Wuzhizhou Island, nestled in Haitang Bay near Sanya, Hainan Province, is a tropical paradise often dubbed the “Maldives of China.” This heart-shaped island, covering 1.48 square kilometers, boasts crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a premier destination for beach lovers, divers, and honeymooners. Known as a 5A scenic spot, Wuzhizhou offers a mix of natural beauty, water sports, and romantic vibes. This guide will help you plan a memorable visit to this enchanting island.
A Travel Guide to Wuzhizhou Island
Why Visit Wuzhizhou Island?
Wuzhizhou Island is renowned for its pristine marine environment, with seawater visibility up to 27 meters, ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island’s lush tropical forests, home to over 2,700 plant species, and its romantic moniker, “Lover’s Island,” due to its heart-shaped silhouette, make it a favorite for couples and families. From adrenaline-pumping water sports to serene sunrise views, the island caters to diverse interests. Its proximity to Sanya, combined with luxury resorts and unique attractions like the Lover’s Bridge, ensures a blend of relaxation and adventure.
How to Get There
Wuzhizhou Island is located about 30 km northeast of Sanya city center and 38 km from Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX). The only way to reach the island is by ferry from Wuzhizhou Island Wharf in Haitang Bay. Here’s how to get there:
From Sanya City Center: By Bus: Take Bus No. 28 or Haitangwan 1 from downtown Sanya to Wuzhizhou Island Wharf (¥12, ~50–60 minutes). Buses depart every 30 minutes and pass through Dadonghai Beach. By Taxi or Didi: A taxi ride costs ¥80–100 one-way (bargaining recommended) and takes about 50 minutes. Didi is a cheaper alternative, averaging ¥60–80. Courtesy Bus: Some hotels, like South China Hotel near Dadonghai Square, offer free shuttle buses to the wharf at 9:00 AM.
From Sanya Phoenix Airport: By Bus: Take Bus No. 27 to Yalong Bay Railway Station, then transfer to Bus No. 28 to the wharf (total ~1.5 hours, ¥15–20). By Taxi: A direct taxi ride costs ¥120–150 and takes about 50 minutes.
To the Island: From Wuzhizhou Island Wharf, take a ferry to the island (15-minute ride). Ferries run every 20 minutes from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last return ferry at 5:30 PM (6:00 PM in summer). Normal ferry tickets are included in the island admission (¥168), while VIP ferries (¥200, no queue) offer faster boarding.
Address: Wuzhizhou Island Wharf, Houhai Village, Haitang District, Sanya City, Hainan Province (海南省三亚市海棠区后海村).
Best Time to Visit
Optimal Season: November to April is the best time to visit, with mild temperatures (24–28°C), low rainfall, and fewer typhoons. This period is ideal for water sports and beach activities.
Avoid: May to October is the rainy and typhoon season, with high humidity and temperatures up to 33°C. Visibility for diving may be reduced due to storms.
Crowds: The island can be crowded during Chinese public holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year, National Day in early October). For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays or stay overnight to enjoy the island after day-trippers leave.
Tip: Check weather forecasts, as typhoons can disrupt ferry services.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM (ferry service starts at 8:00 AM; last return ferry at 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM in summer).
Ticket Prices: Island admission + round-trip ferry: ¥168/person (includes access to main attractions). VIP ferry upgrade: ¥200 (faster boarding, no queuing). Additional activities (e.g., diving, parasailing) cost ¥200–600, depending on the activity. Discounts: Children under 1.2 meters and seniors (60+) may receive reduced rates; check at the ticket counter.
Booking: Purchase tickets at the wharf’s tourist center or online via platforms like Ctrip or WeChat. Book in advance during peak seasons to secure ferry slots. Note: Keep your ticket for the return ferry, as it’s required for boarding.
What to See and Do
Wuzhizhou Island offers a mix of natural attractions, cultural sites, and thrilling activities:
Natural Attractions: White Beach: The island’s only swimmable beach, known for its soft, white sand and clear waters. It’s perfect for sunbathing and relaxing, though shade is limited. Lover’s Bridge: A scenic plank bridge (formerly a shaky steel cable bridge) near the wharf, offering stunning sea views and a romantic photo spot. Sunrise Rock: An ideal vantage point for watching the sunrise, located on a cliff in the southeast. Watching Sea Plank Road: A western coastal path with views of coral reefs, crabs, and tropical fish.
