Shidao is an island with a relatively high terrain among the South China Sea Islands. The highest point has an altitude of 13 meters. The entire Shidao is completely different from Yongxing Island. There are no tall trees, only grass and thorns. It is also different from other islands in the Xisha Islands. It is not composed of coral reefs. Its composition is reefs. The reefs here have various strange shapes and have high ornamental value. The blue water surface, white waves, moist sea breeze, and the sound of crashing waves form a natural picture of a small island in the southern sky. Shidao and Yongxing Island are on the same reef flat. When the tide is low between the two islands, people can wade across. There is a nearly 200-meter-long cement bridge connecting them. On both sides of the bridge are endless shallow seas as clear as mirrors. Walking across the stone bridge, one can see a coral reef several feet high, which is the gate of Shidao. Due to its height of 15.9 meters, Shidao has become a relatively useful lookout point in the Xuande Atoll. It can observe ships coming and going on the east and west sea surfaces. It is like a bridgehead fortress of Yongxing Island and is very important militarily. In addition, in the shallow sea southwest of Yongxing Island, there is also a group of submerged shoal reefs. The shoals extend from northwest to southeast. The water depth is about 14 meters. It is the main shoal reef that constitutes the southern wing of the Xuande Atoll. The opening hours are subject to the actual opening status on the day. Must-see tips: Shidao is a better place to watch the sunrise. Standing on the top of Shidao and looking at Yongxing Island will also present a different scene.
