[2025 Sansha Attraction] Travel Guide for Woody Island (Yongxing Island) (Updated Jul)

Because it's too beautiful!!! The Xisha Islands, a maritime paradise open exclusively to Chinese citizens, boasts poetic "glass seas" and is a dream destination for countless travelers. Having just returned, I'm eager to share this comprehensive guide to help you experience Xisha's incomparable beauty in the most cost-effective way! I. Transportation Guide: Multiple Options for Easy Access (1) Cruise Travel Traveling from Sanya to Xisha by cruise is most travelers' first choice. I highly recommend the "Changle Princess" and "South China Sea Cruise," which offer 5-day, 4-night classic itineraries allowing you to fully experience Xisha's charm, with costs ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 yuan per person. The "Changle Princess" features luxurious facilities and elegant design, providing stable and comfortable sailing with excellent viewing decks. The "South China Sea Cruise" offers spacious accommodations, attentive service, and various room types to meet different needs. For room options, the economical 4-person interior cabin starts at around 6,000 yuan per person - while lacking outside views, it's clean, tidy, and well-equipped. Ocean-view rooms allow you to enjoy the seascape anytime, waking to the sound of waves and falling asleep to the sunset - though more expensive, they're worth it for photos. Cruise tickets include three daily meals, island tours, and various onboard activities, with only bar consumption and special experience activities requiring additional payment. (2) Air Travel For those with limited time and sufficient budget, direct flights from Sanya to Yongxing Island take only about 1.5 hours. Note that this route requires special approval and isn't a regular tourist channel. Tickets start at about 2,500 yuan, making it more suitable for travelers with urgent business or seeking efficient travel. Money-Saving Tips During the off-season (April-May), booking cruise tickets 1-2 months in advance can get you discounts of up to 30%. Bringing your favorite snacks and instant foods can come in handy when you don't want a full meal or get hungry late at night! II. Exploring Attractions: Encountering Xisha's Stunning Scenery (1) Yongle Islands The Yongle Islands are the dazzling jewels of the Xisha Islands, comprising multiple beautiful islets. - Jinqing Island: Here, the beaches are fine and soft, with waters displaying distinct layers of blue and green, like a painter's palette spilled by God. The island is covered with lush tropical vegetation, making it an excellent spot for photos. Walking along the island path, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery where sea meets sky and occasionally encounter adorable seabirds. - Lingyang Reef: As a natural lagoon, Lingyang Reef has a unique ecosystem. At low tide, large areas of reef flats are exposed, where you can observe rich marine life such as colorful fish and various shellfish. Photography enthusiasts shouldn't miss the stunning sunrise and sunset here, when golden sunlight spills across the sea, creating a magnificent canvas. (2) Quanfu Island Quanfu Island is an uninhabited island with snow-white beaches that sparkle in the sunlight, crystal-clear waters, and fish swimming among coral reefs. Here, participate in the solemn flag-raising ceremony in the morning, feeling a surge of pride as the five-starred red flag flies high in the sea breeze. You can also play freely on the beach, build sandcastles, splash in the waves, and enjoy leisurely moments. (3) Yinyu Island Yinyu Island's waters display a magical seven-color gradient that's breathtakingly beautiful. Follow local fishermen's footsteps to explore the island's unique ecosystem and search for giant clam fossils (remember to leave them in place after viewing to protect the environment). In the evening, sit by the sea and watch the sunset paint the sky and ocean in brilliant colors, feeling the serenity of time. (4) Yagong Island Yagong Island is formed from coral fragments. At low tide, abundant marine life hides in the crevices between rocks, making it an ideal time for beachcombing. Be sure to wear professional water shoes to prevent cuts from coral fragments. Here, you can also experience unique fishing village life, visit fishermen's cabins, and learn about their daily work. III. Culinary Feast: Xisha on Your Taste Buds (1) Seafood Banquet In Xisha, seafood is the absolute star! Join the ship's fishing activities (about 3,500 yuan per person) to catch delicious fish like tuna and grouper yourself. Your catch can be prepared free of charge as sashimi, steamed fish, and other delicacies, with fresh ingredients that melt in your mouth, releasing their flavor. (2) Special Dishes - Sea Emperor Porridge: Made with various seafood, this thick porridge absorbs the essence of seafood, with every spoonful full of rich umami flavor, warming both stomach and heart. - Pan-fried Mackerel: Mackerel has firm flesh that, when simply pan-fried, creates a golden crispy skin while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Paired with special dipping sauce, it tastes excellent. - Coconut Grilled Oysters: Fresh oysters combined with rich coconut, then grilled to perfectly blend the freshness of oysters with coconut aroma, creating a rich taste that lingers. (3) Hidden Delicacies At the fishermen's small restaurant on Yinyu Island, be sure to try their signature grouper soup with local yellow lantern chili sauce - tangy, spicy, and appetizing. One bowl will warm your entire body. IV. Essential Tips: For a Smoother Journey Documentation: Apply for Xisha tourism permits through official travel agencies in advance to ensure smooth approval, and remember to bring your ID card. Equipment Checklist: Prepare comfortable water shoes, high-SPF coral-friendly sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, and other sun protection items. Due to limited island signals, it's advisable to carry China Mobile or China Unicom SIM cards, as China Telecom users experience poorer reception. Important Notes: Drones are strictly prohibited in the Xisha Islands. To protect the ecosystem, do not remove coral, shells, sand, etc., from the islands, or you may face fines. For those prone to seasickness, apply motion sickness patches in advance. During rough seas, some deck areas may be closed for safety. V. Photography Guide: Capturing Xisha's Beauty Quanfu Island: Wear a flowing white dress, sit on a beach swing, and use backlighting to create beautiful silhouette effects; or lie on the beach with the blue sky and sea as background for natural, casual photos. Yinyu Island: Stand under the iconic lighthouse, use a wide-angle lens to shoot upward, capturing the person, lighthouse, and gradient waters together for a spectacular visual effect. Cruise Deck: Around 5:30 AM, head to the top deck of the cruise ship, set up a tripod, and photograph the sunrise at sea, capturing the moment when the first rays of sunlight spill across the water. VI. Travel Bonus: Creating Unforgettable Memories After participating in the flag-raising ceremony on the island, don't forget to collect the precious "Xisha Commemorative Seal" - a unique travel souvenir! Also, at the post office on Yongxing Island, select a beautiful postcard, write your wishes to friends and family, and mail it from China's southernmost point, sending this romance from Xisha to your loved ones. The beauty of the Xisha Islands can only be truly appreciated through personal experience. Every sea and island here showcases nature's masterful craftsmanship and endless charm. Take this guide and embark on your own dreamy Xisha journey! Meanwhile, let's all protect this pristine sea area together, allowing its beauty to continue forever.

