Sanya: where the sky meets the sea. Sanya Sanya china entertainment
There are a lot of interesting cities in China that tourists want to visit. In our article we will talk about the resort city of Sanya, where you can go there, where to stay, and how to spend your vacation interestingly.
Getting to know the Chinese resort
To begin with, we bring to your attention a small description of the resort.
Geographical position
Sanya is a tropical seaside resort in China, which is located in the southern part of the island. Hainan. It is often called "East Hawaii" because it shares the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands.
In China, access to the Google search engine and Gmail is closed. Take this into account when planning your trip.
Sanya is located on the shores of Sanyavan Bay. The area of the resort is 1919.6 km. The coastline has 3 large ports.
Sanya Map
A little history
The first mentions of the city of Sanya date back to the 1st century. In those days, the town was a remote corner of the vast Chinese Empire. It was in Sanya that disgraced officials often ended up. For many centuries, Sanya has been a port city and an integral part of the Silk Road. Many foreign merchants were buried here; in our time, the location of 45 burials is known.
How to get to Sanya
In the northwest of the town, 11 km from it, is Sanya Phoenix International Airport. You can fly to it from the capital, although most often you need to make 2 transfers. A bus runs from the airport to the city center from 9:30 to 20:00.
You can also get to Sanya by bus number 8, which passes through Sanyavan and Dadonghai. It departs every 15 minutes, and within 20 minutes you will be in the city center. If you want to get to the center in more comfortable conditions, you can take a taxi, but it will cost you more.
Weather and climate
Before planning a trip to Sanya, it is very important to study the local climate. In summer it is very hot and there is a lot of rainfall. Most often it rains at night, but it can also extend into the daytime. The humidity here is very high, which creates some breathing difficulties. And if you decide to cool off in the sea, you won’t be able to - the water here is like fresh milk, and you’re unlikely to be able to freshen up.
It is best to plan a trip to Sanya in the period March-May or November.
During the autumn months, especially September and October, there are frequent typhoons. Winter is characterized by dry and sunny weather, during the day you can even sunbathe, but at night the temperature drops and becomes cool. However, the water in the sea is warm, so you can swim in it. In spring it is warm and sunny, but in May it starts to rain more and more often, the temperature rises and a greenhouse effect is created.
Sanya is the city where the Miss World finals were held 7 times: in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2015, 2017.
The average annual air temperature is +29 °C (daytime), + 23 °C (at night) water - 27 °C. In July and August, the air temperature can exceed +30 °C, so if you are not a fan of hot weather, it is better not to plan a vacation during these months.
Best beaches
The advantage of Sanya beaches is that they are free. You also don't have to pay to use the shower and toilet. But you will have to pay to rent a sunbed.
The Sanyawan resort area is characterized by a smooth descent into the sea and white sand. The beach is separated from the road by a strip of tall palm trees, which provide shelter from the sun's rays. In the morning, many Chinese work out on the coast - they do gymnastics, and in the evening the beach becomes a cafe area with tables and delicious drinks.
The peculiarity of the beach in Dadonghai is that it is surrounded by mountains on both sides. The water here is quite warm in winter compared to other bays. On the beach you will be offered to take a sun lounger and choose an umbrella, but you will not be able to hide in the shade under the palm trees - there are none here. During the daytime there are many people on the beach, and there are often merchants offering pearls and souvenirs to tourists. In the evening there are much fewer people.
If you are a fan of a relaxing holiday and have enough money, go to Yalong Bay. The width of the beach strip is 50 m, and it smoothly merges with clear sea water. This place is perfect for both active recreation and recreation with children.
Interesting places and attractions
Arriving in Sanya, you will not be bored - there is a lot to see.
- Located 23 km west of the city. This place attracts with incredibly beautiful scenery. The sandy beach is decorated with stone blocks of unusual shape. Among them you can find a “broken heart”, “a bachelor’s shelter”, and other interesting exhibits.
- Oceanarium. Here you can see more than 200 species of unusual fish, and a show of crocodiles, parrots and sea lions will be presented to your attention. The park is famous for its unique collection of exotic birds. After visiting the aquarium, you can ride an ostrich and
take a photo with a 600-year-old turtle. - Monkey Island. Located 80 km from the resort of Sanya, its area is almost 1000 hectares. Here you can meet almost 2,100 monkeys, or rather Guanese macaques. You can cross the strait by cable car. While traveling by cable car, you will be able to see the strait and admire the sea. Everyone can visit the monkey circus and take pictures with these interesting animals.
When you go to “Monkey Island”, you should not look them in the eyes or make sudden movements - this can cause aggression on their part. If you notice that the animal is nervous, show it that you have nothing in your hands.
Other types of entertainment
In addition to visiting interesting nature reserves and excursions, the city has other entertainment.
