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The Yongle Islands, located in the South China Sea, are a group of islands within the Xisha Islands. Formerly known as the Lower Eight Islands or the Western Eight Islands, they primarily consist of Ganquan Island, Coral Island, Senping Shoal, Jinqing Island, Chenhang Island, Guangjin Island, Jinyin Island, Zhongjian Island, Huaguang Reef, Panshi Island, and Beijiao. The first six of these islands are situated on a single, large, arc-shaped reef known as the Yongle Atoll. The Yongle Atoll contains 13 islands of varying sizes, with two additional islands outside of it: Zhongjian Island, the largest island in the Yongle Islands, stands apart from the westernmost point of the Xisha Islands; and Panshi Island, an island within the Panshi Island atoll.
Each island is surrounded by sandbanks, with a low, flat center. Freshwater wells are found here, some sweet and drinkable, others usable and undrinkable. There are also tung trees, goat's horn trees, and coconut palms. Numerous gates connect the islands and reefs of the Yongle Archipelago to the sea, including Laocuo Gate, Quanfu Gate, Yinyu Gate, Shiyu Gate, Jinqing Gate, and Ganquan Gate. There are also numerous reefs, including Lingyang Reef. As a result, the Yongle Islands are the most numerous atoll in the South China Sea and the main archipelago of the Xisha Islands. This is a pure and unspoiled paradise, with azure seas, blue skies, clear waters, and white sands.
Tropical monsoon maritime climate;
All seasons are suitable, and November to May is the best season to visit
It is recommended to spend half a day
free
All day
The Yongle Islands are part of the Xisha Archipelago in the South China Sea and are historically significant for their pristine nature and strategic location. These islands are often visited for their rich biodiversity and are part of China's environmental protection initiatives.
The Yongle Islands are located in Sansha City, Hainan Province, China. To reach them, visitors typically take a flight to Sanya or Haikou, followed by a boat or ferry ride to the islands. There are no metro or taxi services available on the islands.
The islands are open to tourists year-round. The best time to visit is between October and April, as the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities like snorkeling and hiking.
Entrance fees to the islands typically depend on the type of tour package chosen. Prices vary from around 200-500 RMB for a day trip. Tickets can be bought online or at the departure ports in Sanya or Haikou.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. A booking window of 1-2 weeks in advance is ideal for securing a spot on the ferry or tour.
To fully explore the Yongle Islands, plan for a day or two. A day trip can cover most of the major spots, but staying overnight on nearby islands can provide a more relaxed experience with extra time for snorkeling or hiking.
Guided tours are available and are typically conducted in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available for international tourists upon request, especially during peak seasons.
The best viewpoints are from the higher points on the islands, offering panoramic views of the clear blue waters and surrounding islands. The beaches also provide fantastic photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
Start with a boat tour around the islands, stopping at the main beaches and snorkeling spots. Then, explore the island's nature trails before enjoying a relaxed afternoon at one of the beaches. Conclude with a sunset view from a scenic point on the island.
Night visits are generally not available due to limited infrastructure. However, some tours may offer sunset views and special activities during the day, such as night fishing or stargazing from the beach.
The islands are less crowded during weekdays and the off-season (May to September). Weekends and public holidays tend to be busier, so plan to visit during quieter times to enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Basic facilities are available on the islands, including rest areas, toilets, and small food vendors offering local snacks. For a more substantial meal, you may need to return to nearby towns or resorts.
The islands are accessible for children and elderly visitors. However, some parts of the islands may be challenging for people with mobility issues due to uneven terrain. It’s best to consult with local tour operators for accessibility options.
Cash is not commonly used on the islands, and mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. It's a good idea to have a charged phone with internet access for any mobile transactions.
There are no large restaurants or cafes on the islands. Most food options are small local vendors offering snacks. For more extensive dining, visitors must return to Wanning City or Sanya.
Vegetarian options are available, although the selection is limited. Halal food options are not widely found on the islands but may be available in larger cities like Sanya.
Souvenir shops on the islands offer local handicrafts such as seashell jewelry, traditional clothes, and beach-themed items. For more diverse options, return to Sanya or Wanning.