**🌊[Ultimate Guide to the Xisha Islands] China's Last Secret Realm! Glass Sea + White Sand Beach, Beautiful to Suffocation!** ✨**Must-Visit Attractions** 1️⃣ **Yongxing Island**: The largest island in Xisha, check in at the southernmost post office in China and send a postcard from the ends of the earth! 2️⃣ **Qilianyu**: Seven small islands connected together, the sunset glows red on the sea, as beautiful as a movie scene. 3️⃣ **Yinyu Island**: The sea water is layered in blue and green, and the fishermen's huts on the sandbar are full of stories. You can also exchange seafood for supplies. 🚢 **How to get there?** ✔️ Currently only for Chinese citizens. You need to take a cruise ship (such as the "Nanhai Dream") from Sanya and book 1-2 months in advance. ✔️ 6-day and 5-night itinerary, including snorkeling, sea fishing, onboard accommodation + all-inclusive three meals. 📸 **Photo Tips** ▫️ Drone aerial photography of the glass sea, the coral reefs are clearly visible! ▫️ The blue-green sea dividing line of Yinyu Island, a casual shot is a wallpaper. ⚠️ **Precautions** ▪️ Sunscreen! Sunscreen! The ultraviolet rays are super strong, use both physical and chemical sunscreen. ▪️ Protect the coral! Don't step on it when snorkeling, travel environmentally friendly. ▪️ Best season: November-April of the following year, avoid the typhoon season. 💬 "Have you ever been to this azure blue that belongs only to the Chinese?" 👇 #