Leisure
If you like to play golf, visit Mystic Spring Golf Club Haitang Bay. There are 2 fields presented here, even beginners can try their hand at it. The club hosts international tournaments.
In Sanya you can surf all year round. In summer, the south wind provides the waves desired by surfers. Here you can learn to surf, rent equipment and enjoy an active holiday.
If you like to ride a bicycle, you need to go to Sanya Hexi Lu Street, where this type of transport is rented out. The most popular is the 30-kilometer route, where you can enjoy the beauty of the resort.
Sanya's sister cities are Yalta, Khabarovsk and Cannes.
Diving lovers will not get bored in Sanya. Here you can visit underwater caves, see schools of tropical fish, and enjoy views of corals and sunken ships. Diving is one of the most popular sports in the city.
Night life
Those who like to dance the night away will find clubs to suit their taste. We bring to your attention 2 of the most popular establishments.
- Club M2. This is perhaps the most visited club among tourists. It is not too large in size, but boasts a stylish design. It starts working at 22:00 and receives visitors until 4 in the morning. The establishment is located on Yuya Road. Famous Chinese DJs and DJs from other Asian countries can often be seen at the club.
- Club Lidu. The establishment is located in the Sanya Maintint Hotel. This place is mostly visited by locals, but if you come here as a tourist, you will have a fun time.
As for casinos, there are none in Sanya. The opening was in the plans, but the country's authorities are in no hurry to give permission for this.
Where to stay, car rental, cuisine, restaurants
And now you have arrived in Sanya. We bring to your attention an overview of hotels and useful information about renting a car and visiting restaurants.
Popular hotels
Sanya is a young resort, so the hotels here are new. If you want to stay in a 5-star hotel, you should go to the first line of the Yalong Wan Resort. Here you will find expensive restaurants, excellent service and developed infrastructure. 4-star hotels are located in Dadonghai and are quite good value for money. In terms of service and infrastructure, they are almost on par with five-star hotels, but the prices here are much lower.
The Guanyin Statue, built in Sanya in 2005, is one of the tallest Buddhist statues in the world. Its height is 108 meters.
If you decide to stay in a 3-star hotel, be prepared for different developments. If you are lucky, the establishment will have a European level, but, unfortunately, sometimes hotels disappoint: they do not have air conditioning, dirty pools, tasteless breakfasts and poor cleaning. If you are a backpacker or a budget tourist, your only option is to stay in a hostel or 2-star hotel.
Among the most “top” hotels are the following:
Rent a Car
If you intend to actively travel around the area, you need to take care of renting a car. In the city, you can contact one of two companies on this issue: the Chinese Tongye or the international Avis. Their offices are located at the airport, as well as in certain hotels.
Taxi drivers on Hainan Island do not speak foreign languages, so when planning to use their services, ask the receptionist to write down the name of the place where you plan to go on a piece of paper.
The rental procedure is not that simple. Before obtaining the right to drive a car, a tourist must acquire a temporary driver's license. To do this, you need to visit the police station, write a petition and provide a national ID translated into Chinese, an international driver's license, a hotel reservation and 2 color photos. Processing may take a week.
Cuisine and restaurants
There are quite a few cafes and restaurants in the city where you can eat delicious food. In coastal establishments you will definitely be offered to try seafood dishes.
To visit an expensive and sophisticated restaurant, you need to go to 5-star hotels in Yalongwan or Sanya City.
There are many small establishments in Sanya where you can sit down with the whole family, and the prices are quite affordable. If you miss Russian cuisine, we recommend visiting the Russian Restaurant&Bar. Fans of delicious barbecue and beer should visit Wan Jun Long. But at the Continental Restaurant you can try delicious soups, salads, Western cuisine, as well as traditional Chinese food at affordable prices.
The Bohemian Restaurant offers an international menu. In addition, you can enjoy the beautiful interior and high quality service. However, you will have to pay a decent amount for such pleasure.
For shopping lovers
When you head to Jiefanglu Road, you won't leave empty-handed. There is a huge selection of goods here, ranging from home clothes to fashion brands. You can enjoy shopping in the evening, when it is not so hot outside - all stores are open until 22:00.
If you want to buy clothes, shoes, silks and electronics, you should go to the First Market, which attracts tourists with affordable prices and a huge selection of goods. The market opens from 18:00.
If you find yourself in a Chinese market, be sure to bargain. If you are cultured and smile, you can reduce the cost of the goods by 2-3 times. Of course, this does not apply to boutiques and department stores, but you can count on a discount in them too.
We present to your attention a list of the most visited stores in Sanya.
- Supermarket "Wanhao". Here you can buy food products.
- Supermarket "Tiancheng". Here you can find food, clothing, shoes and other goods.
