3 Days Sanya Travel Itinerary, Plan a 3 Days Trip in Sanya

Helen Tang
1504 Words/6 Minutes, By Helen Tang, Updated January 30, 2026

If you only have 3 days 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 create a personalized itinerary just for you. please contact us to customize your own unique Sanya itinerary!

3-day Sanya Itinerary for Family with Kids

Day 1: Arrival in Sanya and Ethnic Culture Experience

Arrive in Sanya and transfer to your hotel. Take some time to rest and settle in after the journey.

visit Binglang Ethnic Village, a cultural attraction showcasing the traditions of Hainan’s Li and Miao ethnic minorities. Explore the Ganshi Li Village and Guyin Miao Village, where children can learn about traditional architecture, daily life, handicrafts, and folk performances in a fun and educational way.

Evening, return to downtown Sanya for dinner and a relaxed evening walk, or enjoy family time at the hotel.

Day 2: Wuzhizhou Island Adventure

In the morning, head to Wuzhizhou Island, one of Sanya’s most famous offshore islands. Enjoy island cycling along scenic coastal paths, perfect for families who enjoy light outdoor activities. Experience shallow snorkeling, where children can safely see colorful fish and coral reefs in clear waters.

In the afternoon, join a fun beachcombing and tide-pooling activity, looking for small sea creatures and shells along the shore, a hands-on nature experience kids will love.

Return to Sanya city and relax after a full day by the sea.

Day 3: City Views and Cultural Show

In the morning, visit Luhuitou Park, offering panoramic views over Sanya Bay. The open space and gentle walking paths make it easy and enjoyable for families with children.

In the afternoon, head to Sanya Romance Park and watch the large-scale live show Romance of Sanya. The immersive stage effects, music, and storytelling captivate both kids and adults. Explore the Colorful Animal Park inside the scenic area, where children can see animals up close.

Finish your 3-day trip with wonderful family memories in Sanya.

3-day Sanya Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Travel Pace

Day 1: Arrival and Leisurely Coastal Walk

In the morning, arrive in Sanya and transfer to your hotel. Take time to rest and recover from the journey. Enjoy a gentle stroll along Coconut Dream Corridor (Yemeng Promenade), a palm-lined seaside walkway with sea breezes and scenic views. Seniors can relax, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful coastal atmosphere without much walking.

In the evening, have dinner at First Market and return to the hotel early for rest.

Day 2: West Island Relaxed Day Tour

In the Morning, take a short boat ride from the mainland to West Island, stroll along the glass-clear beach, visit the traditional fishing village morning market, and explore century-old coral stone houses built by local fishermen.

Enjoy lunch at the fishing village market, sampling local dishes such as fish cake noodles or Hainan-style fermented vinegar hotpot.

Later, visit China’s southernmost seaside bookstore (Haishang Bookstore), where seniors can relax, read, or write postcards as a special keepsake from the southern tip of China.

Afternoon, join a glass-bottom boat tour, allowing you to admire coral reefs and tropical fish safely without entering the water.

Return to the mainland in the late afternoon and head back to your hotel in Sanya or you can stay overnight at West Island.

Day 3: Cultural Landmarks and Scenic Views

In the morning, head to Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, home to the famous 108-meter-tall Sea Guanyin statue and Nanshan Temple. The scenic area is large, so taking the electric sightseeing cart is highly recommended for comfort.

Finish your 3-day trip with wonderful memories in Sanya.

3-day Sanya Itinerary for Young Travelers

Day 1: Arrive, Tianya Haijiao and West Island

Arrive in Sanya, head to Tianya Haijiao is one of Sanya’s most iconic landmarks and a popular photo spot for couples, symbolizing romance and “the edge of the world.”

Continue by boat to West Island, where you can explore century-old houses built from coral stone and experience the island’s slow-paced fishing village life. If you arrive during low tide, you may even try shore foraging, searching for small crabs and shellfish along the reef.

Day 2: Wuzhizhou Island and Houhai Village

Spend the day on Wuzhizhou Island, famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. This is the best place in Sanya for water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, banana boat rides, and other exciting sea sports. The island’s glass-like sea and white sand beaches are perfect for swimming and photos.

In the late afternoon, head to Houhai Village, a laid-back coastal community popular with young travelers and surfers.

As the sun sets, enjoy the lively atmosphere, grab a drink by the beach, or try surfing with a local surf school. Houhai’s night vibe is relaxed yet energetic.

Day 3: Yalong Bay and Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park

Visit Yalong Bay, known for its long stretch of soft sand and calm, turquoise waters. It is ideal for a leisurely morning walk along the beach or simply relaxing by the sea.

Later, explore Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, set in the lush mountains above the bay. Walk along scenic trails, glass bridges, and viewing platforms that offer sweeping views of the coastline and rainforest. This area combines tropical nature with panoramic sea views, providing a refreshing and memorable end to your Sanya journey.

3-day Sanya Cultural Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Cultural Discovery

Arrive in Sanya and take a short rest before visiting Binglang Ethnic Village, a cultural and heritage attraction. Through the Ganshi Li Village and Guyin Miao Village, the park showcases the daily life, traditional architecture, and customs of Hainan’s Li and Miao ethnic groups. Return to downtown Sanya and enjoy a relaxing stroll along Coconut Dream Corridor, where palm trees, sea views, and sunset scenery create a perfect end to the day.

Day 2: Daxiaodongtian, Nanshan Cultural, and Tianyahaijiao

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.

After Daxiaodongtian, head 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), is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Stroll along the coast, see the famous engraved boulders, and enjoy the romantic atmosphere.

Day 3: Island Life and Maritime Culture

Take a boat to West Island, a long-established fishing community with a strong maritime culture. Wander through narrow lanes lined with century-old coral stone houses and observe the daily life of local fishermen. The island’s relaxed atmosphere offers a glimpse into traditional coastal living.

If time allows and the tide is low, experience shore foraging, a traditional activity where locals search for crabs and shellfish along the reef.

Return to downtown Sanya in the afternoon for leisure time, local shopping, or a final seaside walk before departure.

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.

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Helen Tang

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