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The Pacific Islands: Meet your next favorite holiday hotspot
2018-11-30 
An aerial photo of a Pacific islands natio. [Photo/IC]

It is expected that eight Pacific Island countries will become popular destinations with Chinese tourists in 2019. These eight countries have established diplomatic ties with China, and a series of tourism events will be held next year to mark these new relationships.

The Pacific Islands are as yet relatively unknown to us in China. Where are the must-see spots in each? Which one should you pick for your summer holiday? We've put together this guide with all the information you need.

The eastern fields of Papua New Guinea. [Photo/Official WeChat Account of Voice of Diplomacy]

1. Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is an Oceanian country that occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and its offshore islands in Melanesia. With a population of about 8 million, it is the largest and most populous country of the Pacific Island countries, with more than 600 islands dotted around its 8,300 kilometers-long coastline. The coastline itself, which is home to thousands of animal and plant species, is defined by some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Papua New Guinea's spectacular coral reefs have made both the mainland and its satellite islands popular destinations for deep sea divers, who visit to explore what has been called the "underwater photographer's paradise". The island's culture is considered one of the most diverse in the world, with more than 1,000 resident tribes and over 800 languages.

Language: English, Tok Pisin

What you need to do: Deep sea diving in the Solomon Sea

Underwater exploring in the Federated States of Micronesia. [Photo/Official WeChat Account of Voice of Diplomacy]

2. Federated States of Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia is an island country in the western Pacific Ocean, comprising more than 600 islands. Part of the Caroline Islands, it consists of four states – Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap – that are spread across the western Pacific Ocean. The country's ancient Pacific culture, richly diverse traditional lifestyle and native handicrafts attract tourists from across the world. Each year there are festivals showcasing the best the country has to offer in March, June and November, and visitors can choose from a range of resorts, hotels and apartments. Every year, local festivals are held in March, June and November.

Language: English

What you need to do: Celebrate Yap Day on March 1 on the island of the same name

To Sua Trench, a heart-shaped trench in Samoa. [Photo/ huaban.com]

3. The Independent State of Samoa

You'll find the Independent State of Samoa in the south Pacific Ocean. It's an island state made up of two main islands, Savai'i and Upolu, along with four smaller surrounding islands. With a population of 200,000, Samoa is famed for its incredible seascapes and is known as "Paradise on Earth" in the south Pacific region. The country is characterised by its strong cultural heritage, stretching back 3,000 years, and its many beautiful villages. Although there are upscale hotels to choose from, life in Samoa is simple and leisurely – it's a place to go to relax, to take it easy, and to take in the sights.

Language: English, Samoan

What you need to do: Take a visit to To Sua Trench, a heart-shaped trench

Scenery of Vanuatu. [Photo/Official WeChat Account of Voice of Diplomacy]

4. The Republic of Vanuatu

The Republic of Vanuatu is located in the south Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and Australia. Among its more than 80 islands, 68 are inhabited. In Vanuatu you'll find amazing oceanic scenery, an accessible and active volcano on the southeast coast, the island of Tanna, a primitive ethnic village, and the world's only underwater post office in the capital, Port Villa.

Language: English, French, and Bislama

What you need to do: Send a postcard from the underwater post office

Life's a beach on the Cook Islands. [Photo/Official WeChat Account of Voice of Diplomacy]

5. The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands is a self-governing island country in the south Pacific Ocean, which freely associates with New Zealand. Fifteen islands make up this state, whose total land area is 240 square kilometers. While the Cook Islands isn't as well known as neighboring Tahiti, the country's scenery is every bit as beautiful. Besides the sunshine, sightseeing and outdoor sports, tourists can take in in various local folk activities in a country known for having one of the most relaxing paces of life in the world.

Language: English, Cook Islands Māori

What you need to do: Check out the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort

A whale emerges from the sea off Tonga. [Photo/Official WeChat Account of Voice of Diplomacy]

6. Kingdom of Tonga

The Kingdom of Tonga sits 650 kilometers west of Fiji and 1,770 kilometers southwest of New Zealand. It's an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean comprising 172 islands. Tonga is ahead of the rest of the world, in one unique regard: It's the first country worldwide to start a new day. Tonga is the oldest kingdom in the Pacific island countries, and is home to many rare tropical animals, plants and atolls .

Language: English and Tongan

What you need to do: Visit the Victorian-style Royal Palace of Tonga

Niue, one of the lesser known Pacific Island countries. [Photo/Official WeChat Account of Voice of Diplomacy]

7. Niue

Niue is known as "The Rock", which derives from the traditional name "Rock of Polynesia". It's an island in the south Pacific Ocean, northeast of New Zealand, east of Tonga, south of Samoa, and west of the Cook Islands. Niue's land area is about 261 square kilometres and its population, predominantly Polynesian, stood at 1,618 in 2017. Niue is the birthplace of artist, novelist and poet John Puhiatau Pule, "one of the Pacific's most significant artists", according to the Queensland Art Gallery, and the island also boasts a rich musical heritage.

Language: Niuean and English

What you need to do: Visit the caves at Matapa Chasm

Fiji, one of the world's most popular honeymoon spots. [Photo/Official Wechat Account of Voice of Diplomacy]

8. Fiji

Fiji is perhaps the best known of the south Pacific Island countries and ejoys a reputation as one of the world's most popular honeymoon destinations. It's not hard to see why: The island's sparkling blue sea, white-sand beaches, coconut forests and colorful underwater landscapes are sights to behold. If you find yourself in Fiji, you'll need to check out the island's tropical fish and coral reef. The island itself spans the eastern and western hemispheres and comprises 332 islands, 106 of which are inhabited.

Language: Fijian and English

What you need to do: Go snorkeling on Mana Islan

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