三沙市

Why this place

Sansha is China's southernmost and least-populated city, administering the island groups of the South China Sea. It is not a tourist destination in the ordinary sense — access is restricted and it functions as a maritime administration and research base — but it is the southernmost city in the country and part of its territorial administration.

What to see

• Yongxing Island, the seat of the city administration
• The coral reefs and the marine environment of the South China Sea islands
• The maritime museums and research facilities that document the area

What to eat

• Seafood, as you would expect of an island administration — mostly the local catch

Best time

Access is limited and by official arrangement only; check current regulations before planning any visit

Practical tips

• This is a restricted area: do not plan travel here without confirming official permission first