Welcome_to_the_Xisha_Islands

E X P L O R E
E X P L O R E
Since news about developing tourism on Xisha Is-lands began to spread in late 2011, many tourists and
travel agencies have shown excitement. “We have been keeping an eye on Xisha tourism, and making prepara-tions for related travel products,” says Wang Li, direc-tor of the administrative office of the Chengdu Y outh Travel Service. “Once Xisha tourism is launched, it will definitely attract adventurous tourists. We are op-timistic about the islands’ prospects.” Domestic Tour-ism Center of Guangdong International Travel Service believes that Xisha tourism will bring more fresh ele-ments to Hainan tourism, and more exciting experi-ences for tourists.
It was reported that a cruise ship called the Scent of Princess Coconut would add Xisha to its route. A deluxe passenger and cargo ferry, the ship sails at a speed of 20 nautical miles per hour. The cruise liner is equipped with viewing decks, a music bar, a dance hall, and video arcades. Considering the length of
a
approved to visit the islands for research or interviews, and reach them in supply ships.
Scuba diving and fishing are popular among most tourists visiting Xisha. The water is very clean, with visibility reaching as deep as 40 meters down. Vast coral reefs make the islands perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. In some areas, bustling underwater scen-ery can even be seen from the shore. Some fishermen from Xisha live and work on shoals. by Zha
Chunming/Xinhua
For fishermen
living on Xisha Islands, the
South China Sea
is home. by Zha
Chunming/Xinhua
Yongxing Island,
main island of
Xisha.by Lan
Jianqiong
Breathtaking
Xisha.by Lan
Jianqiong Returning from fishing around
the Xisha Islands.by Li Changjie
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E
round trip, the number of voyages will be limited. In light of the estimated voyage numbers and the ship’s capacity, the number of tourists visiting Xisha will still be relatively small. Also, in the first stage of tourism development, visitors may only be allowed to disem-bark during daytime, and have to sleep on board due to environmental concerns.
Li Guoqiang, deputy director of the Research Cen-ter for Chinese Borderland History and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, was asked by related government agencies to offer advice on Xisha tourism development. Due to Xisha’s extremely fragile ecosystem, he suggested the following: People should not stay on islands overnight. Human activities such as eating and sleeping should be done on cruise ships. Garbage should be removed from the islands by ships and the islands should be kept in their natural state to attract tourists.
“We should carefully map out a plan for Xisha tourism, and make environmental protection the pri-ority,” adds Li Guoqiang. What people love about the Xisha Islands is the natural look and flavor.
The fantastic un-derwater world near Xisha.by Huang Qiqing
The fantastic un-derwater world of Xisha. by Li Jianhua。