Natural site · HAINAN
Wuzhizhou Island
蜈支洲岛 · Wúzhīzhōu Dǎo
About
Coral-reef island 2.5 nautical miles off Sanya's eastern coast. Popular for snorkelling, diving, and beach day-trips.
Wuzhizhou Island — 蜈支洲岛 — is a 1.48-square-kilometre island in the South China Sea, about 2.5 nautical miles off the northeast coast of Hainan's Sanya peninsula. The island is surrounded by coral reef at depths of three to fifteen metres, with relatively high water clarity for southern Chinese coastal waters, particularly during the dry season from November to April. The name translates roughly as 'centipede-sandbar island', from the irregular shape visible on maps.
The island has been developed as a day-trip marine recreation destination since the early 2000s. A 20-minute ferry from Haitang Bay pier or the Wuzhizhou dedicated pier delivers visitors to the island's main beach on the southern shore. Snorkelling equipment is available to hire; the shallow reef areas within swimming distance of the beach hold a reasonable variety of tropical fish, though visibility and coral health vary by season and have been subject to some degradation from visitor volume. The on-site PADI dive centre runs introductory dives for non-certified visitors and certified dives to the deeper reef areas, where marine diversity is higher. Water sports — banana boats, parasailing, jet skis — operate from the main beach.
A cable car system climbs from the south beach to the island's upper ridge, where viewpoints look north across the South China Sea and back toward the Sanya coastline. The island's western side is less developed and quieter, with rocky coastal paths. Visitor numbers are high on weekends and public holidays throughout the dry season; weekday visits in late November to early February are the most manageable. The total visit — ferry, beach and water activities, cable car, return ferry — fills a full day.
How to get there
Bus or driver to Wuzhizhou ferry pier from Sanya.
When to visit
November–April for clear waters.
Other attractions in Sanya
Itineraries featuring this site
- Hainan Tropical Loop — Sanya to Wenchang, 5 days
5d · Hainan Island's varied offer beyond the beach resorts: the tropical rainforest at Yanoda, Li ethnic minority villages, the space launch centre at Wenchang, and the laid-back surf scene.
- Hainan beach week
7d · Sanya beaches and tropical island lifestyle — 7 days.
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- China Danxia中国丹霞
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- Dianchi Lake Kunming滇池
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- Erhai Lake洱海
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- Fanjingshan梵净山
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- Hailuogou Glacier National Park海螺沟冰川
The lowest-altitude glacier accessible in Asia, flowing from the slopes of Mount Gongga down through a bamboo and subtropical forest valley to just 2,980 m above sea level.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does Wuzhizhou Island cost to visit?
- Adult entry to Wuzhizhou Island is ¥144, ¥72 for children. Plus ferry; plus optional activity packages.
- When is Wuzhizhou Island open?
- Wuzhizhou Island opening hours: 8am–6pm; ferry crossings 8am–5pm.
- How long do you need at Wuzhizhou Island?
- Allow 6–8 hours for Wuzhizhou Island. Add buffer time if you plan to visit at peak season or include nearby sights in the same trip.
- When is the best time to visit Wuzhizhou Island?
- November–April for clear waters.
- How do you get to Wuzhizhou Island?
- Bus or driver to Wuzhizhou ferry pier from Sanya.
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