⛺【Introduction to attractions】: Yongxing Island: The largest island in the Xisha Islands, it has beautiful beaches, unique coral reefs, and historical sites such as the Navy's Recapture of the Xisha Monument. It is a good place to experience island life and learn about the history of the Xisha Islands. Quanfu Island: A pristine uninhabited island with fine, white sand and clear, transparent waters. The surrounding waters are an excellent snorkeling spot and a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Yinyu Island: Made up of coral sand and reefs, there are a small number of fishermen living on the island. It has rich marine ecology and is known as the "Seven-Color Sea". It is a good place to watch marine life, take literary photos and watch the sunset. 🚌【Transportation Arrangement】: 🛑Plane + Ship: First take a plane to Sanya Phoenix International Airport, and then take a cruise ship or passenger ship from Sanya Port to Xisha Islands. The journey takes about 15 hours. 🛑 Cruise ship recommendations: "Changle Princess", "South China Sea Dream", "Beibu Gulf Star" and other cruise ships are common choices for traveling to the Xisha Islands. 👉【Itinerary】: ✅4 days and 3 nights itinerary D1: Board the ship from Sanya Phoenix Island Pier, start the Xisha trip, enjoy the sea scenery on the ship, participate in safety training and welcome activities. D2: After arriving at the Xisha Islands, go to Quanfu Island to enjoy the beautiful beach and sea view, and enjoy snorkeling and other activities; in the afternoon, go to Yinyu Island to experience the fisherman's life, taste fresh seafood, and watch the sunset. D3: Visit Quanfu Island and Yinyu Island again to explore the beauty of the islands and continue to enjoy marine activities such as snorkeling and sea fishing. D4: Take the cruise ship back to Sanya Phoenix Island Pier and end the journey. ✅5 days and 4 nights itinerary D1: Arrive in Sanya, go through boarding procedures, and participate in safety training and welcome activities on the cruise ship. D2: Arrive at Xisha Islands, board Quanfu Island, attend the flag-raising ceremony, and go to Yinyu Island in the afternoon to experience the local fishing life. D3: Watch the sunrise on the island in the early morning and engage in marine activities such as snorkeling and sea fishing throughout the day. D4: Go to the island again to enjoy the natural scenery, take photos and participate in entertainment activities on the cruise. D5: Arrive in Sanya and end the journey. 🧡【Preparation before the trip】: ❤Documents: Bring your ID card, the Xisha Islands are only open to citizens of mainland China. ❤Clothing: Prepare light and breathable summer clothes, swimsuits, sun protection clothes, as well as wading shoes, hole shoes and other shoes with heels for easy access to the island. ❤Sunscreen products: The ultraviolet rays in the Xisha Islands are strong, so you need to bring high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, umbrellas, etc. ❤Commonly used items: Prepare seasickness medicine, cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, Band-Aids, etc. to prevent physical discomfort. ❤Other items: waterproof mobile phone cases, power banks, mosquito repellent, personal toiletries, etc. ❤Photographic equipment: cameras, lenses, tripods, memory cards, etc. If you bring a drone, you need to report it in advance.

The Paracel Islands are divided into two parts: the Yongle Islands and the Xuande Islands. Sansha City is established on Yongxing Island in the Xuande Islands. The island has simple accommodation facilities and direct flights to Yongxing Island, but those who can go need to undergo very strict screening, making it difficult for general tourists to reach. Currently, ordinary tourists can take a cruise to the Yongle Islands. To protect the ecological environment, only two small islands, Yinyu Island and Quanfu Island, are open for tourists to visit in the Yongle Islands. This is a treasure island separated by the deep ocean, where the coral stones sculpted by seawater and the fish swimming through the stone forests tell the mysteries of the sea for thousands of years.

Yongxing Island is located in the Xisha District of Sansha City, Hainan Province, China, surrounded by the South China Sea on all sides. It is a sandy secondary coral island, and now the Shidao Island connected to Yongxing Island is a rocky secondary coral island. Including Shidao, the area of Yongxing Island exceeds 3 square kilometers. Yongxing Island is high around the edges and low in the middle, with the sequence from the edge to the center being the beach, sand dunes, sand flats, and low-lying areas. The highest point of the island is the sand dune in the northwest (8.5 meters), and the Shidao in the north reaches 15.9 meters. Yongxing Island is the largest island in the South China Sea with the most concentrated population and the highest intensity of development and utilization. It is the seat of the People's Government of Sansha City and the People's Government of Xisha District, and it is an important national defense island, known as the hub of the South China Sea. Yongxing Island is the economic, military, and political center of Sansha City, where the municipal people's government, municipal units, and the Yongxing Work Committee Management Committee are located. The island has government buildings, schools, banks, post offices, hospitals, shops, hotels, libraries, airports, docks, ports, meteorological stations, etc. Among them, the Sansha City Government Office Building is a European classical-style building with a Renaissance-style dome in the middle and Gothic-style side chambers, combined with the ancient Chinese high-platform building technique, further highlighting the grandeur of the building. Sansha Square on Yongxing Island faces the sea and features elements that condense the spirit of the Chinese nation, such as the Gate of China and the Motherland Mother Sculpture, further consolidating the patriotic sentiments of the people and improving the quality of leisure spaces for the permanent residents of Sansha. Beijing Road is a road located in the Xisha District of Sansha City, Hainan Province, China, with a total length of about 300 meters, featuring supermarkets, postal services, telecommunications, hospitals, rural credit cooperatives ATMs, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China outlets. ⏳Visiting Time: Free admission, visiting time 1 hour to 2 hours.

