Seagulls fly beside a ship cruising China's Xisha Islands. CHINA DAILY

Food on the islands will be "definitely cheaper than on Hainan island", he said, adding that the Sansha government will pay close attention to tourism management, including pricing. Tourists are instructed to take away any garbage they produce on the islands.

Seaplanes, introduced this year, will give tourists, literally, a different perspective. Fishing and diving will be on the itinerary, along with island weddings for romantics.

In the future, flights to Sansha from Haikou or Sanya will be available, said the mayor.

Contact the writer at Li Xiaokun@chinadaily.com.cn