Wuzhizhou Island Tourism Resort, Sanya

Wuzhizhou Island Tourism Resort, Sanya

蜈支洲岛旅游区 (wú zhī zhōu)

Nestled on the azure sea off the northeast coast of South China's Hainan Island, Wuzhizhou Island is a butterfly-shaped and 1.5 square kilometer islet offering a wide range of beach activities. Also known as Valentine's Island, it is an ideal date destination for couples all year round.

There is a romantic tragedy on the island. A fisherman and a girl fell in love and promised to be with each other to the end of time. However, the girl's father--the mighty Dragon King -- locked his daughter away. The girl tried to escape but only irritated her father. The Dragon King's fury turned the lovers into stones that stand forever on the island, facing each other in silence.

Wuzhizhou Island is also one of the very few islands in China featuring crystal clear seawater, white sand beaches and coral reefs. Everyone knows about the beauty of a blue sea, but the aquamarine and turquoise blue of the waters around Wuzhizhou is one of a kind. At the eastern and southern ends of Wuzhizhou Island there are linked peaks which climb up to 79.9 meters. Steep cliffs descend to the reefs of the bay where huge waves crash on to the rocks to create massive sprays of water that look like snow. The western and northern terrain gradually levels out into a bay with fine white sand.

Looking into the distance, the sea turns a milky-blue, and looking further away it becomes deep blue like ink. Around the island, the seawater is pollution free and crystal clear with high visibility down to a depth of 27 meters. These are natural fishing grounds teeming with Spanish mackerel, grouper, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, prawns, luminous conches and tropical fish of every color under the sun.

The richness of the colors is not the only thing that makes this island attractive - it is also a paradise for divers. The sea is teeming with colorful tropical fish, sea cucumber, lobster, sierra, luminous whelk as well as well-preserved coral reefs. Brave tourists can try over 30 exciting activities, including windsurfing, speedboat rides, banana boating, canoeing, para-sailing, beach motorcycling and sea parachute jumping.

Scenic Spot level: AAAAA

Address: 2.7 km offshore from Linwang town in the Sanya Scenic Tourism Area

Opening Hours: 8:00 am- 5:30 pm, tourists must land the island before 4:00 pm

Ticket Price : 140 yuan ($20.32), including entrance and round-trip steamer ticket

Web: http://www.wuzhizhou.com/(Chinese)

Tel: +86-898-88751257

Notes:

1. Taking taxi or bus No 28 from downtown Sanya will cost about 80 yuan and 12 yuan, respectively.

2. Bring along sunglasses, sunblocks and hats to avoid potential sunburn.

3. Expectant mothers, the elderly (70 years and above) and those with limited mobility will not be allowed to visit the island due to the wind and waves.