Sanya top attractions and best sightseeing

Top 1: Yalong Bay, the most beautiful beach in China

Yalong Bay is a picturesque beach located on the southeastern coast of Hainan Island in China, known for its pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coral reefs that are home to a diverse array of marine life. The bay is surrounded by lush tropical forests, and offers a range of water sports and activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing. It is also home to a variety of luxury resorts, spas, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking a high-end beach vacation. With its natural beauty and modern amenities, Yalong Bay is truly a tropical paradise.

The hip highlights include Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, featuring popular viewpoints such as the Dragon-Crossing Suspension Bridge, the sea-view glass skywalk, Qianli Umbrella, and Canghai Pavilion. 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.

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

• Address: 100 Yalong Bay Road, Jiyang District, Sanya City, Hainan Province
• Open Hours: All day
• Tour Length: 0.5-1 days
• Best time to visit:   September to April of next year

Top 2: Tianya Haijiao

Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area is located on the southern coast of Sanya and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Known for its dramatic coastal scenery, the area features rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and sweeping sea views, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.

Shaped by long-term marine erosion and changes in sea level, the coastline has formed a variety of distinctive rock formations and reefs, including Jimu Stone, Shuiguai Stone, Shuangshi Reef, and layered rock outcrops. The most famous sights are two massive boulders engraved with the characters “Tianya” (Edge of the Sky) and “Haijiao” (Corner of the Sea), which have become a symbolic landmark representing eternal love. Nearby, the towering Nantian Yizhu stone pillar rises dramatically from the ground and is another must-see highlight of the area.

Visitors can stroll along the seaside promenade, listen to the sound of waves, enjoy the silhouettes of coconut palms, and explore the Li Ethnic Culture Exhibition Hall to learn more about local traditions and folk customs. Blending natural beauty with cultural significance, Tianya Haijiao offers a memorable coastal experience in Sanya.

• Address: Maling Mountain foothills, Tianya Town, Tianya District, Sanya City, Hainan Province
• Open Hours: 08:00-19:00
• Tour Length: 2-3 hours

Top 3: Wuzhizhou Island

Wuzhizhou Island is a small island located off the coast of Sanya and is widely regarded as one of the city’s most famous offshore islands. Often called the “Maldives of the East,” it is known for its pristine white beaches and crystal-clear waters, with underwater visibility reaching up to 27 meters, making it the best diving destination in Sanya. The island also offers the widest range of marine entertainment activities in the area.

With an exceptionally well-preserved natural environment, Wuzhizhou Island is rich in tropical vegetation. A walk around the island reveals blooming tropical flowers and lush greenery, creating a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere. Visitors can take a boat tour around the island, enjoy various water sports, or simply relax on the beach. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, electric sightseeing carts are available for an easy ride around the island.

The island is filled with a romantic vibe and is especially popular with couples, earning it the nickname “Love Island.” In addition to beautiful scenery and exciting activities, visitors can also enjoy a variety of dining options, making Wuzhizhou Island a true paradise for travelers.

Important Notes: Drones are not allowed, collecting coral is strictly prohibited.

• Address: Houhai Village, Linwang Town, Haitang District, Sanya City, Hainan Province
• Open Hours: 8:00-17:30
• Tour Length: 1-2 days

Top 4: Dadonghai Beach

Dadonghai Bay is a popular tourist destination located on the southern coast of Hainan Island in China. The bay is known for its clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and palm trees, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities such as snorkeling and diving.

Dadonghai Bay is situated near Sanya, a city that is sometimes referred to as the "Hawaii of China" due to its tropical climate and beautiful scenery. In addition to the beach, visitors to the area can explore local shops and restaurants, visit nearby attractions such as the Luhuitou Park and Nanshan Temple, or take a boat tour to see the scenic coastline.

Overall, Dadonghai Bay is a great destination for travelers looking for a relaxing beach vacation in a beautiful setting with plenty of things to see and do.