Xisha Laolongtou is a stele on the stone island next to Yongxing Island of the Xisha Islands. The stone island is located in the Xisha Xuande Archipelago of China, in the northeastern part of the Yongxing Island reef plate, covering an area of 0.08 square kilometers, with an altitude of 15.9 meters, which is the highest point of the Xisha Islands. In 2012, there was an approximately 800-meter-long man-made stone dike or small road connecting it to Yongxing Island, and by 2014, the island had merged with Yongxing Island. The stone island is flat like a platform, with steep sides all around, actually being a 10-meter-high plateau terrain, formed by the coral reefs that make up the stone island. Some of these reefs are cemented by coral sand deposits. The secondary coral reefs, originally in a nearly horizontal state, remained horizontal after uplift, thus forming the flat plateau terrain. These deposited gravel layers are not yet firmly cemented and are easily eroded by waves, hence the formation of vertical cliffs. On the island, there is a Chinese sovereignty monument and the 'Xisha Laolongtou' stele, as well as a veterans' forest, planted by the soldiers guarding the stone island when they left. Additionally, the entrance to the stone island is guarded, but a simple greeting allows entry. There are no obstructions on the island, and the vegetation consists of weeds and one or two artificially planted plants' withered stalks. ⏳Visiting Time: Free admission, visiting time is 30 minutes to 1 hour.

When it comes to Sanya, everyone is familiar, but only a few have heard of the city Sansha, located 180 nautical miles away from Sanya! This is the prime city of Hainan Province🏖, with scenery and cuisine that are no less spectacular than Sanya, truly a Chinese version of the 'Maldives'🔥~ Sansha consists of more than 280 islands, sandbanks, submerged reefs, and other maritime areas🏝, including the well-known Xisha, Zhongsha, and Nansha archipelagos. ✔Xisha Archipelago It has only been officially open to tourists since 2013, and only accepts citizens from mainland China! Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a true secret haven. The waters of Xisha boast a clarity that rivals the Maldives💦, crystal clear. ✔ Yongxing Island Yongxing Island is an island in the Xisha Archipelago, located in the Xisha, Nansha, Dongsha, and Zhongsha archipelagos. The island has high-rise buildings, banks, and post offices. Yongxing Island is picturesque, with lush greenery🌴, perfect for a vacation. ✔ Yongle Dragon Hole In the Yongle Archipelago of Xisha, there is the Yongle Dragon Hole, a marine blue hole confirmed to be one of the deepest in the world🕳, reaching a depth of 300.89 meters. Its depth indeed sparks infinite imagination and is particularly awe-inspiring~ ✔ Xisha Marine Museum A marine museum founded by stationed officers and soldiers, displaying many marine creatures🔖. Exhibits include the horseshoe-shaped 'Horseshoe Snail', pyramid-shaped and various fish species🔖, as well as uniquely shaped coral flowers and stone flowers, making the entire museum a fascinating and fun-filled place. 🌊🌊Coming to the seaside, of course, you can't miss tasting the fresh seafood and enjoying a seafood feast!🦐🦑🐙🦞🦀🐚 📣Local specialty food recommendations: various seafood, Sansha Minnan paste, Sansha kueh zi, chicken rolls, Sansha kitten porridge, Sansha fish balls

