1 Day Sanya Travel Itinerary, Plan a 1 Day Trip in Sanya

If you only have 1 day to travel in Sanya, how would you plan your trip?

If you're traveling with children, you can refer to our family travel itinerary. If you're a young and energetic adventurer, you can check out our adventure itinerary. If you're a senior, we also have specially designed Sanya itineraries for seniors!

The following itinerary is only for reference and can be adjusted according to your interests and schedule. Our professional China Culture Tour team will customize a personalized itinerary only for you. please contact us to customize your own unique Sanya itinerary!

1-day Sanya Itinerary for Family with Kids

Beachcombing and Tide Pool Fun

Start the day with a fun beachcombing experience during low tide. Children can explore the shoreline for little crabs, shells, and other marine life, turning the beach into an outdoor classroom. It’s a hands-on introduction to ocean ecology in the fresh sea air.

Late Morning at Yalong Bay Beach

After beachcombing, head to Yalong Bay Beach, where the calm waters and soft sand are ideal for families. Kids can enjoy light water play, build sandcastles, or relax by the shore, while parents take in the tropical scenery.

Lunch

Head to a nearby local seafood restaurant for lunch. Families can choose from a variety of freshly caught seafood, with mild, kid-friendly cooking styles available.

Afternoon: Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park

In the afternoon, visit Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park. Take the sightseeing shuttle up the mountain and explore popular viewpoints such as the Dragon-Crossing Suspension Bridge and scenic platforms overlooking Yalong Bay. The elevated forest setting offers cooler temperatures, beautiful views, and a gentle sense of adventure that children especially enjoy.

Tip: Tide times change daily, so it’s best to check the local tide table in advance.

1-day Sanya Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Travel Pace

08:30 AM：Boat Transfer to West Island

In the morning, take a boat to West Island. The boat ride takes about 15–20 minutes, making it a comfortable and easy journey for seniors. Upon arrival on West Island, take the electric sightseeing cart for a relaxed hop-on, hop-off island tour. The route allows you to stop at key attractions along the way, making it ideal for seniors and slow travelers.

09:00 AM：Stroll Along Beach and Visit the Fishing Village

Arrive on the island and enjoy a gentle walk along the crystal-clear beach. Visit the local fishing village and explore the morning fish market, where fishermen sell their fresh daily catch. Continue on to see the century-old coral stone houses, built by local residents using coral rocks collected from the sea.

12:00 PM: Local Lunch at the Fishing Village Market

Have lunch at the village market and try local specialties such as fish cake and Hainan-style fermented vinegar hotpot (Zaopo Hotpot).

01:30 PM: Visit China’s Southernmost Seaside Bookstore

After lunch, visit China’s southernmost seaside bookstore, you can browse books, take a short break, and write postcards to send back home. A postmark from the southern tip of China makes for a meaningful and memorable souvenir of your journey.

02:30 PM: Glass-Bottom Boat Experience and Niuwang Ridge

Board a glass-bottom boat, allowing you to safely admire coral reefs and colorful tropical fish through the transparent floor, an ideal activity for visitors who prefer not to enter the water.

Head to Niuwang Ridge, where a 360-degree panoramic viewing platform offers sweeping views of the island. Enjoy the late-afternoon sea views and sunset glow from Niuwang Ridge before returning to the pier.

Return to Downtown Sanya

1-day Sanya Itinerary for Young Travelers

Start your day early and head to Yalong Bay, one of Sanya’s best beaches, often referred to as “China’s Hawaii.” Enjoy a relaxing morning walk along the shore, take a swim, or simply soak up the sunshine. For an adrenaline rush, try jet skiing and cruise across the open sea for a truly stress relieving experience. Snorkeling is also a must, where you can spot colorful corals and tropical fish swimming freely beneath the surface.

For lunch, enjoy a local specialty, coconut chicken, a light and refreshing dish made with fresh coconut water and tender Wenchang chicken.

In the afternoon, visit Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park and explore iconic spots such as the Dragon Crossing Suspension Bridge and sea view platforms, which offer sweeping panoramic views over Yalong Bay and its crystal-clear waters.

If time allows, head to Sanya Romance Park. This popular theme park features a variety of attractions, including a water park, a VR roller coaster, dolphin shows, and its signature large scale live performance.

In the evening, make your way to the Jiefang Road area for dinner, where you will find a wide selection of restaurants and street food stalls. Sample local favorites such as Hainanese chicken rice or freshly prepared seafood dishes to end the day on a delicious note.

1-day Sanya Cultural Itinerary

In the morning: Start your day at Daxiaodongtian (Approx. 1 hour’ drive), a coastal Taoist cultural site known for its dramatic rock formations, sea views, and ancient inscriptions. A one-hour visit is enough to stroll along the shoreline, enjoy the natural scenery, and learn about its historical and cultural significance.

After Daxiaodongtian, it’s about a 10-minute drive to Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, home to the iconic 108-meter-tall Sea Guanyin, the largest Guanyin statue in southern China. The scenic area is quite large, so taking the electric sightseeing cart is highly recommended. Explore Nanshan Temple, blessing sites, and enjoy sweeping ocean views.

In the afternoon, head to Tianya Haijiao (Approx. half hour’s drive), one of Sanya’s most symbolic landmarks. Stroll along the coast, see the famous engraved boulders, and enjoy the romantic atmosphere. Visiting at sunset is especially rewarding, as the golden light creates a beautiful backdrop over the sea.

Evening: Return to downtown Sanya, ending a relaxed yet culturally rich day.

Customize Your Unique Sanya Tour

If you are interested in the Sanya itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Sanya Tour, please visit our Sanya Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Sanya Trip

Sanya

• Travel Guide: attractions, weather, hotels, food, etc.
• Weather: best time and seasons to visit Sanya
• Top attractions: well-selected top attractions in Sanya
• Travel itineraries: itineraries for your reference
• Local culture: brief history, folk culture, festivals, etc.
• Top destinations: best places to visit in Sanya
• Abundant activities: Sanya cultural immersions
• Unique perspective: top interesting things to do
• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Sanya
• Luxury hotels: accommodation to stay in Sanya
• Sanya Tours: customized tours for your reference