【Chinese Islands】China’s Top Ten Most Beautiful Chinese Islands Selected by “Chinese National Geography”

Do you know China’s ten most beautiful Chinese islands? In China’s vast blue territory of nearly 3 million square kilometers, there are over 6,500 islands larger than 500 square meters. Thanks to these Chinese islands, we enjoy those azure seas. The following data is sourced from the “Chinese National Geography” magazine’s selection of “China’s Top Ten Most Beautiful Chinese Islands,” a guide for anyone interested in island tourism.

1. Chinese island-Xisha Islands

Features: Coral Seashells, Diving, and Sea Fishing

From Sanya, head to the Xisha Islands, a breathtaking Chinese island group perfect for island tourism. Take a cruise to explore the clear coasts, pink beaches, and the famous seven-colored seas. The Xisha Islands are renowned for their coral reefs and mangroves, making them an ideal spot for diving and sea fishing. Among the four major island groups in the southernmost part of the South China Sea, only the Xisha Islands are open to island tourism, and exclusively to Chinese citizens. On this Chinese island, you can visit Yagong Island, Quanfu Island, and Yinyu Island to fully experience the unique allure of the South China Sea.

2. Chinese island-Weizhou Island

Features: Water-Surrounded Island, Volcanic Rocks

Weizhou Island is another must-visit Chinese island for island tourism enthusiasts. Located south of Beihai City in Guangxi, this island is China’s largest and youngest volcanic island. Visitors can enjoy the warm sea breeze on its soft sandy beaches and marvel at the sunrise and sunset over the horizon. Weizhou Island is famous for its black sand beaches, created from shells and volcanic rocks, resembling black pearls emerging from the sea. This Chinese island’s Dripping Danping features unique layered sea erosion textures, which are a highlight for those interested in natural beauty and island tourism.

3. Chinese island-Nansha Islands

Features: Coral Sand Belts, Jade-Like Beaches

The Nansha Islands, located in the southern part of the South China Sea, are known for their wide distribution and numerous coral reefs. This Chinese island group offers some of the most pristine beaches in the South China Sea, characterized by coral sand belts and jade-like beaches. The Nansha Islands are a popular choice for island tourism, with their scattered island reefs and beaches that resemble stars in the night sky. As a quintessential example of a Chinese island paradise, the Nansha Islands provide a tropical island tourism experience with their stunning natural landscapes and diverse marine life.

4. Chinese island-Penghu Islands

Features: Green Islands, Clear and Gorgeous

The Penghu Islands are a group of Chinese islands located in the Taiwan Strait, west of Taiwan Island. Known for their turbulent waves outside the harbor and calm waters inside, these islands are perfect for island tourism. Attractions like the Penghu Tianhou Temple, Xiyu Fort, and Xiyu Donggu make it a historical treasure. With clear waters, often referred to as “Taiwan’s Hawaii,” Penghu is a Chinese island destination that offers both cultural experiences and natural beauty.

5. Chinese island-Nanji Island

Features: Ecological Kingdom, Beautiful Mountains and Rocks

Nanji Island is a hidden gem among Chinese islands, situated in Wenzhou. Known as the “Fairy Mountain in the Blue Sea,” this island maintains its primitive appearance and is an ideal spot for eco-friendly island tourism. Visitors can enjoy its natural “Kingdom of Shells and Algae,” with over 29% of China’s shell and algae species. Nanji Island’s secluded environment, with a daily visitor limit, makes it a perfect choice for those seeking peaceful island tourism away from the crowds.

6. Chinese island-Miaodao Archipelago

Features: Sea Fairy Mountain, Kingdom of Birds

The Miaodao Archipelago, also known as the Changshan Archipelago, consists of 32 islands under the jurisdiction of Yantai City, Shandong Province. These Chinese islands are located between the Shandong and Liaodong Peninsulas, making them a strategic location for island tourism. Known for their marine delicacies such as sea cucumbers and abalone, the Miaodao Archipelago is also home to a national bird sanctuary and geological park, offering a variety of island tourism experiences.

7. Chinese island-Putuo Mountain Island

Features: Buddhist Kingdom by the Sea, Ancient Trees Towering

Putuo Mountain is one of China’s four famous Buddhist mountains and part of the Zhoushan Archipelago. This Chinese island, known as the “Buddhist Kingdom by the Sea,” attracts both pilgrims and tourists. The island tourism experience here includes visiting ancient temples, relaxing on sandy beaches, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding sea. Putuo Mountain Island is a harmonious blend of spirituality and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for island tourism.

8. Chinese island-Dayushan Island

Features: Mountain Lakes and Grasslands, Island Heavenly Mountain

Dayushan Island, part of the Fuyao Islands in Fujian, is known for its “Heavenly Mountain in the South” feature. This Chinese island is covered with green mountains, clear lakes, and expansive grasslands, offering a unique island tourism experience. Dayushan Island’s natural scenery, including its scattered lakes that resemble gems, makes it a beautiful destination for nature lovers.

9. Chinese island-Linjin Islet and Nanding Island

Features: Ancient Volcanic Landforms

Located in the coastal volcanic scenic area of southeastern Zhangzhou, Fujian, Linjin Islet and Nanding Island are fascinating Chinese islands known for their ancient volcanic landscapes. As national geological parks, these islands feature volcanic craters, lava caves, and various sea-eroded lava landscapes. For island tourism enthusiasts interested in geology and natural history, these Chinese islands provide a unique experience.

10. Chinese island-Hailing Island

Features: Silver Beach by the Sea, Forest Belt

Hailing Island, located south of Yangjiang City, Guangdong, is a popular Chinese island known for its Ten-Mile Silver Beach, the longest beach as recognized by the Guinness World Record. Visitors to this island tourism hotspot can explore the Maritime Silk Road Museum and see the salvaged Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck. Hailing Island is a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for those exploring Chinese island tourism.