Cultural Sites: Goddess Matsu Temple: A historical temple honoring the deity of fishermen, built in the Qing Dynasty and rebuilt in the 1920s. It’s a serene spot with cultural significance. Gold Turtle Stretching Toward the Sea: A natural rock formation resembling a turtle, adding to the island’s charm.
Water Sports and Activities: Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: The island is China’s top diving spot, with coral reefs, tropical fish, and shipwrecks. Diving costs ¥400–600 (PADI certification recommended). Snorkeling is cheaper at ¥200–300. Parasailing, Jet Skiing, and Banana Boats: High-energy activities range from ¥300–500. Motorboat Tours and Yacht Sea Fishing: Explore the surrounding waters for ¥400–800. Beach Volleyball and Soccer: Free or low-cost activities on White Beach.
Island Exploration: Electric Buggy Tour: A sightseeing bus (¥50/person) stops at six key areas: Bathing Beach, View Rock, Lover Valley, Lover’s Island, Island Teahouse, and Personal Tailor. The loop takes about 30 minutes. Walking Trails: Explore the island’s flower gardens, tropical forests, and wildlife (e.g., small animals like squirrels) on foot. The central trail is particularly scenic.
Note: Swimming is restricted outside White Beach due to safety and ecological concerns. Some visitors have reported inconsistent swimming policies, so check with staff.
Where to Eat
On the Island: Buffet Lunch Restaurant: Located in the south, offers Chinese and seafood dishes (¥50–100/person). Pirate Bar and Seafood Pool: Casual dining with fresh seafood and drinks (¥30–80). Chinese Restaurant: Serves traditional Hainan specialties like coconut rice and grilled fish (¥60–120). Kiosks: Snacks and drinks are available near the beach and wharf (¥10–30).
Tip: Food prices are higher than on the mainland, so consider bringing snacks for a budget-friendly trip. Picnics are allowed but avoid littering. Nearby: Haitang Bay’s Sanya Duty-Free Shopping Center (10-minute drive from the wharf) has food courts with international and local options.
Where to Stay
For a day trip, staying in Sanya is convenient, but overnight stays on Wuzhizhou offer a tranquil experience:
On the Island: Wuzhizhou Coral Hotel: A resort with 81 rooms, including onshore wooden cabins, sea-view villas, and deluxe mountain rooms (¥800–2,000/night). Book early for peak seasons. Island Campsites: Budget-friendly tent camping for an adventurous stay (¥200–400/night).
In Sanya or Haitang Bay: Raffles Hainan (Haitang Bay): A luxury resort with spacious rooms and ocean views, 10 minutes from the wharf (¥1,200–3,000/night). Atlantis Sanya: A family-friendly resort with a waterpark, 15 minutes away (¥1,500–4,000/night). Budget Options: Hostels in Sanya city center, like Sanya Backpackers Hostel, offer dorms for ¥50–100/night.
Booking Tip: Use Ctrip, Booking.com, or WeChat for deals, and book at least a month in advance for peak seasons.
Tips for a Great Visit
Pack Essentials: Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and swimwear, as the tropical sun is intense (average 25–30°C). Eco-friendly sunscreen is recommended to protect coral reefs. Cash and Cards: Some vendors accept only cash for small purchases, but WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used.
Photography: The island’s clear waters and lush greenery are perfect for photos, but underwater cameras (rentable for ¥100–200) are needed for diving shots. Crowd Management: The island can host up to 20,000 visitors daily during peak seasons, leading to crowds. Arrive early (8:00 AM ferry) or stay overnight for a quieter experience.
Eco-Conscious Travel: Avoid touching coral or feeding marine life to preserve the ecosystem. Dispose of trash properly. Combine Your Trip: Pair your visit with nearby attractions like Yalong Bay (23 km away), Nanshan Temple (50 km), or Sanya Duty-Free Shopping Center for a full Hainan experience.
Final Thoughts
Wuzhizhou Island is a tropical gem that blends adventure, romance, and natural beauty. Whether you’re diving into vibrant coral reefs, strolling along Lover’s Bridge, or soaking up the sun on White Beach, the island delivers an unforgettable escape. While it’s geared toward domestic tourists and can be crowded, proper planning—visiting during the dry season, arriving early, or staying overnight—ensures a magical experience. Pack your sunscreen, embrace the island’s charm, and dive into the heart of Hainan’s coastal paradise.