- Shopping center "Minju". It consists of 7 floors, on which you can find a wide variety of goods: from food to jewelry. The 7th floor is the only cinema in the city.
- Shopping center "Ifan". The department store includes 5 floors, on 4 of which you will find many boutiques, and on the 5th there is an entertainment center.
The city of Sanya is a great place not only for passive recreation. Here you can have fun with your family or friends. With a huge number of attractions and entertainment, you definitely won't get bored.
Teahouse
After dinner, local residents like to gather in a teahouse, drink tea and talk, where they forget about the fatigue of a working day and all their troubles during a sincere conversation.
Chess and cards
There are many good places in Sanya for chess and card lovers. These include hotel rooms with views of seascapes in Sanyawan Bay, and a light breeze blowing from the sea, elegant and quiet loggias, and cool open rooms for card games. In the city of Sanya, with its beauty of the blue sea and blue sky, any activity is a pleasure.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine is a treasure of Chinese culture accumulated over five thousand years. Different types of Chinese physiotherapy have different effects, regulating immunity, clearing energy meridians (Jing Lo), strengthening the stomach and kidneys, etc. Sanya's tropical, humid climate provides the natural benefits of Chinese medicine.
In traditional Chinese health medicine, physiotherapy and herbal medicine are used, which have a good effect in clearing energy meridians (Jing Lo), relieving fatigue, and regulating the endocrine system.
Movie
The Pearl Cinema Center in Sanya is equipped with the latest digital technology. It was built to a five star standard. Total area 4,800 sq. m., capacity - 732 seats, four multimedia halls, one VIP reception hall, one first-aid post, one multifunctional hall, one theater hall and much more. To display the films, there are continuous projectors, the world's most advanced audio playback system Dolby Digital SRD/EX 6 stereo and a digital full-screen high-definition projection system.
Street of bars "Coast of Time"
The Shore of Time bar street is located in the center of Sanya, next to Sanya Bay and Luhoito Park, opposite the Sanya CCP Committee on Yuya Street. In recent years, the Street of Bars "Coast of Time" has become the most famous place.
The "Coast of Time" bar street has an attractive power, it is a place where Chinese and foreign tourists can enjoy tourist services and feel the modern life of the city. The "Coast of Time" bar street has become a favorite place for visiting foreigners and local residents.
The magnificent architecture on the Street of Bars “Coast of Time” combines modern European and tropical seaside styles and has a special specificity.
Opening hours: from 10.30 to 02.00 at night
Prices: vary depending on the types of drinks ordered, from 50 to 200 yuan per person.
How to get there: by buses No. 2, 4, 8, 10 to the stop: City Committee.
1. Kaiyue Bar (Hymn of Joy): Located at the intersection of 1st Lane of Shangping Street and the eastern part of Xihe Street.
2. Bar "November" is located at the intersection of Tonghai 3rd Lane in Danzhou District and Sanyawan Street.
3. Bar Bujianbusan (“If we don’t see each other, we don’t part ways”): first floor of the Xiangtai building on Hexi Street.
4. Free Man Bar: first floor of the Tianshan Building on Hexi Street. Mediterranean style interior.
5. Shark Bar. Located on 1st Hedong Street, near Sanya Bridge, on the first floor of the Bihai Building. It got its name from the owner of the bar, a diving instructor nicknamed Shark. There is a romantic atmosphere here. Aquariums built into the walls display various types of tropical fish.
6. Haiyue Bar: Located in Haiyue Square of Yalong Bay.
7. Bar “HELLO BAR”. Located at the beginning of Dadonghai Street, on the first floor of the Yuhai Hotel.
Awarded the title of “AAAA green restaurant of China” by the China Hotel and Inn Association, rated as “the best resort source in China” by the organizing committee of the Chinese and Overseas Tourism Brand Promotion Summit and other organizations.
The editors of People's Daily and the China Brand Promotion Committee and other organizations awarded the title of one of the "Ten Influential Resort Source Brands in China", "China's No. 1 Resort Source in Consumer Satisfaction."
The resort area has at various times received the titles of “the most beloved tourist area”, one of the “ten most popular resort hotels in Hainan Province”, “the most popular eco-friendly hotel in Hainan”, one of the “top ten hotels chosen by Hainan consumers”.
Sanya Nantian Spring is a five-star resort area that combines relaxation at the spring, treatment, wellness therapy and business meetings. Nantian is the largest open-air spring. It is located in the Nantian resort area of the Haitangwan village of Sanya, covering an area of more than 28 hectares, on which there are 128 of the most spacious and comfortable luxury rooms in Sanya, more than 360 luxury cottages under construction. In the resort area there are Chinese and European restaurants, bars, conference rooms, Brazilian barbecue, tea houses, spa centers and various health facilities. The source is registered with the State General Administration of Industry and Commerce as the "number one source in China."
