A tale of island getaways

The palm trees which produce the coco de mer are endemic to just two islands in Seychelles. XU LIN/CHINA DAILY

Besides exploring Mahe, visitors can also take boat trips to two popular islands－Praslin and La Digue.

Before I return to Beijing, I fly to Colombo to savor a different kind of charm.

"We are confident that our new flight (Sri Lankan Airlines recently started four flights a week between Colombo and Seychelles, using A320s) between the two countries will draw more Chinese tourists to Seychelles. The (flight) can also combine the two destinations and enjoy the diversity of Sri Lanka such as its mountains and safari parks," says Saminda Perera, general manager, marketing, of Sri Lankan Airlines.

"Chinese visitors like culture, history and enjoy nature. So, we are seeing an increase in both independent travelers and families, and they are staying longer in Sri Lanka than before."

According to him, the airline is also boosting links with its Chinese partners such as online travel agencies and focusing more on social media marketing.

My first stop in Sri Lanka is Negombo, about 35 kilometers north of Colombo. It draws many visitors for its sandy beaches.

Visitors can also buy fresh seafood such as fish and crabs from the market near the sea. Besides, they can also go fishing in a lagoon or the sea with local fishermen.

At the beach, a fishy smell permeates in the air. And crows fly around as workers skin fish.

It's amazing to see the fish drying on straw mats.

Galle is about 120 kilometers away from Colombo.