Cruising the disputed Paracel Islands, one of the world's most unlikely tourist hotspots

Entry is for mainland citizens only - and even then, intense screenings apply. The destination is the South China Sea's disputed Paracel Islands, an area that has become the flashpoint of a global sovereignty row. As we count down to the United Nations ruling over China's claims to the waters, the SCMP joined a one-of-a-kind cruise for a sneak peek at one of the world's most unlikely tourist hotspots. Stay tuned for more exclusive reports in the coming days.

Footage captured with the DJI Osmo.