Wuzhizhou Island

Wuzhizhou is a rocky island of about a square and a half kilometre off Hainan's eastern coast, developed as a day-trip resort because the water around it is clearer than anywhere else within reach of Sanya, with visibility good enough for diving and snorkelling on coral in the shallows. It has small beaches, a coastal walking path around the headlands, a lighthouse and a temple, and an unrelenting menu of paid activities: parasailing, jet skis, banana boats, sea walking, submarine trips and diving courses. A resort hotel allows overnight stays, which is when the island empties and becomes pleasant.

History

The island, about 1.48 square kilometres in Haitang Bay some 30 km north-east of Sanya, was settled in the Qing dynasty by the Daoist priest Wu Huacun, who built a house here while searching for a place to make the elixir of life (Wikipedia, Wuzhizhou Island).

What to look for

• The clear water - the best visibility on the Sanya coast.
• The coastal path - a walk around the headlands and viewpoints.
• The coral shallows - snorkelling and diving off the beaches.
• The activity menu - parasailing, jet skis, sea walking and dive courses.

When to go

November to April for dry, calm conditions; summer brings heat and typhoons from July to September, when boats may not run. Weekdays and early boats are the least crowded.

Practical notes

Everything on the island costs extra and prices are high. Day crowds are heavy and queues for activities long. Coral condition is mixed after years of heavy use.

Nearby

Sanya lies southwest; Boundary Island is north along the coast.

Key facts