(China.org.cn)

Top 8: Xisha Islands (西沙群岛)

Xisha Islands is one of the four big island groups situated in the South China Sea. It consists of two islands groups: The Yongle Islands group and Xuande Islands group. It falls under the administration of Sansha City in Hainan Province, featuring 22 islands, seven shoals and dozens of submerged reefs. With its beautiful natural scenery and great temperature, the island group is one of the most famous fishing grounds in China, attracting a large amount of fishermen every year. Many merchant ships loaded with ceramic, silk, and spices once passed through here, making it an important part of the "Silk Road of the Sea."