Sanya West Island: A Poetic Haven on Coral Reefs and the Lively Fishing Village

1. Location and Natural Gifts Sanya West Island (also known as Turtle Island) is a sparkling gem in the South China Sea, located at the southernmost tip of Hainan Island, about 8 nautical miles from downtown Sanya. Covering an area of approximately 2.68 square kilometers, the island consists of the main island and Niuwang Island, surrounded by the sea and designated as a coral reef nature reserve. Lush vegetation blankets the island, with Niuwang Ridge, the highest point at 122.5 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and sky. The surrounding waters are crystal clear, teeming with vibrant coral reef ecosystems that host marine life like staghorn coral and lionfish, making it a paradise for diving enthusiasts. 2. History and Culture: The Lively Fishing Village and Red Legacy West Island boasts over 400 years of fishing village history, with most residents descended from Fujian fishermen who migrated during the Ming Dynasty. The well-preserved coral stone houses, built with coral walls and tiled roofs, feature over 130 century-old structures that tell the wisdom and resilience of fishing life. Poet Guo Moruo once described its unique charm: "Yellow flowers bloom like pea pods, coral stones form every wall." West Island is also renowned for its female militia. Established in 1962, the "Eight Sisters Artillery Squad" grew into a nationally celebrated militia unit, embodying the spirit of "The Great Wall of the South China Sea, Heroic Women Soldiers." Their legacy is preserved in a red education base, where historical photos and stories from the film *Hai Xia* attract countless visitors to reflect on patriotism. 3. Ecotourism: Where Art Meets Nature In recent years, West Island has embraced the concept of a "zero-waste eco-island," blending environmental protection with cultural tourism: • **Art and Creativity**: The West Island Cultural Center, transformed from ancestral homes, merges fishing village history with modern art, showcasing intangible heritage like coconut shell carvings and net weaving. The "Floating Bookstore," crafted from abandoned fishing boats, offers reading spaces and boat stays, becoming a viral hotspot. • **Featured Routes**: Launched in 2023, the fishing village sightseeing routes include Line 1 (scenic spots) and Line 2 (food and homestays), connecting coral stone houses, the Female Militia Memorial Hall, and Niuwang Island. A 35-minute ride covers the island’s highlights. • **Nature Experiences**: Niuwang Island’s rocky shores, romantic installations along the scenic boulevard, and coastal boardwalks are perfect for couples. Dive centers offer glass-bottom boat tours, jet skiing, and other water activities to explore the colorful underwater world. 4. Flavors and Stays: Fishing Village Delicacies and Island Slow Living • **Seafood Feast**: Waterside stalls near the pier serve freshly caught seafood—try blanched squid, peppered horsehoof clams, and coconut chicken hotpot for an unforgettable taste. • **Creative Cuisine**: The West Island Gift Shop offers souvenirs like coconut sticky rice cakes and coral stone crafts, blending ocean themes into daily life. • **Accommodations**: Options range from boutique homestays to luxury resorts. Coral-decorated West Island Yard Homestay with its pool terrace and Whale Joy Seaview Homestay’s rooftop for ocean lullabies are top picks. For convenience, five-star hotels near Xiaoqi Port provide easy access. 5. Practical Tips • **Transport**: Take a bus from downtown to Xiaoqi Port (30 minutes), then a 15-minute speedboat to the island (round-trip tickets from ¥95). • **Best Season**: November to April offers pleasant weather; summer is ideal for snorkeling, winter for stargazing. • **Tips**: Wear comfortable shoes for coral house strolls, pack sunscreen, and book fishing experiences in advance. **Epilogue** West Island is a perfect blend of nature’s gifts and cultural heritage. Here, the textured coral stone walls whisper history, while the floating bookstore exudes artistic charm. The island celebrates both the valor of female militia and the warm smiles of local fisherwomen. As the sunset paints Niuwang Island gold, travelers strolling back may realize: West Island’s magic lies in offering weary souls a tranquil blue harbor to anchor.