China Sansha Lighthouses～～

⛱️Must-visit attractions, travel guide, accommodation guide
Sansha City is the southernmost prefecture-level city in China, administering the Xisha Islands, Zhongsha Islands, and Nansha Islands, boasting stunning tropical island scenery and pristine marine ecology. Currently, parts of the Xisha Islands (Yongle Islands) are open to tourists, but access must be through officially designated channels. Below is a detailed travel guide for Sansha:

1. Must-visit Attractions

1. Quanfudao Island

• Features: An uninhabited white sandy beach island with extremely clear water, ideal for snorkeling and photography.

• Highlights: Participate in the flag-raising ceremony on the island to experience the significance of national sovereignty.

2. Yagong Island

• Features: Formed by coral reefs and shell sand accumulation, with a small number of fishermen living on the island, offering a chance to experience fishermen’s life.

• Highlights: Snorkeling to see coral reefs and tropical fish, with water visibility over 30 meters.

3. Yinyu Island

• Features: A combination of sandbanks and reef flats, with the sea showing a dreamy blue-green gradient ("Glass Sea").

• Highlights: Island walking and aerial photography are recommended.

4. Jinqing Island

• Features: One of the larger islands in the Yongle Islands, surrounding waters are suitable for deep diving, with occasional sightings of sea turtles and reef sharks.

• Highlights: Dense vegetation and pristine ecology on the island.

5. Huaguang Reef

• Features: A large atoll with abundant coral reefs and shipwreck remains underwater (professional diving permit required).

• Highlights: Suitable for advanced diving enthusiasts to explore.

2. Travel Guide

1. How to get there?

• Currently, only cruise tours are open (independent travel is not allowed). You can register through the following ways:

◦ Official cruises: "Dream of the South China Sea" and "Princess Changle" (departing from Sanya Phoenix Island Pier, 4 days and 3 nights itinerary).

◦ Booking channels: Book through travel agencies or official platforms (such as Trip.com, Tongcheng), requiring ID card, health certificate, etc.

◦ Cost: Approximately 5,000-20,000 RMB per person (depending on cabin class).

2. Best travel time

• November to April of the following year (calm seas, clearest water, ideal for diving).

• Avoid typhoon season (May to October may have suspended sailings).

3. Must-try activities

• Snorkeling/diving: Rich coral reefs around Yagong Island and Jinqing Island.

• Sea fishing: Experience boat fishing or trolling (some cruises provide equipment).

• Photography: Sunrise, sunset, starry sky, and aerial shots of the Glass Sea.

• Flag-raising ceremony: Participate in patriotic-themed activities on Quanfudao Island.

4. Notes

• Environmental protection: Collecting coral and shells is prohibited; do not leave trash.

• Network signal: Some islands have no signal; cruises have satellite WiFi (paid).

• Recommended gear: Coral-friendly sunscreen, snorkeling gear, waterproof phone case.

3. Accommodation Guide

1. Cruise accommodation

• "Dream of the South China Sea":

◦ Interior cabins (4-person rooms) → Ocean-view cabins (2-person rooms) → Suites, with relatively complete facilities.

• "Princess Changle":

◦ More luxurious, with private bathrooms, some cabins have balconies.

2. Yongxing Island (official/business only)

• Sansha City’s administrative base; ordinary tourists cannot stay overnight but there is a hotel:

◦ Sansha Hotel: Basic conditions, only accepts approved personnel.

3. Other islands

• Currently no commercial accommodation, only temporary fishermen’s residences.

4. Other Tips

• Visa: Mainland Chinese citizens can travel with ID card only; not open to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or foreign nationals for now.

• Food: Buffet on the cruise (mainly seafood); no dining facilities on the islands.

• Souvenirs: Sansha-themed postcards available on the cruise (can be stamped).

Summary

Sansha is one of China’s most hard-to-reach secret destinations, currently only accessible via cruise tours to parts of the Xisha Islands. Although there are many restrictions, the pure seawater and unique patriotic educational significance make it a worthwhile travel destination. It is recommended to plan your trip 3-6 months in advance and prepare well for sun protection and environmental protection!