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.
