The Xisha, Zhongsha and Nansha Islands

The Xisha Islands comprise 22 islets, seven sandbanks and more than 10 coral reefs. There are more than 3,500 permanent residents living on the Xisha Islands. Yongxing, the largest island in the archipelago, covers an area of 2.13 square km. Yongxing Island lies 182 nautical miles away from Hainan Island.

The Zhongsha Islands consist of sandbanks, reefs and islets, which are all submersed in water except for Huangyan Island. The Zhongsha Islands are about 200 nautical miles to the east of Yongxing Island of the Xisha Islands.

The Nansha Islands are the southernmost and scattered across the largest area, with more than 200 islets, reefs, sandbanks and shoals. Major islands in the archipelago are Taiping Island, Zhongye Island, Nanwei Island and Zhenghe Qunjiao. The Zengmu Reef is the southernmost point of China's territory.