Xisha is back! I really don't recommend going this month! Because...

Because it's too beautiful!!! The Xisha Islands, a maritime paradise open exclusively to Chinese citizens, boasts poetic "glass seas" and is a dream destination for countless travelers. Having just returned, I'm eager to share this comprehensive guide to help you experience Xisha's incomparable beauty in the most cost-effective way! I. Transportation Guide: Multiple Options for Easy Access (1) Cruise Travel Traveling from Sanya to Xisha by cruise is most travelers' first choice. I highly recommend the "Changle Princess" and "South China Sea Cruise," which offer 5-day, 4-night classic itineraries allowing you to fully experience Xisha's charm, with costs ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 yuan per person. The "Changle Princess" features luxurious facilities and elegant design, providing stable and comfortable sailing with excellent viewing decks. The "South China Sea Cruise" offers spacious accommodations, attentive service, and various room types to meet different needs. For room options, the economical 4-person interior cabin starts at around 6,000 yuan per person - while lacking outside views, it's clean, tidy, and well-equipped. Ocean-view rooms allow you to enjoy the seascape anytime, waking to the sound of waves and falling asleep to the sunset - though more expensive, they're worth it for photos. Cruise tickets include three daily meals, island tours, and various onboard activities, with only bar consumption and special experience activities requiring additional payment. (2) Air Travel For those with limited time and sufficient budget, direct flights from Sanya to Yongxing Island take only about 1.5 hours. Note that this route requires special approval and isn't a regular tourist channel. Tickets start at about 2,500 yuan, making it more suitable for travelers with urgent business or seeking efficient travel. Money-Saving Tips During the off-season (April-May), booking cruise tickets 1-2 months in advance can get you discounts of up to 30%. Bringing your favorite snacks and instant foods can come in handy when you don't want a full meal or get hungry late at night! II. Exploring Attractions: Encountering Xisha's Stunning Scenery (1) Yongle Islands The Yongle Islands are the dazzling jewels of the Xisha Islands, comprising multiple beautiful islets. - Jinqing Island: Here, the beaches are fine and soft, with waters displaying distinct layers of blue and green, like a painter's palette spilled by God. The island is covered with lush tropical vegetation, making it an excellent spot for photos. Walking along the island path, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery where sea meets sky and occasionally encounter adorable seabirds. - Lingyang Reef: As a natural lagoon, Lingyang Reef has a unique ecosystem. At low tide, large areas of reef flats are exposed, where you can observe rich marine life such as colorful fish and various shellfish. Photography enthusiasts shouldn't miss the stunning sunrise and sunset here, when golden sunlight spills across the sea, creating a magnificent canvas. (2) Quanfu Island Quanfu Island is an uninhabited island with snow-white beaches that sparkle in the sunlight, crystal-clear waters, and fish swimming among coral reefs. Here, participate in the solemn flag-raising ceremony in the morning, feeling a surge of pride as the five-starred red flag flies high in the sea breeze. You can also play freely on the beach, build sandcastles, splash in the waves, and enjoy leisurely moments. (3) Yinyu Island Yinyu Island's waters display a magical seven-color gradient that's breathtakingly beautiful. Follow local fishermen's footsteps to explore the island's unique ecosystem and search for giant clam fossils (remember to leave them in place after viewing to protect the environment). In the evening, sit by the sea and watch the sunset paint the sky and ocean in brilliant colors, feeling the serenity of time. (4) Yagong Island Yagong Island is formed from coral fragments. At low tide, abundant marine life hides in the crevices between rocks, making it an ideal time for beachcombing. Be sure to wear professional water shoes to prevent cuts from coral fragments. Here, you can also experience unique fishing village life, visit fishermen's cabins, and learn about their daily work. III. Culinary Feast: Xisha on Your Taste Buds (1) Seafood Banquet In Xisha, seafood is the absolute star! Join the ship's fishing activities (about 3,500 yuan per person) to catch delicious fish like tuna and grouper yourself. Your catch can be prepared free of charge as sashimi, steamed fish, and other delicacies, with fresh ingredients that melt in your mouth, releasing their flavor. (2) Special Dishes - Sea Emperor Porridge: Made with various seafood, this thick porridge absorbs the essence of seafood, with every spoonful full of rich umami flavor, warming both stomach and heart. - Pan-fried Mackerel: Mackerel has firm flesh that, when simply pan-fried, creates a golden crispy skin while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Paired with special dipping sauce, it tastes excellent. - Coconut Grilled Oysters: Fresh oysters combined with rich coconut, then grilled to perfectly blend the freshness of oysters with coconut aroma, creating a rich taste that lingers. (3) Hidden Delicacies At the fishermen's small restaurant on Yinyu Island, be sure to try their signature grouper soup with local yellow lantern chili sauce - tangy, spicy, and appetizing. One bowl will warm your entire body. IV. Essential Tips: For a Smoother Journey Documentation: Apply for Xisha tourism permits through official travel agencies in advance to ensure smooth approval, and remember to bring your ID card. Equipment Checklist: Prepare comfortable water shoes, high-SPF coral-friendly sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, and other sun protection items. Due to limited island signals, it's advisable to carry China Mobile or China Unicom SIM cards, as China Telecom users experience poorer reception. Important Notes: Drones are strictly prohibited in the Xisha Islands. To protect the ecosystem, do not remove coral, shells, sand, etc., from the islands, or you may face fines. For those prone to seasickness, apply motion sickness patches in advance. During rough seas, some deck areas may be closed for safety. V. Photography Guide: Capturing Xisha's Beauty Quanfu Island: Wear a flowing white dress, sit on a beach swing, and use backlighting to create beautiful silhouette effects; or lie on the beach with the blue sky and sea as background for natural, casual photos. Yinyu Island: Stand under the iconic lighthouse, use a wide-angle lens to shoot upward, capturing the person, lighthouse, and gradient waters together for a spectacular visual effect. Cruise Deck: Around 5:30 AM, head to the top deck of the cruise ship, set up a tripod, and photograph the sunrise at sea, capturing the moment when the first rays of sunlight spill across the water. VI. Travel Bonus: Creating Unforgettable Memories After participating in the flag-raising ceremony on the island, don't forget to collect the precious "Xisha Commemorative Seal" - a unique travel souvenir! Also, at the post office on Yongxing Island, select a beautiful postcard, write your wishes to friends and family, and mail it from China's southernmost point, sending this romance from Xisha to your loved ones. The beauty of the Xisha Islands can only be truly appreciated through personal experience. Every sea and island here showcases nature's masterful craftsmanship and endless charm. Take this guide and embark on your own dreamy Xisha journey! Meanwhile, let's all protect this pristine sea area together, allowing its beauty to continue forever.