Sanya Travel Guide

History Brief

Sanya is a city located on the southern tip of Hainan Island in China. The area has a long and rich history dating back to the ancient times when it was a stop on the maritime Silk Road. The city was also an important trading post for centuries, and its strategic location made it a target for foreign powers during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

In the 1950s, Sanya became a military base for the People's Liberation Army and was closed off to tourists for several decades. It wasn't until the 1980s that Sanya was reopened to visitors and began to develop into the popular tourist destination it is today.

In recent years, Sanya has become known for its luxurious resorts and beautiful beaches, attracting millions of visitors each year. Despite its modernization, the city still maintains its rich cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Nanshan Temple and the Luhuitou Park, which pay homage to the city's past.

What to do in Sanya

Sanya is known for its top attractions including Nanshan Temple, Yalong Bay, Sanya Romance Park, Sanya Bay Beach, Wuzhizhou Island, Luhuitou Park, and Dadonghai Beach, which offer a variety of cultural, scenic, and recreational activities to explore and enjoy.

Yalong Bay, the most beautiful beach in China

This is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Sanya, with crystal clear waters and fine white sand. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports here.

Yalong Bay is a beautiful and popular travel destination in Sanya. It boasts one of the longest and most picturesque beaches in the region and offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Some of the must-visit places in Yalong Bay include the beach itself, which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, as well as the Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Other notable attractions in Yalong Bay include the Yalong Bay Love Cube Coastal Paradise, which features a large Ferris wheel and a panoramic ocean view, and the Yalong Bay Underwater World, which is home to a variety of marine animals and offers visitors the opportunity to see them up close.

In addition to its natural beauty and attractions, Yalong Bay also boasts a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury resorts and hotels, as well as plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shopping opportunities.

Overall, Yalong Bay is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable beach vacation in a beautiful and vibrant setting.

Dadonghai Beach

Dadonghai Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sanya. With its clear turquoise waters, soft white sands, and swaying palm trees, the beach offers a picturesque setting for relaxation, swimming, and water sports. Located in the heart of Sanya, Dadonghai Beach is easily accessible and offers a variety of amenities such as restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting adventure, Dadonghai Beach has something to offer for everyone. So if you're planning a trip to Sanya, be sure to add Dadonghai Beach to your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.

Activities: Dadonghai Beach offers a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving. You can also rent equipment for water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. There are also many restaurants, cafes, and shops located near the beach.

Scenery: Dadonghai Beach is known for its clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and lush green mountains in the background. It's a popular spot for taking pictures and enjoying the scenery.

Top attractions, what to visit in Sanya

Nanshan Temple: This Buddhist temple is located on a hill overlooking the South China Sea and is known for its huge statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy. The temple complex is beautifully landscaped and offers panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.

Wuzhizhou Island: This is a small island located off the coast of Sanya, and is known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. You can take a boat tour around the island, enjoy water sports, or just relax on the beach.

Luhuitou Park: This park is located on a hill overlooking Sanya Bay and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. It is also known for its statue of a deer looking back, which is said to represent a local legend about a young man who turned into a deer.

Sanya Romance Park: This is a large amusement park located in the downtown area of Sanya, with a variety of rides, shows, and attractions. It is especially popular with families and children.

Tianya Haijiao: This is a scenic area located on the southern coast of Sanya, and is known for its rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and stunning views. It is a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the natural beauty of Sanya.

Phoenix Island: This is a man-made island located off the coast of Sanya, and is known for its futuristic architecture and luxury resorts. You can enjoy fine dining, shopping, and other amenities here, as well as beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding areas.

What to eat in Sanya

Sanya, a city located on the southern tip of Hainan Island, is known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and diverse cuisine. The city is a melting pot of different cultures, and as a result, the food scene in Sanya is quite varied.

Seafood is a specialty in Sanya, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of fresh and delicious seafood dishes. Some of the must-try seafood dishes include steamed abalone, spicy crab, grilled squid, and grilled fish. Other popular dishes in Sanya include Hainanese chicken rice, stir-fried noodles, dumplings, and hot pot.

In addition to traditional Chinese cuisine, Sanya also has a growing international food scene, with many restaurants serving Western, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian cuisine. Visitors can also enjoy local fruits such as mangoes, coconuts, and papayas, which are widely available in the city.

Sanya hotels, where to stay to enjoy an unforgetable holiday

Sanya offers a wide range of luxurious hotels and resorts for visitors to choose from. Whether you're looking for a beachfront villa or a five-star resort, there's an option for every budget and preference. Many of these hotels offer breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscape, as well as top-notch amenities such as spas, golf courses, and gourmet restaurants. With its tropical climate, stunning beaches, and world-class accommodations, Sanya is the perfect destination for those looking for a luxurious and unforgettable vacation.

The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort - This hotel is known for its stunning beachfront location, elegant design, and exceptional service. The rooms are spacious and luxurious, and the hotel features multiple restaurants, a spa, and a beautiful pool.

The Ritz-Carlton Sanya, Yalong Bay - This hotel is a luxurious retreat with a beautiful beachfront location, exquisite design, and impeccable service. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the hotel features multiple restaurants, a spa, and a stunning pool area.

Mandarin Oriental, Sanya - This hotel is a luxurious oasis that offers stunning views of the South China Sea. The rooms are elegantly designed and feature modern amenities, and the hotel features multiple restaurants, a spa, and a beautiful infinity pool.

Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort - This hotel is a luxurious retreat with a beautiful beachfront location and stunning ocean views. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the hotel features multiple restaurants, a spa, and a beautiful pool area.

InterContinental Sanya Resort - This hotel is a luxurious resort with a stunning beachfront location and beautiful ocean views. The rooms are elegant and well-appointed, and the hotel features multiple restaurants, a spa, and a beautiful pool area.

The best time to visit and enjoy a beach holiday

The best time to have a Sanya holiday is between November and April

During these months, Sanya experiences mild and pleasant weather with relatively low humidity, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as beach visits, water sports, and hiking. The temperature during this period usually ranges from 20°C to 28°C, which is quite comfortable for most people.

From May to October, Sanya experiences hot and humid weather due to the influence of the monsoon. This period is characterized by high temperatures, frequent rainfall, and occasional typhoons, which can affect travel plans and outdoor activities. However, if you don't mind the heat and humidity, you can still enjoy Sanya's beautiful beaches and take advantage of the lower hotel rates during the low season.

If you want to enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable holiday in Sanya, it's best to plan your trip between November and April. However, if you are on a tight budget or don't mind the heat and humidity, you can consider traveling during the low season to take advantage of the lower prices and fewer crowds.

Travel itineraries for your reference

A recommended Sanya travel itinerary would include exploring the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters of Yalong Bay and Dadonghai Beach, visiting the unique ethnic villages to experience the culture of the Li and Miao minorities, indulging in outdoor activities such as water sports, hiking, and golfing, taking a day trip to Wuzhizhou Island for its stunning natural scenery and fun water activities, and ending the day with a relaxing spa treatment or a delicious seafood meal, all while staying at a comfortable accommodation option that suits your budget and travel preferences.

Day 1: Visit Nanshan Temple, Yalong Bay, Sanya Romance Park, and Sanya Bay Beach.

Day 2: Go to Wuzhizhou Island in the morning, then Luhuitou Park, and end the day at Dadonghai Beach.

Travel itineraries for Sanya >>