Wuzhizhou Island Overview
Often called the 'Maldives of China', this 1.48-square-kilometer island in Haitang Bay is Sanya's top destination for scuba diving and water sports, featuring some of China's best-preserved coral reefs and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Wuzhizhou Island Opening Hours & Tickets
- 08:00–18:30 (Ferries to the island stop around 16:00)
- Best season: November to April for the calmest seas and best underwater visibility.
- Ticket note:
Entrance fee includes the round-trip ferry. Advance booking is highly recommende...
Essential Wuzhizhou Island Visitor Information
- Enquiries: +86 898 88891013
- Ferry terminal
- Visitor center
- Electric sightseeing carts
- Lockers and showers
- Marine sports centers
How to Get to Wuzhizhou Island
Take bus 28 from Sanya downtown directly to the Wuzhizhou ferry terminal, or take a taxi (approx. 50 minutes from downtown). Then take a 20-minute ferry to the island.
Wuzhizhou Island Travel Safety & Advice
A medical clinic is available on the island. Lifeguards monitor the designated swimming zones closely.
Wuzhizhou Island Travel FAQ
Can I stay overnight on Wuzhizhou Island?
Technically, there is one resort on the island—Wuzhizhou Island Resort & Spa—but it's expensive (800+ RMB per night) and often fully booked months in advance. Most day-trippers find it unnecessary because the island is small enough to see in 4–5 hours. If you want a sunset stay, you'll need to book directly through the resort's official site or a travel agent at least two weeks ahead.
Is Wuzhizhou Island suitable for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues?
Partially. The main beach and the area near the pier are wheelchair accessible with paved paths. However, the lighthouse hike and many snorkeling points require walking on uneven sand or climbing steps. The ferry boarding can be a bit tricky—there's a gangplank with a slight step. I'd recommend contacting the island's service center (via their WeChat mini-program) before your visit to request assistance. They do offer golf carts for elderly guests, but they run on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if the weather forecast says rain—should I still go?
Tropical showers in Hainan often come and go within 30 minutes. Unless a typhoon warning is issued (check on the Hainan Meteorological Bureau's website), I'd still go. The island might even be less crowded. Just bring a lightweight rain jacket. If lightning is in the forecast, the ferry might be suspended, so check the official mini-program for real-time updates before leaving your hotel.
How much time do I really need on the island?
Most people spend 4–5 hours: 20 minutes each way by ferry, 2 hours for water activities, 1 hour for walking the trails and lighthouse, and 1 hour for lunch. If you want to snorkel at two different spots and relax on the beach, budget 6 hours. Arriving on the 8 AM ferry and leaving on the 2 PM ferry is my sweet spot.
Can I bring my own snorkeling gear and food?
Absolutely. You're allowed to bring your own gear, and I highly recommend it for hygiene. Same goes for food—pack a lunch. Just don't bring glass bottles; they're banned on the island for safety reasons. Also, no drones allowed without a special permit from the island administration.
Which Sanya must-visit place is best for a first-time visitor with only two days?
Day 1: Yalong Bay in the morning, Luhuitou Park at sunset. Day 2: Wuzhizhou Island for snorkeling. This covers beach, view, and adventure without rushing.
How do I avoid tourist traps in Sanya?
Stay away from the souvenir shops near Dadonghai – they sell the same stuff at triple the price. Buy local produce at the First Market. For tours, skip the street hawkers and use official platforms like Klook or Trip.com.
Is it safe to swim at Sanya beaches?
Yes, but follow the flags. Yalong Bay has lifeguards. At Dadonghai, strong currents exist near the rocks – stay between the flagged zones. And never swim after a typhoon warning.
Can I visit Sanya on a budget?
Absolutely. Stay in guesthouses near Sanya Bay (from ¥150/night). Eat at local noodle shops (¥15-20 per bowl). Use public buses. My record for a budget traveler is spending less than ¥300 per day excluding accommodation.
What's the biggest mistake tourists make in Sanya?
Trying to see too much in one day. Sanya's traffic can be brutal (especially on weekends). Pick two places max per day and enjoy them. I've had guests who tried to squeeze Yalong Bay, Dadonghai, and Wuzhizhou in one day – they ended up exhausted and unhappy.
Recent Reviews
Came mainly for sunset photos and was not disappointed. The golden hour light hitting the rocks and the water creates amazing shots. It's quieter on the east side of the island away from the main beach. I appreciated the little hiking trail that takes you up to a viewpoint. However, the infrastructure feels a bit dated — the sun loungers are worn out and some of the wooden boardwalks are splintered. The staff at the entrance were friendly though. A solid 4-star experience, worth visiting if you're already in Sanya.
Honestly felt a bit overhyped. Yes, the water is clear and the sand is white, but you can find similar beaches elsewhere in Hainan for a fraction of the cost. The entry + ferry ticket is already 136 yuan, then every water activity is extra — snorkeling 300+, jet ski 200+. And the island was packed even on a weekday, so you're constantly stepping over people's towels. The public bathroom near the beach was dirty and smelled. I don't regret going once, but I wouldn't go again.
We came with our two kids aged 6 and 9. They absolutely loved building sandcastles and splashing in the gentle waves. The water is shallow near the shore so it's safe for little ones. However, the waiting time for the ferry back was nearly an hour — not fun with tired children. Also, a bottle of water costs 15 yuan and a simple coconut drink is 40 yuan. Beautiful island, but the overall experience was dragged down by the crowds and high prices. Still a good day trip, just manage expectations.
One of the best dive spots I've been to in China. Visibility was at least 15 meters when I went in March, and the coral formations are healthy with plenty of marine life. The dive center staff were professional and spoke decent English. Only downside is the lunch buffet — overpriced and mediocre. But the diving experience itself? Top notch. Rent a GoPro from the shop if you don't have one, the underwater scenery deserves to be captured.
Absolutely stunning! First time visiting Wuzhizhou and the water color is unreal — that clear turquoise you only see in brochures. We did the snorkeling package and saw loads of colorful fish and even a small reef shark. The white sand is soft and fine, perfect for lounging. The Love Bridge area is super photogenic. Boat ride from the mainland was quick and well organized. Definitely the highlight of our Hainan trip. Will come back again!
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