Diving in China
Including Dalian Coastal Reefs, Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, and Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake). On the map.
The vibe
Diving here is a niche pursuit that feels like a genuine exploration of lesser-known underwater terrain rather than a polished, commercialized circuit. The best conditions align with the warmer months when the thermoclines are manageable and the surface conditions remain stable. You will find that the scene is quite sparse, meaning you should be prepared to coordinate directly with local operators who are accustomed to hosting a handful of dedicated enthusiasts.
certification card
Dalian Coastal Reefs
Liaoning Province
Yhz1221 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Temperate rocky reef diving along the Liaodong Peninsula, featuring rich kelp forests, rock formations, and abundant cold-water marine life including sea cucumbers, urchins, and various fish species.
Access. Bookings are available through local dive clubs in Dalian city. Equipment rental and guided shore or boat dives are standard.
Notes. Temperate water requires drysuits or thick wetsuits for most of the year. Depths range from 10 to 30 meters.
Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park
Hong Kong
Minghong / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Hoi Ha Wan is one of Hong Kong's most protected marine environments, offering diverse coral communities and rocky reef structures. Divers visit to observe a high density of hard coral species and associated reef fish in relatively sheltered waters.
Access. Access is via local dive operators based in Sai Kung who organize boat trips to the park. Certification is required for all scuba activities.
Notes. Depth 5-15m; best visibility in winter months; marine park regulations apply.
Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake)
Zhejiang
江上清风1961 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Submerged ancient cities such as Shicheng (Lion City) lie on the lake bed, offering unique historical structure exploration in clear freshwater conditions. Scuba divers travel here for specialized deep freshwater diving to view remarkably preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture.
Access. Accessible via specialized dive operators based in Hangzhou or directly around Qiandao Lake. Advanced freshwater or wreck/structure certifications are typically required due to depth and low visibility factors.
Notes. Depths range from 25 to 40 meters. Water temperature varies significantly by season, and specialized permits are required.
Weizhou Island
Guangxi
William Denniss / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Volcanic island in the Gulf of Tonkin featuring underwater basaltic rock formations, coral patches, and rich marine biodiversity. Scuba diving centers around volcanic rock gardens and reef zones.
Access. Ferry from Beihai leads to the island, where multiple local dive shops offer guided boat and shore dives.
Notes. Depths up to 20 meters. Visibility varies with monsoonal winds.
Wuzhizhou Island, Sanya
Hainan
lntlxht奚洪涛 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Tropical coral reef zones and intentional artificial wrecks off the coast of Hainan. Divers encounter soft and hard coral gardens teeming with reef fish, rays, and small pelagics.
Access. Easily booked through local dive shops and resort dive centers based in Sanya. Ferries run daily to Wuzhizhou Island from the mainland.
Notes. Depths from 5 to 25 meters. Best diving conditions from October to March.
Xisha Islands (Paracel Islands)
Hainan
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Remote offshore atolls and crystal-clear turquoise waters offering pristine coral walls, deep drop-offs, and vibrant marine biodiversity. It is considered one of China's premier offshore scuba destinations for untouched reef exploration.
Access. Accessible via specialized liveaboard dive trips departing from Hainan. Strict booking requirements and permits apply.
Notes. Deep walls and open ocean currents. Seasonality is heavily weather-dependent.