• Address: between Yulin Port and Luhuitou, Sanya City, Hainan Province
• Open Hours: All day
• Tour Length: 0.5-1 days

Top 5: Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone

Nanshan Temple is located on a hill overlooking the South China Sea and is the largest Buddhist temple complex in southern China. Long regarded as a place of blessings and peace, it is one of Sanya’s most important cultural and spiritual landmarks.

The highlight of the site is the 108-meter-tall Guanyin statue standing in the sea, an impressive and unforgettable sight. The temple grounds are spacious and well landscaped, offering beautiful ocean views and a calm atmosphere.

Visitors can also explore symbolic areas such as the Gate of Non-Duality, Longevity Valley, and the Auspicious Garden, where many come to pray for health and good fortune. During festivals like the Dragon Head Raising Festival, blessing ceremonies and local cultural events are held. Hanging prayer plaques on temple trees is a popular tradition among visitors

• Address: Nanshan Village, Yazhou District, Sanya, Hainan, China
• Open Hours: 8:00-18:00
• Tour Length: 2-4 days

Top 6: Luhuitou Park

Perched on a hill overlooking Sanya Bay, this park offers sweeping panoramic views of the city, the sea, and the surrounding landscape. Its most iconic feature is “The Deer Looking Back” statue, which stands 15 meters high at the hilltop. Not only is it a landmark and the official city sculpture of Sanya, but it also gives the city its affectionate nickname— “the Deer City.” In local culture, its significance is often compared to Guangzhou’s Five Rams Statue.

According to legend, a kind-hearted Li ethnic hunter once pursued a beautiful spotted deer to the edge of a cliff. Just as he was about to shoot, the deer turned its head and gazed back at him with tearful eyes. Moved by the sight, the hunter laid down his bow. In gratitude, the deer transformed into an elegant young woman, and the two were married, living together in happiness.

The park is surrounded by the sea on three sides and consists of five small hills, with the highest point reaching 181 meters above sea level. Lush with tropical plants and filled with fresh air, it is an ideal spot to take in the full vista of Sanya, watch the sunrise or sunset, and enjoy the sparkling night views of the city.

• Address: Luhuitou Park, Jiyang District, Sanya, Hainan, China
• Open Hours: 8:00-22:30
• Tour Length: 1-3 hours

Top 7: Sanya Romance Park (Sanya Qianguqing Scenic Area)

Sanya Romance Park is a large cultural theme park located in downtown Sanya and is especially popular with families and children. The park combines natural scenery, cultural displays, and ethnic traditions, blending history with modern entertainment through live performances and interactive experiences.

The highlight of the park is the large-scale live show “Romance of Sanya,” which is a must-see. The performance features impressive stage effects, including 3,000 tons of real water, the world’s largest transparent water curtain, over 1,000 mist nozzles, and a 360-degree panoramic stage, creating an immersive, close-up experience that brings Sanya’s landscapes and romantic legends to life.

In addition, the park includes a History and Culture Hall showcasing Sanya’s past and local life, as well as a Technology Experience Hall that combines science, entertainment, and interactive exhibits. Yazhou Ancient Street is another highlight, with stone-paved lanes, exhibitions, and handicraft shops. The Li Village and Miao Village areas introduce the customs and daily life of Hainan’s Li and Miao ethnic groups. Visitors can also join folk activities, such as learning Li embroidery or trying a Miao dance, making the visit both fun and culturally enriching.

• Address: No. 333, Yingbin Road, Hedong Subdistrict, Jiyang District, Sanya City, Hainan Province
• Open Hours: 12:00-21:30
• Tour Length: 2-4 hours

Top 8: West Island (Xidao Island)

West Island is located in Sanya Bay and is the closest offshore island to downtown Sanya. It is generally less crowded than Wuzhizhou Island and has retained a more natural, relaxed atmosphere, making it a great choice for travelers seeking a quieter experience at better value.

The island is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation. It is Hainan’s largest indigenous tourist island and features a 400-year-old traditional fishing village. The surrounding waters are teeming with coral reefs and colorful fish, making it one of Sanya’s top diving destinations.

