Wuzhizhou Island
Wuzhizhou Island, dubbed the "Maldives of China," is a tropical gem in Sanya’s Haitang Bay renowned for its azure lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and adrenaline-pumping water sports. Shaped like a butterfly, this 1.48-square-kilometer island boasts 30 dive sites, white-sand beaches, and lush hills crowned with observation decks. Designated a National 5A Tourist Attraction in 2016, it caters to adventure seekers, honeymooners, and families alike with its "One-Island, Multiple-Play" concept.
Historical Overview
Originally a military outpost during the Cold War, Wuzhizhou Island opened to tourism in 1998 after a $200 million redevelopment. Its name, meaning "Centipede Island," derives from its serpentine shape, though developers rebranded it as "Wuzhizhou" (Five Blessings) to evoke prosperity. The island gained global fame in 2013 when Lonely Planet named it a top 10 global diving site. Today, it hosts China’s first underwater post office and a marine conservation center.
Structural Layout
The island is divided into four zones:
Beach Ring: Three crescent bays—Qingshui Bay (diving), Turtle Beach (snorkeling), and Milky Way Bay (jet-skiing).
Coral Reef Zone: A 700-acre marine reserve with 270 species of fish and 50 coral types.
Hilltop Area: The Lovers’ Valley hiking trail, Sun-Watching Rock (122 meters above sea level), and the Glass-Bottomed Skywalk.
Facilities Hub: A marina, aquarium, and 12 restaurants serving Hainanese specialties like coconut chicken.
Major Attractions
Qingshui Bay Dive Site: A 15-meter visibility zone with shipwrecks and sea turtles (PADI certification available).
Sun-Watching Rock: A cliffside platform offering 360° views of the South China Sea.
Lovers’ Valley: A botanical garden with heart-shaped ponds and a "Love Lock" bridge.
Underwater Post Office: Send waterproof postcards stamped with a coral motif.
Glass-Bottomed Skywalk: A 400-meter suspended bridge over shark-filled waters.
Night Squid Fishing: Board traditional junks to catch squid using LED lamps (June–September).
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (4–5 Hours):
Ferry → Qingshui Bay Dive → Turtle Beach Snorkeling → Lovers’ Valley → Sun-Watching Rock → Return Ferry.
Highlights: Diving, snorkeling, and hilltop vistas.
- Extended Route (6–7 Hours):
Ferry → Glass Skywalk → Night Squid Fishing → Beach BBQ Dinner → Milky Way Bay Jet-Skiing.
Highlights: Thrill rides and marine encounters.
- Adventure Route (Full Day):
Morning: Advanced diving (wreck exploration).
Afternoon: Parasailing and helicopter tours.
Evening: Private yacht sunset cruise with sushi platter.
Highlights: Elite water sports and aerial views.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via Wuzhizhou Island Official Website or Ctrip up to 7 days in advance.
On-Site: Tickets at Haitang Bay Ferry Terminal; queues longest 9–11 AM.
- Prices:
Peak Season (May–October): ¥1,440 (includes ferry, diving, and lunch), ¥280 (entry only).
Off-Season: ¥1,280 (combo), ¥240 (entry).
Night Squid Fishing Add-On: ¥350.
Transportation
Ferry: Departs every 20 minutes from Haitang Bay Ferry Terminal (¥140 roundtrip, 20-minute ride).
Helicopter: 5-minute aerial tours from Sanya Phoenix Airport (¥880/person).
Taxi: Direct from Sanya Bay (¥120, 40 minutes) or Yalong Bay (¥80, 30 minutes).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Seasons: May–August (warm waters); avoid Chinese National Day (Oct 1–7).
Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends draw 15,000+ visitors.
- Essentials:
Reef-safe sunscreen (to protect marine life).
Waterproof phone case (rentals available).
Cash for dive equipment rentals (some vendors lack card readers).
Prohibited: Feeding fish, touching corals, and anchoring boats without permits.
FAQ
What underwater landscapes on Wuzhizhou Island are suitable for diving to enjoy?
There are colorful coral gardens with various shapes and sizes, schools of tropical fish swimming around, and sometimes you can even spot sea turtles slowly gliding through the water. There are also some underwater caves and rock formations that add to the mystery.
Are there sightseeing buses around the island on Wuzhizhou Island? What are the differences among different routes?
Yes, there are sightseeing buses. There are usually several routes, like the full-circle route that takes you around the whole island to see all the main attractions. And there are also some partial routes that focus on specific areas, such as the beach area or the scenic spots on the mountain side of the island, allowing you to choose according to your interests.
What water sports are suitable on Wuzhizhou Island?
You can enjoy activities like jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and surfing. The clear water and suitable waves make it a great place for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts to have fun.
Is it convenient to go to other nearby attractions from Wuzhizhou Island?
It's quite convenient. There are regular transportation options like buses and taxis that can take you to nearby attractions such as Haitang Bay Duty-free Shopping Center or some other beautiful beaches in the area.
What special delicacies are recommended on Wuzhizhou Island?
You can taste fresh seafood like grilled prawns, steamed fish, and fried squid. There are also some local Hainanese snacks like Qingbuliang (a kind of cool dessert with various ingredients) and Hainanese chicken rice that are worth trying.
