Wuzhizhou Island
Haitang District, Sanya, Hainan, 572014
Wuzhizhou Coral Island, a former fishing village, ranks among Sanya’s most scenic beach destinations. The tiny butterfly-shaped island, ringed by soft, white sand beaches, gets its name from the colorful coral reefs just off the beach, where divers and snorkelers head to spot conchs, sea urchins, and a host of tropical fish.
The basics
Wuzhizhou Coral Island is a popular day trip from Hainan Island for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Organized day trips typically include round-trip transportation from Sanya hotels and free time to explore. The island is home to a temple dedicated to Matsu, the Buddhist goddess of the sea, and Sunrise Rock, which people visit to watch the sunrise. Combine a visit to Wuzhizhou Coral Island with a soak at Nantian Hot Springs.
Things to know before you go
- You can rent snorkeling gear, diving equipment, and underwater cameras from vendors on Wuzhizhou Island.
- Don’t forget to bring a beach towel, bathing suit, change of clothes, and sunscreen.
- Several bars and restaurants cater to island visitors, and there’s a small guest house for overnight stays.
How to get there
To get to the island, take bus 28 or a taxi to Wuzhizhou Island Wharf. From there, you can catch a boat to the island. These boats run every 20 minutes or so throughout the day and take 15 to 20 minutes.
When to get there
The best time to visit Wuzhizhou Coral Island is in autumn, when temperatures are warm and dry—perfect for a day at the beach. Avoid visiting on Chinese national holidays, when the island can get packed with domestic tourists.
Best day trips from Sanya
Wuzhizhou Coral Island is one of Sanya’s most popular day trip destinations, but there are plenty of other places to explore, both on and off the beach. Adventure travelers can head to Wuzhishan Mountain for a day of river rafting through a canyon, while Tianya Haijiao, China’s southernmost point, is popular among couples for its romantic beaches. Visitors with an interest in Chinese Buddhism can spend the day at Nanshan Temple.
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