Boundary Island

Fenjiezhou, translated as Boundary Island, takes its name from a local observation that it lies on a weather divide: the mountains behind and the island's position are said to separate conditions to the north from those to the south, so that wind, cloud and rain can differ noticeably on either side of it. Whether or not the effect is as sharp as claimed, the island has clear water, white sand bays, coral and a full resort programme of diving, snorkelling, sea walking and motorised watersports, plus a hotel for overnight stays. Paths cross the small island to viewpoints and quieter rocky shores.

What you actually see

• The clear bays - white sand and good visibility on the sheltered side.
• The weather divide - the local claim the island splits conditions.
• The coral snorkelling - reef in the shallows off the beaches.
• The island paths - walks to viewpoints and rocky shores.

When to go

November to April for calm seas and dry weather; summer brings typhoons and cancelled boats. Weekdays and early crossings avoid the worst of the day-trip crowds.

Honest expectations

Everything is ticketed and activities are expensive. Day crowds are heavy and beaches busy. The weather-divide story is local lore rather than measured meteorology.

Nearby

Riyue Bay lies north; Sanya is southwest.