On top of this is the huge cost of developing the islands, most of which lack even the most basic infrastructure such as roads, fresh water and power supplies.

Conservation policies may also restrict the nature and scale of the developments permitted. One of the islands on the list, Pingzhou Island, near Jiangmen City, has fresh water and fine beaches.

Su Jianhong, an official from the Jiangmen Fishery Bureau, said, "A businessman from Guangdong has surveyed Pingzhou Island three times and wants to buy it. But so far he has not managed to realize his dream."

The Law on Island Protection took effect on March 1, 2010. Its purpose is to improve the conservation and management of uninhabited islands, but according to Su, it contains very little in the way of specific details and regulations.

Officials also worry about a lack of imagination among developers. Most of the plans seen so far are for the development of tourist facilities. Insiders fear that the creation of a large number of identikit resorts will result in many unviable projects.

Transportation is another major issue. Many of the islands are far from the coast and ferrying tourists to resorts is likely to pose logistical problems.