The launch ceremony of the 2019 Year of Tourism for China and Pacific Island Countries was held Monday in Apia, capital of Samoa. Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for closer cultural and personnel exchanges between the two sides in a congratulatory message.

The Pacific Island countries boast gorgeous natural scenery and a tropical climate, attracting tourists from all over the world, including China. Many islands have become so famous that they are now a top honeymoon and vacation destination for travelers from China.

Among the Pacific Island countries, Fiji and the Kingdom of Tonga have granted Chinese citizens a visa-free entry to their paradise.

Let's see what surprises are hidden in the two countries.

Fiji

Composed of more than 300 tropical islands, Fiji benefits from a thriving tourism sector. The country, located at the heart of the South Pacific, is known as one of the best tourist destinations with its crystal-clear ocean waters and dazzling beaches. It is a paradise for honeymoons, family trips or for those who simply seek a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Mamanuca Islands, Yasawa Islands, Taveuni Islands and Suva, the capital city of Fiji, are all recommended for those who love snorkeling, surfing, hiking, canoeing. White sandy beaches, lush jungles, coconut trees and waterfalls all make Fiji a dream destination for a holiday.

Tips:

Best visiting time: May to October

Cultural taboo: Do not touch the heads of local people, since it is regarded as a humiliation.

The Kingdom of Tonga

The Kingdom of Tonga, located in the southwest of the Pacific Ocean near the equator and on the western side of the International Date Line, is one of the first countries in the world to start the new day.

Tonga is located 650 kilometers west of Fiji and consists of over 170 islands. Tongatabu Island, the main island of the Tonga islands, is also the capital of the Kingdom of Tonga.

Tonga is much like an eco-paradise with its tropical flora and fauna, atolls of various shapes, as well as volcanic lakes.

Tips:

Best visiting time: May to August

Tourists are advised to be accompanied by a professional guide when diving in Tonga.

Tongans historically associate wealth, power and beauty to large body sizes. Some would wrap themselves in thick layers of clothes to appear larger.

Read more:

Xi calls for closer cultural exchanges between China, Pacific Island countries