Sansha

Sansha is China’s southernmost maritime hidden gem, home to breathtaking “glass sea” waters and pristine coral reefs. However, it is a specially controlled island area, and tourism policies are very strict. Here is a detailed guide for you:

Core Prerequisites and Access Policy

• Mainland Chinese citizens only: Foreign nationals and compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan are currently unable to visit.
• Age and health restrictions: Visitors are generally required to be 10-70 years old. Pregnant women and people with serious cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases are not permitted.
• Group tours only, no independent travel: Individuals cannot buy tickets and land on the islands directly. You must sign up through an officially authorized travel agency, which will handle island landing procedures and political review on your behalf.
• Advance booking required: It is recommended to register 1-2 months in advance. During peak seasons such as summer and winter holidays and Spring Festival, tickets are extremely hard to obtain, and you must submit your ID card 20-30 days in advance for political review.

Transportation and Cruise Guide

• Departure point: At present, departures are mainly from Sanya Phoenix Island Cruise Port (some routes depart from Wenchang Qinglan Port).
• Designated cruises: The main legally operated cruises currently traveling to the Xisha Islands are Dream of the South China Sea, Changle Princess, and Xianglong Island.
• Sailing time: About 12-14 hours one way, usually sailing overnight. Standard itineraries are 4 days and 3 nights.
• Ticket prices: Approximately RMB 5,000-12,000 per person, including onboard meals and accommodation, island transfer, insurance, etc. Prices vary by cabin type, with interior cabins being the cheapest and executive balcony cabins the most expensive.

Recommended Must-Visit Sights

• Quanfu Island: An uninhabited island of pure white coral sand, with seawater visibility exceeding 30 meters. This is the main site for flag-raising ceremonies and sovereignty monument oath-taking. At low tide, a stunning trailing sandbar appears.
• Yinyu Island: A small ecological island with resident fishermen, where the sea shifts through seven shades of color. The island has a red-and-white lighthouse and coral-stone houses. You can experience fishing village life, taste freshly caught seafood, and send Sansha postcards.
• Yagong Island: The whole island is made of broken coral stones, which make a “crunching” sound underfoot. Fish gather densely near the shore, making it an excellent place for snorkeling and viewing coral forests by glass-bottom boat. Cut-resistant water shoes are required.
• Qilianyu: A chain of seven islands arranged like a pearl necklace. The water is highly transparent, offering views over jade-like atoll groups and an outstanding ecological environment.
• 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 groups usually do not land on Yongxing Island; a separate application through special channels is required.

Classic 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary Reference

• Day 1: Arrive in Sanya and go to Phoenix Island Cruise Port to gather and board. Enjoy the sunset at sea from the deck. In the evening, the cruise departs for the Xisha waters.
• Day 2: Arrive at Quanfu Island in the morning, attend the flag-raising ceremony, and snorkel in the glass sea. In the afternoon, head to Yinyu Island, stroll along the beach, and experience the everyday atmosphere of a fishing village.
• Day 3: Visit Yagong Island in the morning to experience the coral gravel island and underwater sightseeing. In the afternoon, return to the cruise, enjoy the evening glow on deck, and take part in onboard entertainment activities.
• Day 4: Watch the sunrise over the sea from the deck in the early morning. The cruise returns, arriving in Sanya in the afternoon and ending the journey.

Estimated Budget Per Person

• Cruise ticket: RMB 5,000-12,000, the main expense, including meals, accommodation, and activities.
• Round-trip transportation to Sanya: RMB 800-1,500, depending on departure point.
• Gear and supplies: RMB 300-500, such as sun-protective clothing, water shoes, sunscreen, etc. These can also be bought at the onboard shop, but prices are higher.
• Optional paid activities: RMB 500-1,000, such as extra seafood meals or diving experiences.
• Total: Approximately RMB 6,600-15,000 per person.

Essential Gear and Important Notes

• Documents: Original ID card; it must be carried, as it will be checked throughout the trip.
• Shoes and clothing: Cut-resistant water shoes, required for landing on coral islands to protect both your feet and the coral; high-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+), long-sleeved sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and a light jacket, as it can be windy on deck.
• Medicine: Seasickness medicine, taken 1 hour in advance; stomach medicine; adhesive bandages.
• Strict prohibitions:
  • Drones are strictly prohibited; they will be confiscated, and the area is under military control.
  • Picking up coral, shells, and giant clams is strictly prohibited, as is stepping on live coral.
  • Photographing military facilities, coastal defense facilities, and warships is strictly prohibited.
  • Swimming in the sea without permission is strictly prohibited; activities are allowed only in designated areas.
• Ecology and signal: The island ecosystems are fragile, and all trash must be brought back to the cruise. Some islands have no mobile signal, so inform your family in advance.

Best Travel Season

• Recommended time: October to April of the following year. Sea conditions are relatively stable, waves are smaller, visibility is very high, and the weather is comfortable.
• Times to avoid: June to September is typhoon season, when sailings are very likely to be suspended or island landings may be impossible. From December to February, the monsoon is stronger, and sea conditions may be poor.