Sanya, Southern China
Sanya is located on the southern tip of Hainan Island, China’s tropical paradise known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant tourism scene. The city is famous for its luxurious resorts, lush landscapes, and pleasant tropical climate, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Tourist Attractions in Sanya
Tianya Haijiao (天涯海角)
- Highlights: Often referred to as “the end of the earth,” this scenic area is one of the most famous tourist spots in Sanya. It offers stunning coastal views, granite formations, and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Entrance Fee: ¥60 for adults, ¥30 for children.
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM–6:00 PM.
- How to Get There: Located about 30 km west of Sanya city center; accessible by taxi or bus.
Nanshan Temple (南山寺)
- Highlights: A major Buddhist site with a giant 108-meter statue of the Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy), surrounded by peaceful gardens and cultural landmarks.
- Entrance Fee: ¥150 for adults, ¥75 for children.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- How to Get There: 40 km from Sanya city center; reachable by taxi or tourist shuttle buses.
Yalong Bay (亚龙湾)
- Highlights: Known as the “Oriental Hawaii,” this pristine bay is famous for its golden sandy beaches and clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports.
- Entrance Fee: Free to enter the beach, but some activities (like water sports) may have additional fees.
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
- How to Get There: Located 25 km east of downtown Sanya; accessible by taxi or bus.
Wuzhizhou Island (蜈支洲岛)
- Highlights: A beautiful island offering coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and various water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and beach sports. It’s an ideal place for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
- Entrance Fee: ¥158–¥228, depending on the activities you choose.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- How to Get There: A 30-minute ferry ride from Sanya city center. Ferries leave from the Wuzhizhou Island pier.
Sanya Bay (三亚湾)
- Highlights: A calm and scenic spot with a long stretch of beach and a beautiful sunset view. It’s less crowded than Yalong Bay and offers a peaceful environment for swimming and relaxation.
- Entrance Fee: Free.
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
- How to Get There: Accessible by taxi or bus from the city center.
Luhuitou Park (鹿回头公园)
- Highlights: Known for its panoramic views of Sanya, this hilltop park features a famous sculpture of a deer turning its head, symbolizing love and loyalty. It’s an ideal spot for sunset views and romantic walks.
- Entrance Fee: ¥10–¥20.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- How to Get There: Located 3 km from the city center; accessible by taxi or bus.
How to Get Around Sanya
- Public Buses: Sanya has an affordable bus system, with fares starting at ¥1. It’s a good way to travel around the city, though it can be crowded at peak times.
- Taxis: Taxis are widely available, with a starting fare of ¥12 for the first 3 km. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Didi.
- Bicycles and Electric Scooters: You can rent bikes or electric scooters to explore the city and coastal areas.
- Tourist Shuttles: There are shuttle buses that connect major tourist attractions, especially those outside the city center, like Nanshan Temple and Wuzhizhou Island.
- Car Rentals: Ideal for visitors who want to explore the island at their own pace. Prices for rentals typically start at ¥200 per day.
Popular Local Food in Sanya
Hainanese Chicken Rice (海南鸡饭)
- A well-known dish where chicken is served with fragrant rice and accompanied by chili sauce. It’s a must-try dish of Hainan province.
Sanya Lobster (三亚龙虾)
- The fresh seafood in Sanya is top-notch, and lobster is one of the local specialties. Typically grilled and served with garlic or chili.
Wenchang Chicken (文昌鸡)
- A special breed of chicken from Wenchang, Hainan, known for its tender and flavorful meat. It is often served boiled with rice and accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces.
Sanya Coconut Rice (三亚椰子饭)
- Rice cooked inside a coconut, giving it a natural sweet flavor. Often served as a side dish with seafood or meat.
Fish and Rice Noodles (鱼米粉)
- A popular local dish consisting of fish soup with rice noodles, often accompanied by fresh vegetables and chili.
Top Nightlife Spots in Sanya
Bar Street (酒吧街)
- Highlights: Located near Sanya Bay, this street has many bars and clubs, perfect for visitors looking for vibrant nightlife. It’s a great place to meet locals and tourists alike.
- Entrance Fee: Free to enter; drinks typically start at ¥30.
- Happy Hours: Varies by venue, typically 5:00 PM–8:00 PM.
- How to Get There: Walkable from Sanya Bay or a short taxi ride from the city center.
Sanya’s Beach Bars
- Highlights: Enjoy beachfront bars with live music, cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere. Most of the beach resorts along Yalong Bay and Sanya Bay have their own beach bars where you can unwind.
- Entrance Fee: Free; drinks start at ¥50.
- Happy Hours: 4:00 PM–6:00 PM at most bars.
- How to Get There: Beach bars are scattered along Sanya Bay and Yalong Bay, easily accessible by taxi or walking from nearby resorts.
Maya Beach Club
- Highlights: A beach club offering a fun, upbeat nightlife experience with live DJs, cocktails, and a relaxed tropical vibe.
- Entrance Fee: ¥150–¥200 for entry, which includes a drink.
- Happy Hours: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM.
- How to Get There: Located in Yalong Bay, accessible by taxi.
The Ritz-Carlton Bar
- Highlights: A sophisticated lounge bar located in the luxury Ritz-Carlton resort, perfect for enjoying cocktails while overlooking the stunning view of the bay.
- Entrance Fee: Free entry; drinks from ¥80.
- Happy Hours: 6:00 PM–8:00 PM for discounts on cocktails and wine.
- How to Get There: Located in the Yalong Bay area, accessible by taxi.
Sanya is a beautiful tropical destination with a mix of scenic beauty, cultural sites, and a lively beach town atmosphere. It offers a range of activities for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to relax on pristine beaches, while also providing a vibrant nightlife for partygoers. Whether you’re exploring serene temples, enjoying fresh seafood, or dancing by the beach, Sanya offers something for every type of traveler.