The much-anticipated distinctive tourism program in Hainan’s Sansha region was launched just before May Day. The cruise ship “Princess Coconut” embarked on its maiden voyage, carrying around 240 tourists including officials from relevant departments, tourism industry insiders, and visitors from across the country on a four-day, three-night trip to the Xisha Islands. Although tourists from Guangdong didn’t get to be the first to experience Sansha tourism, Guangzhilv has already introduced a travel product to Sansha with an itinerary identical to the maiden voyage. Pre-sales have started as of now, with departures available as early as May.
Maiden voyage: 240 participants on a 4-day, 3-night tour
Operated by the cruise ship “Princess Coconut,” the maiden voyage carried approximately 240 tourists, including representatives from relevant departments, tourism industry professionals, and travelers from various parts of China, on a four-day, three-night journey to the Xisha Islands.
According to information from Guangzhilv and other major travel agencies in the city, since the maiden voyage of the distinctive Sansha tourism program is still in a “trial phase,” only two of the Xisha Islands were included in the itinerary—Yagong Island and Quanfu Island—and no tourists from Guangdong participated.
Travel by the people of Guangzhou
5-day tour starting at just 5,850 RMB
Although tourists from Guangdong weren’t able to be the first to visit Sansha, Guangzhilv has already secured a portion of the tickets for the second voyage and launched the first travel product from Guangdong to Sansha: the “Haikou–Xisha Islands Princess Coconut 5-Day Tour.” Pre-sales have started as of now, with departures available as early as May. According to the travel agency, the “Princess Coconut” cruise ship used for the Xisha Islands voyages offers cabins of varying standards, including sea-view rooms, porthole rooms, and windowless rooms, all accommodating 2 to 8 people. All bathrooms are shared. Prices range from 5,850 RMB to 9,850 RMB, with unified national pricing. The cost includes transportation to and from Haikou, one night of accommodation at a five-star hotel in Haikou, three nights aboard the Princess Coconut cruise, meals, the Xisha access fee, tour guide service fees, and comprehensive insurance for the full 5-day trip (with special travel accident insurance coverage up to 500,000 RMB). Flights between Guangzhou and Hainan are not included but can be booked through the agency. Based on current airfare prices for Guangzhou–Hainan round trips, the estimated total cost for Guangdong tourists to visit the Xisha Islands is around 7,000 RMB.
Itinerary Highlights
Island tours and open-air movies at sea
According to Guangzhilv, the newly launched “Haikou–Xisha Islands Princess Coconut 5-Day Tour” is open to tourists from Guangdong, with the itinerary matching that of the maiden voyage.
Tourists will board the “Princess Coconut” cruise ship, which sails past Wenchang Mulan Cape, the Qizhou Islands, and North Reef before reaching China’s southernmost point—the mysterious Xisha Islands—where they will set foot on Yagong Island and Quanfu Island. Onboard activities include deck sightseeing, watching open-air movies, attending educational lectures and the captain’s dinner, and enjoying deck performances.
Registration Information
Heart patients not suited for Sansha travel
Wen Shuang, General Manager of Guangzhilv’s Outbound Travel Center, explained that due to limited spots on each voyage, the agency will arrange departures based on a first-come, first-served basis according to the order of registration.
Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old and are required to complete the “People’s Republic of China Xisha Tourism Application Form,” providing detailed personal information such as name, ID number, date of birth, political status, education level, home address, family member details, employer, and job title. They must also submit a health certificate issued within the past week, confirming they are in good health without conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, severe sinusitis, severe anemia, vertigo, pregnancy, or obesity. Boarding is only permitted with this health certificate.
Travel Tips
Avoid drinking milk or eating eggs
Travel agencies advise that due to the unique nature of the itinerary, Xisha voyages may be canceled or rescheduled due to weather, military, or governmental reasons. To avoid losses caused by changes, the agency will notify travelers seven days in advance whether the trip will proceed, and travelers should book related transportation only after receiving confirmation.
As the land area of the Xisha Islands is limited, travel will be conducted via cruise ships, with accommodation and meals provided onboard. Tourists can go ashore for sightseeing. The boat ride from Hainan Island takes approximately 19 hours, which is quite long. To reduce discomfort during the voyage, Wen Shuang recommends avoiding milk and eggs, and bringing anti-seasickness medication or patches. Additionally, as the islands have strong ultraviolet rays, travelers should bring sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
Xisha: A Paradise for Birds
There are 22 islands and sandbanks above water in the Xisha Islands. The beaches are pure white and soft, and the small islands are lush with greenery. Getting up close to the waters of the Xisha Islands is truly enchanting. Whether it’s the deep sapphire of the open sea, the azure of the shallows, or the crystal-clear, fish-scale-like transparency of the waters just two meters deep over the reefs, it’s enough to inspire the urge to dive in. The Xisha Islands are also a paradise for birds. Experts say the islands are home to more than 40 species of birds, numbering over 60,000.