Wuzhizhou Island, located in Haitang Bay in northeastern Sanya, Hainan province, is shaped like a butterfly. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Nestled on the azure sea off the northeast coast of South China's Hainan Island, Wuzhizhou is a butterfly-shaped islet of 1.5 square kilometers offering a wide range of beach activities. Also known as Valentine's Island, it is an ideal destination for tourists all year round.

[Photo/en.explorehainan.com]

[Photo/en.explorehainan.com]

Wuzhizhou Island is also one of the very few islands in China featuring crystal clear seawater, white sand beaches and coral reefs. Different from the beauty of a blue sea, the aquamarine and turquoise blue of the waters around Wuzhizhou is less common. At the eastern and southern ends of Wuzhizhou Island there are rolling peaks which climb up to 79.9 meters. Steep cliffs descend to the reefs of the bay where huge waves crash on to the rocks to create massive sprays of water that look like snow. The western and northern terrain gradually levels out into a bay with fine white sand.

Lover's Bridge is a famous dating spot on the tropical marine islet. [Photo/en.explorehainan.com]

[Photo/en.explorehainan.com]

Lover's Bridge is a famous dating spot on the tropical marine islet. [Photo/wuzhizhou.com]

Looking into the distance, the sea turns a milky-blue, and looking further away, it becomes deep blue like ink. Around the island, the seawater is pollution-free and crystal clear with high visibility down to a depth of 27 meters. These are natural fishing grounds teeming with Spanish mackerel, grouper, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, prawns, luminous conches and tropical fish of every color under the sun.

[Photo/en.explorehainan.com]

The richness of the colors is not the only thing that makes this island attractive — it is also a paradise for divers. Brave tourists can try over 30 exciting activities, including windsurfing, speedboat rides, banana boating, canoeing, para-sailing, beach motorcycling and sea parachute jumping.

Scenic spot level: AAAAA

Address: 2.7 km offshore from Linwang town in the Sanya Scenic Tourism Area

Opening hours: 8:00 am- 5:30 pm, tourists must land the island before 4:00 pm

Admission: 136 yuan ($18.88), including entrance and round-trip steamer ticket

Tel: (+86 898) 88751257

Tips

1.Bring along sunglasses, sunblock and hats to avoid potential sunburn.

2.For your safety, visitors facing any of the following conditions are not advised to visit the island or participate in sea activities, especially if unassisted:

▪ High blood pressure

▪ Heart conditions

▪ Epilepsy

▪ Recent surgery

▪ Impaired mobility (due to injury, being 70+ or under 8 years old, or other physical limitations)

▪ Pregnancy

▪ Under the influence of alcohol

▪ Otherwise in poor health

3.Business hours and ferry times are subject to change based on sea and weather conditions. Please confirm the schedule in advance with the operating company.

wuzhizhou.com contributed to the story.