Professional guide: Xisha Islands, a mysterious journey 🌴🌊🚢 Step 1: Choose a suitable route 🗺🚤🔍 1. Yongle Islands: 🏝 2. Cruise itinerary (4 days and 3 nights): Visit Yinyu Island and Quanfu Island and enjoy the blue sea and blue sky. 🚢🏖😍 3. Sailing trip (6 days and 5 nights): including Beijiao, Yinyu Island, Ganquan Island, Huaguang Reef and Panshi Island or Yuzhuo Reef, where you can experience the perfect combination of sea breeze and romance. ⛵🌅❤ 4. Xuande Islands: 🏝 5. Direct flights from Haikou to Sansha City (Yongxing Island + Qilian Island): Go through special channels to apply for an inspection and experience a unique journey. 🛫🌍🌺 Step 2: Understand the costs 💰🧐📊 6. Direct flights from Haikou to Sansha City (Yongxing Island + Qilian Island): 🛫🏝🛬 7. Cost range: RMB 15,000-20,000 per person, including round-trip air tickets (Hainan Airlines), accommodation on Yongxing Island (Sansha Hotel or military guesthouse), application fees, etc. 💸🏨🎫 8. Scenic spots: General Forest, Anti-Japanese War ruins, Long Live the Motherland (Dragon Raising its Head), Sansha City Museum, etc., as well as sightseeing on Qilianyu Island (Zhaoshu Island) by taking a fisherman’s boat. 🏰🚤👀 9. Itinerary features: Unique experience of Yongxing Island in Sansha City, a unique adventure trip. 🌈🌟🤩 10. Cruise lines: 🚢⚓🌊 11. Changle Princess Cruise: 4 days and 3 nights, visit Quanfu Island and Yinyu Island, enjoy comfort and luxury. 🌴🚢😌 12. South China Sea Dream Cruise: 4 days and 3 nights, immerse yourself in the charming scenery of Quanfu Island and Yinyu Island. 🌅🚢😍 13. Sailing around the Xisha Islands (6 days and 5 nights): ⛵🏝🌊 14. The fee includes: food, accommodation, transportation, aerial photography, underwater photography, sea fishing, diving, etc. 🍽📸🎣 15. Price: 13800-19800 yuan per person, a single boat can accommodate 6-9 tourists and is equipped with 3-4 staff. 💵👫👬 16. Boat type: Jeanneau, Hans, Belle, etc., consider the comfort level, 50 feet or more. 🛥👌🌊 Finally: choose the route that suits you, embark on an adventure to the Xisha Islands, and leave unforgettable island memories! 🌅🏝👣

📍Yongxing Island, located in the Xuan De Qun Island in the eastern part of the Xisha Islands🏝️, is a coral island formed by the accumulation of white coral🪸 and shells🐚 on the reef platform, in an oval shape, and is the largest island🏝️ in terms of land area in Sansha City. Direct flight by plane✈️ Gather at Haikou Airport or Boao Airport, arrive in 1 hour by special plane - 🏝️4 days and 3 nights exploration and investigation activities on Yongxing Island in the Xisha Islands ✅Submit personal information for application half a month in advance ✅Sansha special person to pick up the plane ✅Accommodation on Yongxing Island in Xisha Hotel or Military Guest House ✅Direct flights from Haikou/Boao/Sanya to Sansha - 🏝️Itinerary D1: Hainan Airport✈️Yongxing Island-South China Sea Islands Monument-Sea Battle Bunker-South China Sea Fishing Village D2: Dongsha Zhou, Xisha Zhou—Old Site of the Village Committee Coral Stone House Sovereignty Monument D3: Flag-raising ceremony-Stone Island-Special person explains Xisha Marine Museum D4: Yongxing Island✈️Hainan Airport - 🌟Highlights of the itinerary ✅Catch the sea on Yongxing Island and make a seafood feast ✅Send a postcard at the southernmost post office in China ✅Watch the tide rise and fall at the tide watching pavilion ✅Watch the century-old lighthouse in the sea that has experienced storms ✅Wait for a late-returning fishing boat at Yongxing Port ✅Watch the sunrise in the morning and the galaxy at night - ⚠️Precautions ✔️The ultraviolet rays on Yongxing Island are particularly strong, so be sure to prepare SPF40 or higher sunscreen, mosquito repellent, wind oil, sunglasses, sun protection clothing, sun hats, etc. ✔️The bank on the island🏦 is only open to residents on the island, so you can bring a small amount of cash for emergencies. ✔️The investigation of Yongxing Island in the Xisha Islands is a unique journey, so be well prepared, bring common items and 💊 ✔️You can eat all kinds of seafood in Xisha, but vegetables and daily goods are relatively monotonous, you can bring some food and fruits ✔️It is forbidden🚫 to bring drones and cameras📷 to the island privately