The most beautiful diving sites in China

With a history dating back to prehistoric times, a rich flora and fauna and remarkable inventions, China has captivated the world for centuries. But it is not only culture and nature that attract tourists to the Middle Kingdom. China also has a lot to offer… underwater.

Freediving, or diving without an aqualung, has been a holiday hit in recent years. Adventurous divers dive to a certain depth, admiring the underwater world. If you think that freediving is an activity only for professionals, you are wrong! Yes, there are many disciplines in this sport where a high level of expertise is required, but there is nothing to stop amateur divers from trying it too.

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In that case, which underwater landscapes deserve special attention? And how should you prepare for your trip?

Some tips before travelling to China

1 – Always carry a copy of your passport and visa. These documents are required by every hotel, although you may also be stopped on the street and asked to show ID.

2. Install VPN online before you arrive in China, otherwise you won’t be able to use many websites and apps. The Chinese government and the so-called Great Firewall block certain IP addresses and filter the results, so it’s better to get a private virtual network.

3. learn a few phrases in Mandarin. Although it’s not compulsory, it will certainly make communication easier and break the cultural barrier. How about mastering it to the point where you can read a menu in a restaurant?

4 Take cash. Although cards such as Visa or MasterCard are widely accepted, it may happen that your payment is rejected. In such cases, it is better to carry some yuan with you.

Learn to use chopsticks. Although in many restaurants you can ask for regular cutlery, mastering the art of eating with chopsticks will be much easier and will certainly come in handy more than once.

Where to dive in China?

Little Palm Beach

With a sandy bottom, calm waters and a depth of no more than 4 metres, the conditions are ideal for beginners. It just so happens that Little Palm Beach, which is 40 minutes from Hong Kong, meets these requirements perfectly. And don’t be discouraged by the fact that you can only get here by taxi. The place is breathtaking both on land and underwater!

With huge schools of multi-coloured fish and other unusual sea creatures, even experienced divers will not be disappointed.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

A place from a slightly different angle, as it is located in the public aquarium in Shanghai, but equally worthy of attention. Shanghai Ocean AquariumIt offers diving with sharks. The adventure is truly daring, as there are more than 100 sharks in the aquarium, as well as stingrays, turtles, eels and many smaller species of fish.

Anyone can take advantage of this option, but space must be booked in advance. And although we don’t swim in the open sea and the maximum depth is 10 metres, such an experience is sure to be memorable.

Shi Cheng

Often referred to as the New Atlantis, the ancient city of Shi Cheng is famous for being… underwater. The decision to sink it was made in 1959, when the Qiandao Hu artificial lake began to be built in the area.

The town is located at a depth of 26-40 metres and is accessible to diving tourists. The views are truly stunning. It is not often that one has the opportunity to see majestic buildings in the company of new underwater inhabitants.

Great Wall of China

Although the visibility is not stunning, being able to see the Great Wall of China underwater is certainly impressive and will make for a logbook entry that few can boast. In 1981, due to water shortages in Tianjin and Tangshan, the Chinese authorities decided to build a dam and sink part of the wall. Today, it is possible to dive there, with a maximum depth of up to 35 metres.

However, it is not a place for beginners. The water here can be really cold and floating vegetation significantly reduces visibility. Nevertheless, there are more and more daredevils who are not afraid of such “small” underwater obstacles.

Yalong Bay

Yalong Bay is famous for having the most expensive beach in the Chinese province of Haiannan, as well as numerous 5-star hotels. What is under the water is also worthy of special attention and a real treat for adventure seekers.

If you have watched Disney’s animated film “Where’s Nemo?”, you will know what to expect. Yalong is a real paradise for lovers of marine fauna. Here you can admire tropical fish, crustaceans, corals and much, much more.

Underwater visibility reaches up to 16 metres and underwater safari trips along the reef are available in the area.

Tung Lung Chau

If you already have some diving experience and are not afraid of sea waves, then a trip to Tung Lung Chau Island, which is located in Hong Kong’s New Territories, is a must. The place is mostly uninhabited and it is probably this pristine and wild nature that attracts tourists from all over the world.

The waters surrounding the island are 3-4 metres deep, and the beautiful coral reefs add incredible charm to the underwater world. But as Tung Lung Chao is reached by winds from the South China Sea, the current may be too strong for freediving enthusiasts. Therefore, this location will be a better destination for experienced people who want to train before heading out to the high seas.

Hoi Ha Wan

The bay is part of the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park in Hong Kong. The place is famous for its great biodiversity, which it owes to its crystal clear waters. More than 60 varieties of coral and 120 species of beautiful, colourful fish can be found here.

Hoi Ha Wan is a great place for beginner divers who want to work on their skills underwater. The bay reaches a depth of 10 metres in places and the waters are clear and calm. There are also many diving schools in the area.