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Yongxing Island, also known as "Lin Island", is named after the dense forests on the island. It belongs to the Xuande Islands in the eastern part of the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea. It is a coral island formed by the accumulation of white coral shell sand on the reef platform. It is oval in shape. It is the largest island in the Xisha Islands in terms of land area. Before the reclamation of the Nansha Islands, it had always been the largest island in the South China Sea.
Yongxing Island serves as the economic, military, and political center of the Xisha, Nansha, and Zhongsha archipelagos. It serves as the headquarters of the Sansha Municipal People's Government, numerous higher-level agencies, municipal-level units, and the Yongxing Work and Management Committee. The island boasts government buildings, schools, banks, post offices, hospitals, shops, hotels, libraries, an airport, a port, a weather station, and a garrison base. With comprehensive production and living facilities, it is a veritable new island metropolis.
Tropical monsoon climate with characteristics of oceanic climate;
Suitable for all seasons
Yongxing Island has a mild climate, with a water transparency of 20-30 meters, and a maximum of 34 meters. The water is clear and the waves are white. There are many kinds of corals in the sea.
There are rich and colorful marine life such as fish, shrimp, crab, shellfish, algae, etc., which form a unique underwater wonder.
The island is full of strange rocks and secluded caves; there are large groves of crabapple trees that have not been blown down by thousands of years of strong winds and rough waves, as well as other precious tree species and artificial forests.
It is recommended to visit for 1~2 days
free
All day
Yongxing Island is part of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea and holds strategic importance. It serves as the administrative center for Sansha City. The island is historically significant due to its role in maritime navigation and territorial claims. It is a key location for scientific research, military presence, and eco-tourism in the region.
Yongxing Island is located in the South China Sea, approximately 330 km southeast of Hainan's Sanya City. The island is accessible by boat or plane, with flights and boat services operating from Sanya and other nearby locations. There are no direct metro, bus, or taxi services to the island.
Yongxing Island is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April. The weather is pleasant, with less rain and more sun. The peak tourist seasons are in the summer months, but it’s advisable to visit during the off-peak period for fewer crowds.
There is no entrance fee for the island itself, but visitors will need to pay for transportation (boat or flight). Tickets for these services can be purchased online through travel agencies or at the respective ticketing locations in Sanya or other departure points.
Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. For boat services, it’s best to book at least 1-2 days ahead, while flights may require booking several weeks in advance during busy periods.
You can explore Yongxing Island in a day or two, depending on the activities you want to do. A full day allows for relaxing on the beaches, visiting the lighthouse, and exploring the local culture. Scuba diving or snorkeling can also be done within a day.
Guided tours are available on Yongxing Island, especially for marine activities and island exploration. Tours are typically conducted in Mandarin, but some English-speaking guides may be available for tourists during the peak season. It’s best to book a tour in advance for language-specific requests.
Start your day by visiting the lighthouse for panoramic views of the island and the sea. Afterward, head to the beaches to enjoy the clear waters and relaxed atmosphere. In the afternoon, explore the local fishing villages and take a boat tour to appreciate the island from the sea. You can end your day with more beach time or a sunset walk.
There are no night visits or light shows on Yongxing Island. The island is more focused on daytime activities such as beach relaxation, sightseeing, and water sports.
The island can get crowded during the summer months and public holidays. For a quieter experience, visit during the off-peak months, such as from November to February. Weekdays also tend to be less crowded compared to weekends.
Basic facilities are available on the island, including public toilets and small shops selling drinks and snacks. There are no large restaurants, so it's advisable to bring your own food and water for a more comfortable visit.
While the island is relatively undeveloped, it is accessible to elderly visitors and children for the most part. However, some of the hiking or beach areas may not be suitable for people with mobility issues. It’s important to check with local tour operators for specific accessibility information.
Cash is often preferred on the island, especially in smaller shops and eateries. Some services, like boat tickets, may accept mobile payments or cards, but it’s advisable to carry cash for convenience.
There are no large restaurants or cafes on Yongxing Island, but small local food stalls offer basic meals. For a wider variety of dining options, you can visit Sanya or Haikou, where more restaurants are available.
Vegetarian and vegan options may be limited on the island. However, Sanya and Haikou offer a wider range of vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options.
There are no major hotels on Yongxing Island, but you can stay in Sanya or Haikou, where a wide range of accommodations are available, including beach resorts, budget hotels, and luxury options.
There are small souvenir shops on the island selling local handicrafts, such as seashell jewelry, keychains, and Hainan-themed souvenirs.
