Wuzhizhou Island, Sanya

How much is the Wuzhizhou Island ticket?

The official site lists the adult ticket at 144 yuan, and that covers both entry and the return ferry. Children up to 1.2 m tall or aged 6 and under go free. Ages 6–18, full-time students and seniors aged 60–69 pay half, but discounts are issued at the ticket window against ID — the rules mention Chinese ID cards, so ask whether a passport counts.

Everything beyond the beach and the open paths costs extra: the sightseeing cart around the island, snorkelling, dives, jet skis and boat rides. Prices on the site are shown as “from” and can rise on Chinese public holidays.

Is Wuzhizhou Island worth it?

If you want to snorkel or try diving, yes — the water is clearer than at any of Sanya's city beaches, and introductory dives with an instructor are easy to book. If you just want a beach day, probably not: Yalong Bay has fine sand for free, while here the ticket, transport, cart and a couple of activities add up quickly.

Weekends and Chinese holidays are crowded, and when the island is full, ticket sales are reportedly paused. Go on a weekday, catch an early boat and book a day or more ahead.

Snorkelling and diving: what it costs

Wuzhizhou is one of China's best-known dive spots. Visibility is quoted anywhere from 15 to 30 metres depending on the season and the swell; the north and west shores are calmer than the reef on the south side.

The official site lists “from” prices that vary by date: the island cart from 138 yuan, a manta-ray snorkel with the entry ticket from 398, a coral-reef dive from 550–580, a jet ski from 200, parasailing from 350 and a discover-diving course from 1,280 yuan. Activity bundles are sold too. Before you pay, check whether the entry and ferry ticket is included.

Life jackets are compulsory in the water, and operators turn away people with heart or blood-pressure problems, back conditions or recent surgery. Activities can close at short notice when the sea picks up.

What to see on the island

• Lovers' Bridge, to the right of the pier — Chinese guides say it was a lookout for the island's garrison before being rebuilt as a wooden bridge.
• The small Mazu Temple on the south side, dedicated to the goddess who protects seafarers; the building is a modern rebuild.
• Guanri Rock, the sunrise-watching cliff at the island's highest point in the south-east. The cart doesn't go all the way, so the last stretch is a climb on foot.
• White-sand beaches on the north and west shores, where the sea is calmer for snorkelling.
• Dense tropical planting — English Wikipedia counts over 2,700 plant species, including the dragon tree.
• Lookouts along the coastal path for the classic turquoise-water photos.

Wuzhizhou Island vs Yalong Bay and Dadonghai

Wuzhizhou price from the official site; Yalong Bay and Dadonghai figures from our pages on those places. Choose Wuzhizhou for the water, Yalong Bay for a free beach.

Where to stay: on the island or in Haitang Bay?

The island has its own hotels and villas, the best known being Coral Hotel (珊瑚酒店). Staying over means empty beaches early and late, before the day-trippers arrive and after they leave, and guests reportedly get reserved ferry places when tickets sell out.

It's pricey, though, and food and activities are at island prices. Most visitors base themselves in Haitang Bay, 15 minutes from the pier, or in Dadonghai if they want a town with cafés, and come over for the day.

Best time to visit Wuzhizhou Island

October to April is the most comfortable stretch: drier weather and calmer, clearer water. Summer is hot and choppier but still fine for water sports. July to October is Sanya's wettest period.

When a storm warning is issued, the city suspends island trips and boats stop running. Check the forecast the day before and schedule the island early in your stay so you have a spare day; cancelled tickets can usually be refunded or moved.

Sanya's beaches and islands compared

Every waterside place in Sanya rated by YesGo. Tap a column heading to sort.

How to do it right

• Take one of the first boats: beaches are quiet before 10 am and the water is clearer before the jet skis churn it up.
• Bring your own snorkel mask — it fits better than the rentals.
• Leave plenty of time for the return: queues for the last boats can be long, and taxis at the pier are scarce in the evening.
• Only buy an activity bundle if you'll use three or more activities; otherwise pay as you go.
• Food on the island costs more than in town, so bring water and snacks.

Questions