Top best things to do in a Sanya holiday

Sanya is far more than just a beach getaway. This tropical gem at the southern tip of China offers countless reasons to slow down and stay awhile. From pristine beaches and vibrant island adventures to rich ethnic culture and immersive performances, from lush rainforests to world-class leisure and shopping, Sanya invites you to explore its many layers and savor every moment. Following are the best things to do in Sanya.

Top 1: Exploring Yalong Bay

Relaxing on one of Sanya’s most beautiful beaches, Yalong Bay is known for its soft sand and clear waters. Here, you can enjoy a classic tropical resort experience by swimming, sunbathing, unwinding under palm trees, or taking leisurely strolls along the 7-kilometer shoreline.

For the more adventurous, the bay also offers opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving around coral reefs, as well as a variety of water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing.

A must-do is visiting the Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, where you can walk across the famous glass walkway or the thrilling Over the Dragon River Cable Bridge for breathtaking panoramic views of the entire bay from the mountains.

Depending on the timing of your visit, you might even encounter vibrant large-scale cultural events like the Hainan Island International Music Festival, which turns the beach into a dynamic stage.

Top 2: Admiring the Nanhai Guanyin at Nanshan

Nanshan is one of the top destinations for visitors to Sanya and a popular place for blessings and spiritual reflection. Upon entering the scenic area, travelers first encounter the Non-Duality Gate, symbolizing harmony and balance. As the park is extensive, taking an electric shuttle bus is highly recommended for a comfortable visit.

The must-see highlight is the Nanhai Guanyin, an iconic 108-meter-tall statue rising from the sea and a spiritual landmark of Sanya. The statue features a dignified and serene design, holding a lotus flower, Buddhist scriptures, and prayer beads, creating a powerful sense of peace and sacredness.

Visitors may reach the statue either by yacht or speedboat for a scenic sea approach, or via a land route through an underground passage, passing shopping areas and vegetarian restaurants before arriving directly at the foot of the statue. Many visitors choose to touch the Buddha’s feet here as a gesture of blessing, wishing for peace, health, and good fortune.

Don’t miss Nanshan Temple, which is the spiritual heart of the entire scenic area, featuring grand halls, tranquil courtyards, and traditional Buddhist architecture set against the backdrop of the sea and mountains, offering a peaceful space for prayer, reflection, and cultural exploration.

Top 3: Enjoying Water Sports at Wuzhizhou Island

Wuzhizhou Island is widely regarded as the premier destination for water sports in Sanya, often referred to as “China’s Maldives” for its exceptionally clear waters and vibrant marine life. One of the main reasons to visit is the rare combination of high-quality underwater conditions and a wide range of thrilling activities.

The island is especially famous for snorkeling and scuba diving in its “Coral Sea,” where visibility can reach up to 27 meters, allowing divers to observe colorful coral formations and more than 300 species of tropical reef fish. Certified dive centers offer experiences suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

For high-energy fun above the water, visitors can enjoy parasailing, soaring 20 to 30 meters above the sea for breathtaking aerial views, as well as jet skiing, surfing, and banana boat rides. Between activities, take time to explore the island’s scenic highlights, including the romantic Lovers’ Bridge, the Ocean View Platform ideal for photography, and the island’s distinctive three-toned seascape, where shades of blue create a striking natural gradient.

Top 4: Surfing in Houhai

Houhai (also known as Houhai Village or Back Sea) is widely considered the premier surfing hub in Sanya and a fantastic destination for both beginners and enthusiasts. Surf clubs line the beach, offering flexible lessons including one-on-one, one-on-three, and one-on-four coaching options. The seabed near Houhai Village is known for its safe and well-shaped underwater terrain, where cleverly curved contours create waves of varying sizes and difficulty at different surf spots. This unique natural setup makes Houhai ideal for learning, practicing, and progressively challenging yourself, all while soaking in the village’s laid-back, youthful coastal vibe.

At low tide, take a walk south to the Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can witness local fishermen hauling in their nets at dusk and even buy freshly caught seafood at very reasonable prices. As night falls, Houhai reveals another side of its charm. The village comes alive with beachfront bars and casual restaurants, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of surfing. Enjoy a drink by the sea, listen to live music, and experience Houhai’s relaxed yet energetic nightlife, a favorite among young travelers in Sanya.

Top 5: Taking a Boat to West Island

Taking a boat to West Island is a short and scenic journey, with the crossing typically taking around 15–20 minutes from Sanya Bay. The island is worth visiting for its relaxed pace, authentic fishing village atmosphere, and beautiful coastal scenery, offering a refreshing contrast to Sanya’s resort areas.

Once on the island, you can enjoy cycling around the island, explore historic coral stone houses, visit the unique Seaside Bookstore, and take coastal walks for photography with sweeping sea views. The island is also ideal for slowing down to feel the sea breeze, watch local fishermen at work, or simply sit by the shore and soak in the laid-back island lifestyle that makes West Island feel timeless and genuine.

