Description
General information about the beach
Shanhu Island Beach, or "Coral Island", is one of the largest islands in the Xisha archipelago with rich marine life. Crystal-clear water and coral reefs make it an excellent spot for snorkelling and diving.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
coral sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
medium
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
10 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
coral
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
required
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
400 m
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
low
Water Quality
Water purity rating
excellent
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
50.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. However, access is restricted.
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream
Hat
Water shoes
Water
First aid kit
Best Time to Swim
Best time to visit is the dry season from March to May. Morning water is calmer.
Local Rules
Access restricted. Do not leave litter. Respect nature and marine life.
Frequently asked questions
Shanhu Island Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal clear, average temperature +28.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. The water is so clear that the bottom is visible even at depth — ideal for snorkelling. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Shanhu Island Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Shanhu Island Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — medium. The shallow area extends for 10 metres from the shore. Bottom — coral. Special water shoes (aqua shoes) are required — the bottom has rocks, corals or sea urchins.
Shanhu Island Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — coral sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 400 metres.
Shanhu Island Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in March, April. It ends in May. The best month for a holiday is April. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Shanhu Island Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Shanhu Island Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Shanhu Island Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Hat, Water shoes, Water, First aid kit.
Shanhu Island Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Best time to visit is the dry season from March to May. Morning water is calmer.
Shanhu Island Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Access restricted. Do not leave litter. Respect nature and marine life.
Shanhu Island Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Shanhu Island Beach: who is this beach best for?
Suitable for researchers and travellers interested in marine archaeology and the unique nature of coral islands. Not suitable for beach holidays due to restricted access.
Shanhu Island Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Crystal-clear water with visibility up to 40 metres and rich marine life. Nearby are shipwreck sites with Qing Dynasty artefacts, including stone building materials and porcelain.
Shanhu Island Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Unique coral geology, Crystal-clear water with visibility up to 40 metres, Rich marine life, Marine archaeology, Untouched nature, Diving and snorkelling opportunities. Cons: No organised beach, Restricted access, No tourist infrastructure, No lifeguards, Coral sand and rubble, Limited access.
Shanhu Island Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Coral Reefs, Shipwreck Site, Lagoon. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Shanhu Island Beach: how do I get to the city of Xisha Islands?
The beach is located near the city of Xisha Islands. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Xisha Islands.