Wuzhizhou Island
If you want to dive, Wuzhizhou Island is the best choice. Known as China's first developed tropical resort island, it is surrounded by clear water with the best visibility in Sanya,…
Wuzhizhou Island, Sanya · AI illustration for China Trip
Key facts
- Admission
- ¥144 (admission + return boat ticket)
- Time needed
- 1–2 days
- Getting there
- 1. Shuttle bus: This is only available if you have booked a room on Wuzhizhou Island through the online reservation centre or sales office and paid the full room rate in advance. Free shuttles to the Wuzhizhou Island pier run at 9:00 and 13:00 from South China Hotel (大东海南中国大酒店), hotels in the Yalong Bay area and Sanya Phoenix International Airport. 2. Near Wuzhizhou Island (bus stop) and Haitangwan Plaza (bus stop). 3. Ferry: Boats to the island depart from 8:00 in the morning, and the last boat back from the island leaves at 16:00. Departures from the island: last boat at 17:00, then one boat every 20 minutes.
- Guidebook rating
- 5 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 2554. Open in Google Maps
About Wuzhizhou Island
If you want to dive, Wuzhizhou Island is the best choice. Known as China's first developed tropical resort island, it is surrounded by clear water with the best visibility in Sanya, making it ideal for diving and other marine sports. The island is rich in conch, sea cucumber, Spanish mackerel, sea urchins and colourful tropical fish. Its surrounding coral reefs are remarkably well preserved, making it one of the best-protected natural marine areas along the coast of Hainan.
Tips from the guidebook
- 1. Private car: Hiring a car to Wuzhizhou Island is a good option. Most car packages include island admission, so it works out good value. Your driver can also help you secure significant discounts on activities on the island.
- 2. Diving: Several reputable clubs in Sanya offer diving experiences and courses such as Open Water Diver (OW) and Advanced Open Water Diver (AOW). If you sign up for a course or a trial dive, check exactly which dive site it is, as costs and experiences vary greatly. Before diving, make sure the air tank is full; full tanks are sealed at the valve with tape. The best time to dive is close to noon.
- 3. Boat dives are better: Boat dives reach depths of about 16 metres. Your eardrums may feel some pressure, but this eases considerably if you follow your instructor's techniques. Shore dives usually go to about 5 metres and show less of the seabed than boat dives.
- 4. Sunrise: On the island's back hill is Sunrise Viewing Rock (观日岩), the best place to watch the sunrise. It is quite far, so take an electric cart. The view of the sea from the rock is also particularly good.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Wuzhizhou Island cost?
Admission to Wuzhizhou Island is ¥144 (admission + return boat ticket), as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
How do I get to Wuzhizhou Island?
1. Shuttle bus: This is only available if you have booked a room on Wuzhizhou Island through the online reservation centre or sales office and paid the full room rate in advance. Free shuttles to the Wuzhizhou Island pier run at 9:00 and 13:00 from South China Hotel (大东海南中国大酒店), hotels in the Yalong Bay area and Sanya Phoenix International Airport. 2. Near Wuzhizhou Island (bus stop) and Haitangwan Plaza (bus stop). 3. Ferry: Boats to the island depart from 8:00 in the morning, and the last boat back from the island leaves at 16:00. Departures from the island: last boat at 17:00, then one boat every 20 minutes.
How long should I spend at Wuzhizhou Island?
Plan on 1–2 days for Wuzhizhou Island.
Where is Wuzhizhou Island?
Wuzhizhou Island is in Sanya, Hainan Province, in the South China of China.
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