"Tourism has become a pillar industry."

And that industry, she says, is aiming at the high end.

"Visitors can travel among several beautiful islands over four to seven days and live like locals. They can enjoy pretty views and delicious seafood, and take part in activities such as diving, rock climbing and fishing. They can see sunrises, sunsets and starry skies."

Visitors can tour the historical sites at Dong'ao Island, such as the customs office built in 1898, a fortress and a 290-year-old beacon tower, as well as traditional Chinese buildings.

"The islanders are very friendly, "says Wu Zhaoji, a 24-year-old postgraduate student from Guangdong's capital, Guangzhou, who recently visited Guishan Island.

"I like to walk on the wooden-plank road and enjoy the poems carved into the rocks."