Dubbed the Oriental Dubai, Phoenix Island is one of several land reclamation projects being developed on China’s southern coast.
Photographer: Sim Chi Yin / Magnum Photos
Dubai Has Palm Islands, But China Has a Sun, Moon, and Flower
Commercial land reclamation projects have drawn scrutiny from Chinese authorities, who are beginning to clamp down on the activity.
This reporting was supported by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.
Artificial islands have become an important marketing tool for cities in developing countries seeking to lure well-to-do Chinese residents and tourists. Dubai led the way at the turn of the century with a set of man-made formations arranged in the shape of a palm frond. China’s coastal provinces have seized on the trend with zeal. The country has reclaimed almost 420 square kilometers (162 square miles) in total from 2013 to 2016, according to China’s State Oceanic Administration. For reference, the island of Manhattan covers 59 sq. km.