Introduction of Sanya

Sanya is located at the southernmost tip of Hainan Island and is China’s premier tropical beach resort. Blessed with a warm tropical climate, it is an ideal destination not only during the sunny summer months but also as a popular winter getaway. Once known as a remote place of exile in ancient China, Sanya has transformed into one of the country’s most beautiful, relaxing, and sought-after vacation destinations.

Renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, swaying coconut palms, crystal-clear blue waters, and year-round sunshine, Sanya offers some of the finest coastal scenery in China and across Southeast Asia. Its tranquil atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle set it apart from many other Chinese cities, making it the perfect place to unwind. Whether you spend a few days or a full week exploring the coastline, enjoying water sports, or simply relaxing by the sea, Sanya promises an unforgettable tropical escape with breathtaking natural beauty and a uniquely peaceful ambiance.

Main Attractions in Sanya

Yalong Bay

Asian Dragon Bay (Yalong wan) is arguably Hainan's best beach and definitely the most pristine. 7 km of white sand stretches along beautifully clean blue water here, backed by palm trees and lush green hills. The beach sits roughly on the same latitude as Hawaii and enjoys similar temperatures and weather conditions. The water here is wonderfully clear, reflecting the blue sky and white sand beneath the depths. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular pursuits here given the clear water, bright-colored coral reefs and tropical fish that abound and this is arguably the nicest place to swim on the entire island. This is a new resort and development is underway in a very tasteful manner. This is a protected marine reserve and commercial fishing is forbidden here, keeping the water very clean and lovely for swimming. Facilities are also good here. This great beach is adjacent to shops, restaurants and a museum with a pretty collection of sea shells. There is also a charming outdoor butterfly garden here with a mountain hiking trail and some great walks. Hot springs, numerous golf courses and submarine cruises are also offered.

Dadonghai Beach

Dadonghai Beach (Dadonghai) is one of Sanya's cleanest beaches, situated about 3 km from the centre of the city and just off the main road. The beach's close proximity to the city means that it can get very busy here but this remains a pleasant and convenient spot to kick off your shoes, soak up the rays and swim in the sea. Like most of the beaches around Sanya, this is a truly tropical beach with 3 km of white sand curving round a crescent shaped bay, warm blue seas and palm trees. 

End of the World

Tianya Haijiao or the 'End of the Earth and the Corner of the Sea' is located at the foot of Xiama Hill in the town of Tianya, 24 km west of Sanya. In fact, there are numerous rocks here of different size and shape, distributed along the silvery beach. The Chinese characters for 'Tianya Haijiao' (end of the world) and 'Nantian Yizhu' (the huge rock that emerges from the sea, making a 'corner' ), are engraved on three of the biggest rocks that sit along the coast. This area is known as the 'End of the World' because this was the place where Song dynasty officials were exiled to for criticizing their government. For them, this untraversed wilderness must have made them really feel like the 'end of the world'.

Of course, there is a romantic legend accompanying the area. Two passionate lovers from rival Li clans are said to have pledged their love for one another here, promising that they would be together wherever they traveled. Constantly pursued by troops from both clans, they were forced to leap from this spot into the sea. The Chinese believe that two of the huge rocks that stand facing one another represent the two lovers. Today, Chinese couples still invoke this tale in their declarations of love, promising that they too, would go to the 'end of the world' for one another. This is a very busy spot, and in fact, there is not much to hold you here for more than an hour or so. There is a Pearl Farm nearby, which is fairly interesting and a good place to purchase Hainan's famous seawater pearls.

Wuzhizhou Coral Island

Wuzhizhou Island is a tropical island with some excellent scuba diving available around the spectacular coral reefs. This place is known locally as a microcosm for all that is gorgeous about Hainan Island: white beaches, palm trees, sunshine and wonderful sea life including sea urchin, starfish and sea horse. This spot is generally acknowledged as the best place for scuba diving on the entire island.

Nanshan Temple

On the outskirts of Sanya city, 20 kilometers west of 'the end of the world' lies Nanshan Mountain, guarded by one grandiose statue of buddasava of mercy rising up to 108 meters overlooking the sea. Nanshan Temple was the only Buddhist temple built from scratch after the birth of PRC. The architecture of the entire temple complex was tastefully adapted to pre-Tang style, surrounded by tropical botanic gardens. Its short history does not discourage pious Buddhists and dutiful son and daughters pouring in paying pilgrimage. Because its location. South is believed to be the direction of buddisava of mercy's domain. This golden sculpture is a remarkable piece resembling modern craftsmanship of portraying her in Tibetan Buddhism style. Nanshan, the mountain on the south, is also believed to be the auspicious mountain of longevity in Chinese mythology.

Climate in Sanya

Sanya is situated in the very south of Hainan Island, lies on the same altitude as the south of Hawaii and temperatures here are pleasantly warm, even in the middle of winter when the rest of China is freezing. Between June and October it is extremely hot and humid here and, although a dip in the sea provides welcome respite from the heat, it is probably better to visit here between December and April, when the climate is dry and the temperatures more bearable.

Visiting Sanya, you should remember to take suntan oil and sunglasses in order to prevent yourself from burning under the sun.