Atlas
South China Sea Islands
Coral islands, reefs, and shoals scattered across the South China Sea form a far-reaching marine landscape.
Province: HainanA small palm-fringed cay rests in a turquoise lagoon, its coral shelves fading into the deep blue South China Sea.
Memorial1
- Yongxing Island Sovereignty Monument in Sansha
Yongxing Island, the largest of the Xisha Islands and seat of the Sansha city government, is home to a historic monument from the postwar period.
Archaeology1
- Ganquan Island Tang-Song Settlement Ruins
Built with coral stone, these nationally protected Tang and Song settlement ruins on Ganquan Island are among the earliest physical evidence of people living on the islands.
Natural Wonder2
- Yongle Blue Hole in Xisha Islands
Plunging to 300.89 meters, the Yongle Blue Hole is a deep-blue ocean marvel, linked in legend to the iron pillar Yu the Great used to calm the floods.
- Qilianyu Atolls Coral Reef Reserve
Seven coral islets and sandbars strung together like pearls sit in clear, layered waters where green sea turtles come ashore to nest.
Song1
- Wujing Zongyao's South China Sea Route1044 CE
Compiled by 1044, the Wujing Zongyao records Song military deployment, warships, and a sea route from Tunmen toward Jiuruluozhou; the record is not expanded into a modern sovereignty judgment.