Nanji Deep Reef

Nanji Coral Gardens

Nanji Coral Wall

Wenzhou cuisine is one of China’s most distinctive regional food traditions, characterized by the extensive use of seafood, poultry, and the skillful preparation of dishes that balance freshness with complex flavors. The city is famous for Wenzhou duck tongue, a delicacy prepared in multiple styles, and fish balls made from freshly pounded local fish. The Nanji Islands contribute their own specialties including extremely fresh shellfish, reef fish, and seaweed dishes prepared by island fishing communities. The local cooking style uses less oil and sugar than neighboring Fujian cuisine, emphasizing clean flavors that highlight the quality of ingredients. Wenzhou people are passionate about food, and the city’s restaurants and street food stalls offer an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Nanji Island Resort

Nanji Marine Lodge

Pingyang Harbor Hotel

Wenzhou Grand Hotel

Comfortable water temperatures and excellent visibility.

Cold water requiring thick wetsuits or drysuits.

Good conditions with variable temperatures.

The Nanji Islands are a nationally protected marine nature reserve off the coast of Wenzhou in Zhejiang province, recognized as one of China’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems with extensive subtropical coral communities at remarkably high latitudes. The archipelago of 52 islands sits at the convergence of the warm Taiwan Current and the cold Zhejiang Coastal Current, creating unique conditions that support both tropical and temperate marine species within the same ecosystem. The islands are renowned for their remarkably clear water, with visibility regularly reaching 15-25 meters during optimal conditions, making them among the clearest dive sites in eastern China. Underwater topography features volcanic rock reefs, coral-encrusted walls, sandy channels, and seagrass meadows that support over 400 species of shellfish and 200 species of fish. The Nanji Islands are one of the few places in eastern China where healthy coral communities thrive, with both hard and soft corals forming colorful gardens on rocky substrates. Access is regulated by the marine reserve authority, limiting visitor numbers and preserving the pristine nature of the reefs. The combination of exceptional biodiversity, clear water, regulated access, and the wild beauty of the outer islands makes the Nanji Islands one of China’s finest temperate-subtropical diving destinations.

Zhejiang – Nanji Islands (Wenzhou)

Optimal diving with warm water, excellent visibility, and calm seas.

Cooler winter months or typhoon-prone summer period with reduced visibility.

Good conditions with slightly cooler water and fewer crowds.

Guided exploration of the protected marine reserve with ranger interpretation

Nanji Islands nature reserve guided tour

Hike to the highest point on Nanji Island with panoramic ocean views

Dabei Mountain viewpoint hike

Enjoy Nanji Island best beach with crystal clear water and coral snorkeling

Da Sha Beach swimming and snorkeling

Boat trip to the outer island with pristine reefs and seabird colonies

Sanpan Island day trip by boat

Experience famous Wenzhou cuisine including duck tongue and fish balls

Wenzhou food walking tour

Camp on designated areas of Nanji Island with incredible stargazing

Island camping under the stars

Fly into Wenzhou Longwan International Airport (WNZ) then transfer by car to the Pingyang County ferry terminal (1 hour). Ferry to Nanji Islands takes approximately 90 minutes. Advance permits may be required due to marine reserve status.

Dive Sites in Zhejiang – Nanji Islands (Wenzhou)

Nanji Deep Reef

Nanji Coral Gardens

Nanji Coral Wall