just off the westernmost shores of Big Bear Lake, near the Big Bear Dam.
- Official Name: Garstin Island
- Most Common Nickname: China Island
- Alternative Nickname: Treasure Island
- Location: Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino Mountains, California, USA
- Original Builder: Herbert Garstin
- Wife: Maude Garstin
- Year of Construction: Circa 1910–1912
- Architectural Style: Unique blend of local granite and Oriental-style "China Huts"
- Property Status: Privately Owned Residence (The only island with a structure on Big Bear Lake)
- Property Address: 58 Big Bear Trail, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
The island’s history is inextricably linked to the development of the Big Bear Valley itself. Its original owner, Herbert Garstin, was a pivotal figure in the region, serving as the head of the powerful Bear Valley Mutual Water Company in the early 20th century.
The Mystery of the Name: Why is it Called China Island?
The most common search query for this landmark is "China Island Big Bear," a name that has stuck for over a century despite its official designation as Garstin Island. This nickname is not a reference to a geopolitical location but a direct result of its distinctive architecture.
The Vision of Herbert and Maude Garstin
Herbert Garstin and his wife, Maude Garstin, envisioned their private island as a unique paradise. They commissioned the construction of a distinctive home that featured multiple small, pagoda-like structures, often referred to locally as "China Huts." These structures were ingeniously built directly into the large, natural granite boulders that form the island's foundation.
The Oriental design, with its sweeping, curved rooflines and intricate detailing, was highly unusual for the rustic mountain setting of Big Bear Lake in the 1910s. This architectural anomaly immediately captured the public's imagination, leading locals and visitors alike to dub the spot "China Island."
The Treasure Island Connection
The island also earned the nickname "Treasure Island," likely due to its secluded, exclusive nature and the romantic, exotic feel of the property. For the many boaters and sightseers on Big Bear Lake, the sight of the small, rocky island with its distinctive buildings rising from the water truly felt like discovering a hidden treasure.
Real Estate, Architecture, and Current Status (2025 Update)
Garstin Island remains a highly exclusive and private residence. While the island itself is not currently listed for sale, the recent real estate activity in the surrounding area highlights its immense value as a landmark. The island property, located at 58 Big Bear Trl, is described in property records as "The Crown Jewel of Big Bear" and features a 4-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom house.
The Unique "China Huts" Architecture
The architectural elements are the island's defining feature and the reason for its enduring fame. The buildings are not a single, large structure but a collection of smaller, interconnected "huts" that maximize the limited space on the rocky outcrop. The use of natural granite from the island itself, combined with the imported, exotic design elements, makes it a one-of-a-kind example of early 20th-century Southern California mountain architecture.
The structures are a testament to the engineering challenges of building on an isolated, granite island over a century ago. This blend of natural beauty and exotic design ensures the island remains a favorite subject for artists and photographers.
China Island’s Cultural Relevance in 2024 and 2025
Despite being privately owned, Garstin Island continues to play a significant role in the community life of Big Bear Lake. Its iconic status makes it a central reference point for major local events:
- Big Bear Boat Parade of Lights: The island is frequently cited as the starting point for the annual Labor Day Weekend Boat Parade of Lights, which is already scheduled for the 2025 season.
- Plein Air Arts Competition: In 2024, the island was the inspiration for a winning piece of art. Victoria Huff's painting, "Garstin Island Luster," secured 3rd place in the annual Plein Air arts competition, proving its continued appeal as a muse for creatives.
- Tourist Landmark: Tour boats, such as the Big Bear Queen, regularly cruise past the island, highlighting it as a key landmark alongside celebrity homes.
7 Essential Facts About the Legendary China Island
The history and mystique of this California landmark are rich with details that go beyond its simple name. Here are seven fascinating facts that underscore the island's unique status:
- It’s Not in China: The island is definitively located in Big Bear Lake, California, USA, a common point of confusion for those only familiar with its nickname.
- The Only Developed Island: Garstin Island is the only island on Big Bear Lake that features a permanent, developed structure, making it incredibly unique and valuable.
- An Engineer’s Home: The original builder, Herbert Garstin, was the head of the local water company, giving him both the means and the knowledge to select and develop this prime, isolated location.
- A Swimmer’s Destination: The rocky outcrop behind the island is a popular, albeit adventurous, spot for local swimmers and tourists to climb and jump into the lake's cool waters.
- A 4-Bedroom Retreat: The house on the island is a surprisingly substantial residence, recorded as a 4-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom property, offering sweeping lake and mountain views.
- Protected History: Its age and historical significance mean the architecture and structure are protected, ensuring the unique "China Huts" style will be preserved for future generations.
- The "Big Bear" Connection: The "Big Bear" in the name simply refers to Big Bear Lake, which is itself named after the abundance of grizzly bears once found in the surrounding San Bernardino Mountains.
Garstin Island, or "China Island," is more than just a piece of property; it is a living piece of Californian history, a testament to early 20th-century architectural ambition, and a perpetually intriguing landmark that continues to captivate visitors to Big Bear Lake.
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