In a huge step for Hainan tourism, China has announced the opening up of the breathtaking Paracel Islands to resort-style tourism. 

While the 518km of coastline are currently uninhabited, this is all set to change as part of China’s plan to boost the reputation of the Hainan island province as a top international tourist destination.

The Islands have been controlled by China since 1974 and until now have seen relatively little development aside from a Naval Museum and a Maritime Museum established on Woody Island as well as an airstrip.  China also plans to build a solar energy powered desalination plant on the island for fresh water.

The Paracel Islands in the South China Sea consist of over 130 small coral islands, sandbanks and reefs divided into two groups, occupying an area of about 15,000 square kilometers of ocean surface.

The islands lie 180 nautical miles from Hainan Island, equidistant from the coastlines of Vietnam and Mainland China. About one-third of the way from central Vietnam to the northern Philippines, they enjoy a humid, tropical climate with perfect, warm weather year-round.

The coral reefs that make up the island are like an intricate system of icebergs; the rocks that rise above the water’s surface are only the very tip of an extensive system of spectacular coral that stretches around the archipelago.

Due to location, climate and a history of being left untouched, the Paracel Islands boast fresh, pollution-free air, crystal clear water and a completely undamaged and intricate marine ecosystem. Alongside sea turtles there are more than 400 species of coral and oceanic fish living amongst the islands.

Perfect temperatures and visibility make the islands a perfect destination for scuba divers, and an affordable and enticing alternative to Australia’s crowded Great Barrier Reef.  Resort development on the island will complete this dream, making for one of the most luxurious yet affordable holiday destinations.