Tips: The best time to visit is from October to April. Be sure to check the last return ferry time (often around 5:30 PM) to avoid getting stranded.

Top 6: Dancing with Ethnic Communities in Binglanggu Valley

Binglanggu Valley is absolutely worth visiting primarily because it offers a rare, immersive opportunity to actively participate in the living traditions of Hainan's indigenous Li and Miao ethnic groups, rather than just observing them. It's the best place near Sanya to experience culture in a dynamic and personal way.

The core activity is joining daily song and dance performances, where visitors can learn and dance alongside community members dressed in traditional ethnic costumes. Key highlights include the iconic Bamboo Pole Dance, which challenges participants to jump in rhythm while avoiding the moving poles, and the powerful Wooden Pestle Dance performed by Li women, showcasing strength and coordination.

In addition, visitors can explore authentic ethnic villages featuring distinctive boat-shaped houses, learn about the intricate Li brocade weaving, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and watch traditional wedding ceremony performances that reveal local customs and beliefs. The experience is further enriched by the opportunity to taste traditional ethnic cuisine, offering a deeper connection to the culture through its unique flavors.

Top 7: Hiking at Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park

Walk above the rainforest and gaze out over the South China Sea at Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, one of Sanya’s most iconic viewpoints. Highlights include the full sea-view glass bridge at 450 meters above sea level, offering a thrilling 360-degree panorama of Yalong Bay, and the famous Over the Rainbow Rope Bridge, suspended high above lush green valleys and featured in multiple film productions. Beyond the adrenaline moments, visitors can explore shaded rainforest trails, discover unique tropical ecosystems, stroll through the orchid-filled Orchid Valley, or enjoy fun activities such as Rainforest Rafting. With its dramatic scenery and cinematic atmosphere, the park delivers an unforgettable blend of adventure and natural beauty.

Top 8: Visit TianyaHaijiao

Tianya Haijiao is one of Sanya’s must-visit landmarks, renowned for its breathtaking coastal scenery and deep cultural symbolism. In Chinese culture, it represents a romantic ideal of love that lasts to the ends of the earth, making it especially meaningful for young couples and travelers. Visitors can stroll along the scenic seaside promenade and admire turquoise waves crashing against uniquely shaped, sea-eroded rocks. The park is best known for its massive granite boulders engraved with the iconic Chinese characters “Tianya,” “Haijiao,” and “Southern Pillar of Heaven,” which have become classic photo spots.

In addition to its natural beauty, the park features a Li ethnic culture exhibition hall that offers insight into local traditions, and during certain festivals, visitors may even witness traditional blessing ceremonies.

Top 9: Shopping at Haitang Bay Duty-Free Shopping Complex

Shopping at the Haitang Bay Duty-Free Shopping Complex is a must for visitors seeking a world-class retail experience in Sanya. This landmark destination spans nearly 400,000 square meters across multiple connected clusters and is linked by the striking Sky Ring Bridge, making it the largest duty-free complex in the city. It is worth visiting for its sheer scale, the appeal of duty-free pricing, and its evolution into a full leisure and shopping hub.

It hosts close to a thousand international brands covering jewelry, watches, skincare, cosmetics, fashion, accessories, electronics, and food and beverage, giving travelers a huge selection under one roof.

The layout encourages slow exploration, so you can move from store to store, stop for refreshments, or simply admire the sophisticated architecture and views from the elevated walkways. The complex is ideal for an afternoon of shopping after sightseeing, allowing visitors to bring home premium gifts or personal treats.

Top 10: Watching the “Sanya Romance” Show

The Sanya Romance Show at Sanya Romance Park has earned its reputation as a must-see performance in a lifetime for visitors to Sanya. This one-hour immersive production takes audiences on a breathtaking journey through thousands of years of Sanya’s history, brought to life through cutting-edge stage technology and spectacular visual effects. The show features over 3,000 tons of water, the world’s largest transparent water curtain, more than 1,000 mist nozzles, a 360-degree panoramic stage, and a 400-square-meter suspended transparent screen that descends dramatically from above.

From the romantic legend of Luhuitou to the grandeur of the Maritime Silk Road, each scene is enhanced by powerful choreography, acrobatics, dazzling costumes, and cinematic effects that create an unforgettable visual impact. Guests seated in VIP areas can even enjoy close-range interaction with performers, adding to the immersive atmosphere.

Beyond the main show, the park offers a variety of themed attractions and immersive experiences, you can explore themed areas like Yazhou Ancient Street and Love Street for photos, visit the Li and Miao ethnic villages to learn about local crafts, or enjoy other attractions such as the 5D cinema, a haunted house, and various family-friendly interactive programs.

The overall unforgettable, multi-sensory experience that has earned it high praise from visitors worldwide.

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