It takes about an hour by boat from Zhuhai's Xiangzhou port to reach Wanshan's major islands. Helicopter trips take about 15 to 20 minutes. A one-way chopper ticket to Dong'ao Island costs 1,299 yuan ($188), and the round trip is 1,599 yuan.

Lyu recently led a group of government officials and travel agency representatives to stage a promotional event in Beijing.

She says Wanshan's tourism authorities hope to attract more tourists from the capital, since the city hosts a relatively large number of people who enjoy traveling. They also hope to cooperate with partners such as travel agencies and learn from the city's marketing expertise.

Tourism authorities also aspire to attract more travelers from nearby areas since Zhuhai is well-situated at the center of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge's in October 2018 offers easier access to Wanshan. Direct flights link Guishan and Hong Kong, and plans call for cruises connecting Guishan and Macao.