The western group, located south of the Pearl River estuary and Lantau Island, was formerly known to Europeans as the Ladrones, from the Spanish for "thieves".

It comprises Greater Wanshan, Guishan, and Wai Dangling Islands and the Zhizhou, Sanmen, and Aizhou groups.

The largest island, Dangan, features mountainous terrain similar to Hong Kong.

Islands of the archipelago include: Dangan Liedao (担杆列岛), the eastern group of Wanshan archipelago, and the eastern half of the former Lema Islands chain Jiapeng Liedao (佳蓬列岛), the southern group of Wanshan archipelago, and the western half of the former Lema Islands chain Southwestern group: Central group, located south of Lantau: Northwestern group, located between Lantau and Macau: Other geographically important points of interest: There is a small local population, mostly in small fishing villages: The archipelago's economy is mainly fisheries (crystal prawn, peeler crab).

There is a growing tourism industry with a focus on history, beaches, and the natural beauty of the islands.