Visitors can relax on the beaches, swim, or enjoy water activities such as snorkeling and diving. For those who prefer to stay dry, glass-bottom boat rides offer a close-up view of the coral and marine life through the boat’s transparent floor.

On the other side of the island lies a traditional Danji fishing village, where you can explore coral stone houses over 100 years old, visit local markets, hike up Niuwangling Hill for panoramic views, and enjoy the sunset, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich maritime culture.

• Address: Sanya Bay, Sanya, Hainan, China
• Open Hours: 8:00-18:00
• Tour Length: 1 day

Top 9: Haitang Bay

Haitang Bay is a popular tourist destination located on the southern coast of China's Hainan Island. It is a large crescent-shaped bay that stretches for about 42 kilometers along the coastline, with crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches.

The bay is named after the Haitang or "sea hibiscus" flower that grows abundantly in the area. It is a relatively new tourist destination that has been developed in recent years with luxurious hotels, resorts, and shopping centers. Haitang Bay is particularly known for its high-end shopping, with the Haitang Bay International Shopping Center being one of the largest duty-free shopping centers in the world.

In addition to shopping, visitors to Haitang Bay can enjoy a range of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like jet skiing and parasailing. The bay also has a number of golf courses, hiking trails, and cultural attractions such as the Nanshan Temple, which is the largest Buddhist temple in Hainan.

Haitang Bay is a beautiful and vibrant destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, luxury amenities, and cultural experiences. It is a great place to visit for those looking to relax and unwind in a tropical paradise while also enjoying the modern conveniences of a bustling tourist hub.

• Address: Haitang North Road, Haitang District, Sanya City, Hainan Province
• Open Hours: All day
• Tour Length: 0.5-1 day

Top 10: Binlang Ethnic Village (Binglanggu)

Sanya Binlanggu, also known as the Sanya Betelnut Park, is a cultural and historical tourist attraction located in a lush valley with an average temperature of around 20°C. Through the Ganshi Li Village and Guyin Miao Village, the park showcases the daily life, architecture, and traditions of Hainan’s Li and Miao ethnic groups.

Highlights include centuries-old betel nut forests, traditional Li boat-shaped houses, and elderly Li women demonstrating ancient brocade weaving techniques. Visitors can also take part in hands-on activities such as fire-making with wood, bamboo pole dancing, and sampling local specialties like turmeric rice and Shanlan rice wine. At the former Chiyou Miao Village, thrilling folk performances such as walking on blades and crossing fire pits showcase impressive traditional skills. As well as learn about the history of the betelnut, which has played an important role in the culture and economy of Hainan Island for centuries.

Binlang Ethnic Village is also one of the main venues for major Li and Miao festivals, including the traditional Third Day of the Third Lunar Month celebration and the Qixi Water-Splashing Festival. Rich in living traditions and cultural experiences, it is often regarded as a “living fossil” of Hainan’s ethnic heritage.

• Address: Ganshiling Nature Reserve, Baoling Li and Miao Autonomous County
• Open Hours: 8:00-17:20
• Tour Length: 1 day

Top 11: Yanoda Rainforest Area

Yanoda Rainforest Area is a nature reserve and eco-tourism destination located in the southern part of Hainan Island, China. The name "Yanoda" means "one, two, three" in the local Hainan dialect, and it refers to the three valleys that make up the reserve.

The reserve covers an area of approximately 45 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the lush rainforest on foot along a network of hiking trails that lead to scenic waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and breathtaking vistas.

The Yanoda Rainforest Area also offers a range of adventure activities, such as ziplining, rope courses, and rock climbing, that provide visitors with an exciting way to experience the natural environment. There are also a variety of educational exhibits and interactive experiences that highlight the importance of rainforest conservation and environmental sustainability.

The Yanoda Rainforest Area is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the rainforest and minimizing the impact of tourism activities. As a result, the reserve has become a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers who want to explore the beauty and diversity of Hainan Island's rainforest ecosystem.

• Address: Sandao Town, Baoling Li and Miao Autonomous County
• Open Hours: 8:30-17:30
• Tour Length: 1 day

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