Sansha

Sansha lies in China's southernmost waters, with clear seas and white beaches as its main attractions. Border controls and ecological protection rules apply here, so visiting is different from a typical island holiday: independent travel is not permitted. Tourists must join an authorized cruise group, and visits are currently open only to mainland Chinese citizens.

The following guide covers registration, transport and itinerary planning for a trip to Sansha (the Xisha Islands).

Eligibility and Registration Steps

• Identity requirements: Applicants must hold a mainland Chinese resident identity card. Residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as foreign nationals, are not currently eligible.
• Age and health requirements: Trips generally accept healthy travelers aged 10–70. People with serious cardiovascular or cerebrovascular conditions, or severe seasickness that is difficult to relieve, generally do not meet the travel requirements.
• Booking and screening: Register under your real name 20–30 days in advance through an authorized travel agency or an official cruise booking channel. You must submit a Xisha Tourism Application Form and undergo a public security background check. Tickets can be issued only after approval and completion of the travel contract.
• Required documents: Your original identity card is required to board the ship and land on the islands. It will be checked repeatedly during the trip, and you cannot board without it.

Getting There and Choosing a Cruise

Officially designated cruise ships are currently the reliable transport option for visiting Xisha. Ships depart from Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Port. The one-way journey takes about 13–14 hours, usually overnight.

• Nanhai Zhi Meng: This 25,000-ton-class ship was launched about 10 years ago and is a relatively economical option. Cabin choices include four-person cabins and suites.

• Xianglong Dao: This 43,000-ton-class passenger and vehicle ferry is relatively advanced among comparable vessels in China. All cabin categories have private bathrooms. The sea-view twin cabins feature large bay windows with 180-degree ocean views, placing greater emphasis on comfort.

• Fares and inclusions: Cruise fares are generally all-inclusive, covering onboard accommodation, three meals a day served mainly as buffets, inflatable speedboat transfers to the islands, insurance and tour leader services. Prices vary considerably by cabin type, usually ranging from about CNY 5,000–10,000 per person.

Typical 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Board in Sanya and Depart: Meet at Phoenix Island pier in the afternoon, present your identity card for verification, complete boarding procedures and attend a safety drill. The ship leaves in the early evening. Watch the sunset at sea from the deck, then enjoy the stars and the Milky Way after dark.

• Day 2: Flag-Raising Ceremony and Shallow-Water Activities on Quanfu Island: Land early in the morning on Quanfu Island, formed from accumulated coral sand, and attend a flag-raising ceremony that highlights a sense of national belonging on these islands. Afterward, paddle in the shallows, take photos and enjoy the exceptionally clear, glass-like sea.

• Day 3: Visit Yinyu Island and Yagong Island: Arrive at Yinyu Island in the morning and visit a fishing family's home to try freshly caught seafood dishes such as steamed egg with sea urchin and steamed grouper, while learning about local fishing life. Continue to Yagong Island in the afternoon, walk along its coral-rubble beach and observe an island landscape with relatively little human alteration.

• Day 4: Watch the Sunrise and Return: Enjoy the sunrise over the sea and take part in environmental volunteer activities such as coastal litter collection. Then return by cruise ship, arriving in Sanya in the early evening to end the trip.

Main Islands and Sights

• Yongxing Island: The seat of Sansha's municipal government, this island is home to the Xisha Marine Museum, Sovereignty Monument Square and Generals' Grove. It is currently used mainly for official business and scientific research. Visitors on regular cruise tours generally cannot land here and can usually only view it from the sea or visit through a special designated route.

• Qilian Islets: This coral atoll group consists of seven small islands. The surrounding waters are exceptionally clear, offering views of the glass-like sea, and the area is also a snorkeling location.

• Zhaoshu Island: The largest settlement in the Qilian Islets, this island has a permanent fishing community. Visitors can see the new fishing village and coral-stone houses, learn about the history of fishing and cultivation recorded in the South China Sea's *Geng Lu Bu* navigation logs, and get a glimpse of local fishing families' daily lives.

• Quanfu Island: This uninhabited sand cay retains its natural character and has fine white sand. The exposed land shrinks at high tide, while a heart-shaped beach appears at low tide, offering photo opportunities with white sand set against clear seawater.

• Yinyu Island: Silvery-white beaches surround the island, and the nearby sea displays a gradient of seven colors. Underwater visibility while snorkeling can exceed 30 meters, and sea-fishing experiences are also available.

What to Pack and Rules to Follow

• Essentials: First check that you have your original identity card. Then pack SPF50+ sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, water shoes with secure heels, seasickness medication, a waterproof phone pouch, adhesive bandages and medication for stomach problems. Reef edges are sharp, and ordinary flip-flops leave you vulnerable to cuts.
• Clothing for photos: Red or white long dresses work well against the blue-and-white backdrop of the sea and beaches.
• Prohibited items and activities: Drones, alcohol and fishing gear are not allowed; drones will be confiscated. Do not collect or take away any coral, shells or sand. Your luggage must be opened for inspection before departure from the port. Do not enter the sea on your own; water activities must be part of officially organized programs run by the cruise operator. Photography is prohibited at some military facilities and restricted areas. Ask permission before photographing local fishers.
• Ecological protection and communications: The local ecosystem is fragile. Do not step on coral or disturb marine life. Mobile reception may be unavailable during the voyage, so let your family know beforehand. Internet access may be available onboard, but the connection can be weak.

When to Go and Budget Guide

• Recommended periods: March–May and October–April of the following year are relatively suitable times to visit, with more stable sea conditions, lighter winds, smaller waves and clearer water. Avoid the July–October typhoon season.
• Cost breakdown: Cruise tickets covering meals, accommodation and activities cost about CNY 5,000–8,000 per person. Round-trip transport to Sanya costs about CNY 800–1,500, while equipment and optional activities require roughly CNY 500–1,000. Allow an overall budget of approximately CNY 6,000–11,000 per person.

A trip to Sansha combines views of the South China Sea and its islands with opportunities to learn about China's maritime frontiers and reflect on national identity. Attending a flag-raising ceremony on China's southernmost islands is a particularly meaningful part of this type of itinerary.