Sansha

Sansha’s islands receive strong sunshine, and typhoons are common from June to September.

Sansha lies in the southernmost waters of China and is known for its clear seawater, coral reefs, and island scenery. Because it is a specially controlled island area, tourism is strictly managed. Before traveling, you need to fully understand entry requirements, transport options, and itinerary restrictions.

Key Requirements and Entry Policy

• Mainland Chinese citizens only: Foreign nationals and residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan currently cannot visit.
• Age and health restrictions: Travelers are generally required to be 10-70 years old; pregnant women and people with serious cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases may not join.
• Group tours only; no independent travel: Individuals cannot buy tickets and land on the islands on their own. You must sign up through an officially authorized travel agency, which will handle island-landing procedures and political review.
• Book in advance: It is recommended to register 1-2 months ahead. During peak periods such as summer and winter holidays and Spring Festival, places are limited, and you need to submit your ID card 20-30 days in advance for political review.

Transport and Cruise Guide

• Departure point: Trips currently mainly depart from Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Port, while some routes leave from Qinglan Port in Wenchang.
• Designated cruise ships: The main legally operated cruises to the Xisha Islands currently include the South China Sea Dream, Princess Changle, and Xianglong Island.
• Sailing time: About 12-14 hours one way, usually sailing overnight; the standard itinerary is 4 days and 3 nights.
• Ticket prices: About 5,000-12,000 yuan per person, usually including onboard meals and accommodation, island transfers, insurance, and other costs. Prices vary by cabin type: inside cabins are relatively cheaper, while executive balcony cabins cost more.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Quanfu Island: An uninhabited island known for its white coral sand and crystal-clear water, with underwater visibility exceeding 30 meters. It is an important site for flag-raising ceremonies and sovereignty monument pledges; at low tide, you can see a trailing sandbar landscape.
• Yinyu Island: A small ecological island with permanent fishing residents, where the seawater shows layered color changes. On the island, you can see a red-and-white lighthouse and coral-stone houses, experience fishing village life, taste freshly caught seafood, and send a Sansha postcard.
• Yagong Island: The entire island is formed from piled coral rubble, which makes a fine crunching sound when you walk on it. There are many fish near the shore, making it suitable for snorkeling and viewing coral forests from a glass-bottom boat. Cut-resistant water shoes are required for landing.
• Qilianyu: Seven islands are distributed in a chain, resembling a string of pearls. The seawater here is highly transparent, with views over emerald-colored atoll groups, and the ecological environment is well preserved.
• Yongxing Island: The administrative center of Sansha City. The island has the Xisha Marine Museum, Beijing Road Commercial Street, and Sovereignty Square. However, regular cruise tour groups usually do not land on Yongxing Island; if you want to visit, you need to apply separately through special channels.

Classic 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary Reference

• Day 1: After arriving in Sanya, go to Phoenix Island Cruise Port to gather and board the ship. In the evening, you can watch the sunset at sea from the deck, and the cruise departs at night for the Xisha waters.
• Day 2: Arrive at Quanfu Island in the morning, take part in the flag-raising ceremony, and snorkel in the glassy-water area; in the afternoon, go to Yinyu Island, walk along the beach, and experience the atmosphere of fishing village life.
• Day 3: Go to Yagong Island in the morning to experience the coral-rubble island environment and take part in underwater sightseeing; in the afternoon, return to the cruise ship, enjoy the sunset glow from the deck, or join onboard entertainment activities.
• Day 4: Watch the sunrise at sea from the deck in the early morning, then the cruise returns, arriving in Sanya in the afternoon, ending the trip.

Estimated Budget Per Person

• Cruise ticket: 5,000-12,000 yuan, the main expense, usually including meals, accommodation, and sightseeing arrangements.
• Round-trip transport to Sanya: 800-1,500 yuan, depending on your departure point.
• Gear and supplies: 300-500 yuan, including sun-protective clothing, water shoes, sunscreen, and so on; these can also be bought at the onboard shop, but prices are higher.
• Optional paid activities: 500-1,000 yuan, such as extra seafood meals and diving experiences.
• Total: About 6,600-15,000 yuan per person.

Essential Gear and Important Notes

• Documents: You must bring your original ID card, which will be checked throughout the trip.
• Footwear and clothing: Prepare cut-resistant water shoes, which are required when landing on coral islands. They protect your feet and reduce damage to coral. Also bring high-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+), long-sleeved sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and a light jacket, as the wind on deck can be strong.
• Medication: It is recommended to prepare seasickness medicine and take it 1 hour in advance; you can also bring stomach medicine and bandages.
• Strict prohibitions:
  • Drones are strictly prohibited. They will be confiscated, and the area is under military control.
  • It is strictly prohibited to collect coral, shells, or giant clams, or to step on live coral.
  • It is strictly prohibited to photograph military facilities, coastal defense facilities, and warships.
  • Swimming in the sea without permission is strictly prohibited; you may only stay within designated areas.
• Ecology and signal: The island ecosystems are fragile, and rubbish must be taken back to the cruise ship for disposal. Some islands have no mobile signal, so it is best to inform your family of your itinerary before departure.

Best Season to Visit

• Recommended time: October to April of the following year. During this period, sea conditions are relatively stable, waves are smaller, underwater visibility is high, and the weather is more comfortable.
• Times to avoid: June to September is typhoon season, when sailings may be suspended or island landings may not be possible; from December to February, the monsoon is stronger, and sea conditions may also be affected.