The year 2013 marks China's Year of Marine Tourism. A new ranking of the country's most beautiful islands was recently released by the World Heritage Institute and the Asia-Pacific Environmental Protection Association (APEPA) on March, 13, 2013.

Over 100 islands on the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, including the Diaoyu Islands, Huangyan Islands and Xisha Islands, appear on this latest list.

The following are the top ten most beautiful islands in China.

1. Taiwan Island (Main Island)

Situated in China's southeastern waters, Taiwan Main Island faces the Pacific to the east, and the Taiwan Strait to the west. It is an important transportation hub for China, connecting it to other countries in the Pacific region. Covering an area of 35,780 square kilometers, the island features karst land formations and marine-abrasion topography, which have both endowed the island with mountains, waters, volcanoes, hot springs and dense forests. It is the best island destination for travelling in China.

2. Hainan Island (Main Island)

Hainan Island lies at the southern tip of China, far away from the inland, about 60 minutes south of Hong Kong by air. Covering an area of 35,100 square kilometers, it is the country's second largest island -- after Taiwan -- and renowned as "one of the world's most beautiful islands." With its tropical climate, Hainan Island has received various nicknames such as Coconut Island, Sunshine Island and Longevity Island. It makes an ideal resort for a summer holiday, winter swimming and simply vacationing.

3.Hong Kong Island

Located in southern China, Hong Kong Island is the main island of Hong Kong, covering an area of 78.4 square kilometers. It is a place with multiple cultures, a result of being both under Cantonese Chinese and, more recently, British influence. The island is home to a lot of famous tourist sites, such as Victoria's Peak, Ocean Park, many historical sites and various large shopping centers. It is also an important hub in East Asia boasting global connections to many of the world's biggest cities. Hong Kong Island is well known for its nighttime views. The mountain ranges found across the island are also famous for their hiking trails.

4. Diaoyu Islands

Located in the northern East China Sea, the Diaoyu Islands are at the frontline of the defense of China's sovereignty. The islands consist of Diaoyu Island, Huangwei Island, Chiwei Island, Nanxiao Island, Beixiao Island, Dananxiao Island, Dabeixiao Island and Feilai Island, and cover an area of some seven square kilometers. There are four main brooks on the Diaoyu Islands and the island's highest peak reaches up to 362 meters. The island is famous for its various herbal medicines, which are effective in fighting a number of diseases. It also boasts rich oil reserves and fishery resources.

5. Huangyan Island 

Huangyan Island falls under the administration of Sansha City in Hainan Province. The island and its surrounding waters are traditional fisheries for Chinese fishermen. Since ancient times, Chinese fishermen have been fishing around Huangyan Island. Overlooking it from the sky, it looks like a capital letter "C." The months of April, May, October and November make up for the most gorgeous period to visit the island. Calm winds and clear waters with colorful corals make it a paradise.

6. Zhoushan Island

Situated in Zhoushan City of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Island is the largest island in the province, and the fourth largest in China. Covering an area of 476.17 square kilometers, it includes numerous famous and popular attractions such as the Shrine of the Three Loyalists, the Cannon Platform from the Fortress of Zhengyuan and the Remnants of the Town of Daotou. The best visiting time runs from June through to October because it is neither too hot nor too cold -- and you can enjoy the island's gem-like waters as well as its appetizing seafood.

7. Temple Islands (Main islands)

Looking down from Danya Mountain in Penglai City, one can spot one after another small islands in blue sea, which are like gems decorating in blue sea. These islands are known as the Temple Islands or Miaodao Islands. Due to their sandy beaches and picturesque limestone cliffs, they are also referred to as the "Fairytale lands in the Sea." The Temple Islands consist of 32 islands, of which North and South Changshan Islands form the main islands. South Changshan Island features a huge Migratory Bird Pavilion, where you can enjoy the amazing scenery of South Changshan Island and Bohai Sea. North Changshan Island is famous for its spectacular reef scenery.

8. Xisha Islands

Xisha Islands is one of the four big island groups situated in the South China Sea. It consists of two islands groups: The Yongle Islands group and Xuande Islands group. It falls under the administration of Sansha City in Hainan Province, featuring 22 islands, seven shoals and dozens of submerged reefs. With its beautiful natural scenery and great temperature, the island group is one of the most famous fishing grounds in China, attracting a large amount of fishermen every year. Many merchant ships loaded with ceramic, silk, and spices once passed through here, making it an important part of the "Silk Road of the Sea."

9. Meizhou Island

Located 42 km southeast of Putian City, Fujian Province, it is known as the birthplace of the goddess Matsu. Millions of pilgrims from around the world come to worship the goddess' statues on March 23 and September 9 of the lunar calendar every year -- representing the days of Matsu's birth and ascendance up to heaven. The island is 9.6 km long from south to north and 1.3 wide from east to west, featuring more than 30 scenic spots. Boasting blue seas and skies, golden sands, green forests and mountains, it is an ideal tourist destination all-year-round.

10. Hailing Island

Located in Yangjiang City of Guangdong Province, it is the fourth largest island in Guangdong. Known as the "Oriental Hawaii," it features white sands and pure blue waters. The sand here is white as snow, soft and smooth. Besides the amazing natural landscape, it also boasts dozens of historical sites, including the Taifu Temple, Zhenhai Pavilion and Linggu Temple. In addition, it has a Silk Road of the Sea Museum, which sports a perfectly preserved ancient ship amongst its most prized possessions. Over 100 thousand porcelain, gold and jade items were retrieved from the ship, making it worth a visit.