Bathing in thermal springs, otherwise known as mineral springs, is an age-old method of health-improving physical therapy. When the long winter and severe frosts come, you can come here to Hainan with friends and family. If you go by car, you can enjoy the beautiful winter scenery of Hainan.
Wellness holiday (thermal springs, traditional Chinese medicine)
The organic combination of these elements allows tourists to receive traditional Chinese medicine treatments in a favorable natural environment, i.e. Receive health and relaxation at the same time.
Every year, this company sends several thousand workers and employees to Sanya on a health vacation. The city of Sanya is rich in sun, sea water, beaches, thermal springs and other healthy tourism resources, thereby having ample natural opportunities for the development of health resort tourism.
In March 2002, the Sanya Chinese Medicine Hospital and the Russian State Oil and Gas Company entered into a contract for spa treatment.
If you add medicines and nutritional supplements, then with the help of traditional medicine doctors you can achieve great effectiveness in treatment.
Here you can not only relax blissfully among the sun and sea and immerse yourself in the beauty of coconut palms and the seascape, but also get acquainted with Chinese massage, foot massage with baths, cupping and other purely Chinese procedures. They will give you not only good physical and spiritual well-being, but also bring great pleasure.
Many visiting tourists live in cities with harsh winters and suffer from arthritis, rheumatism, hyperlipemia, pymelosis and other chronic diseases. They love to take Chinese traditional treatments i.e. “harmony of nature and man” in the warm, spring-like city of Sanya.
The main tourist city on Hainan Island is Sanya. Some of you may know about it because the Miss Planet pageant has been held in this city several times. Today, Sanya is quite a popular destination among Russian tourists, and the main reasons for this popularity are its beautiful beaches, a large selection of hotels and a variety of attractions. There are many amazing places in and around Sanya that attract both local and foreign tourists. Today we will introduce you to the most famous attractions of Sanya, which you can reach on your own. If you don’t know what to see in Sanya, but are planning a trip to this resort area, then this article is for you. Please note that you can get to all of these attractions on your own, but in some cases it would be financially beneficial to purchase a tour.
Nanshan Temple Complex
Nanshan Park is one of the main attractions of Hainan Island and is located about 40 km from the city of Sanya. Nanshan means "South Mountain" and this park was built to commemorate 2000 years of Buddhism in China.
An important object in the complex is the statue of Guanyin, which has three faces looking in different directions. It rises to a height of 108 meters and is located on an artificial island on the coast.
Nanshan Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples outside of Thailand. The entire Nanshan tourist area consists of beautiful parks, coastline and other places of worship for Buddhists. It is also known for the large selection of vegetarian food served in its restaurants.
Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00
Park "Edge of the World"
Tianya Haijiao lies 24 km west of Sanya, and the name of these rocks literally means “edges of the sky, corners of the sea.” Poets have used Tianya Haijiao in their poems, one of the most famous says: "I will follow you to Tianya Haijiao." This means the same thing as our words “I will follow you to the ends of the Earth.” This is why Tanya Haijiao Cape is so popular among honeymooners.
Every year the International Festival of Wedding Ceremonies and the Lantern Festival take place here.
Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00
Park "The deer turned its head"
Tourists from Russia pronounce the name of this park as “Lukhuitou”, “Lukhuitou” and even Luhuitou. In any case, the name literally means “Deer Turning its Head,” although the popular name for the park among Russian tourists is “Deer Turning its Head.” The park is located on a peninsula, just 5 km from Sanya. A hill on this peninsula is mentioned in the Li people's legend of the hunter and the deer. The hill is about 208 meters high and offers beautiful views of Sanya. At its top you can find a beautiful statue of a deer looking back, hunter Li and a beautiful girl. From the top you can see one of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets and get the best view of Phoenix Island.
Entrance fee: 68 yuan
If you want to take the cable car, you will need to pay 30 yuan for one way.
Pirate Island (Wuzhizhou)
Wuzhizhou Island or Pirate Island is located about 30 km northeast of Sanya in Haitang Bay. The island itself is small, its coastline is 5.7 km long. Boasting beautiful white beaches, turquoise water and an amazing coral reef, Wuzhizhou Island is an ideal destination for beach lovers and snorkelers.
You can either walk around the island or explore it by golf cart. There are various interesting places like Love Bridge, Sunrise Rock, Golden Turtle and Love Island. You can get a great view of the rising sun from the cliff to the east.
For those who love adventure, Wuzhizhou Island is ideal. You can try out a variety of water sports from paragliding to diving and fishing. Keep in mind that you can only swim on certain beaches. Swimming is prohibited on most beaches on the island.
How to get there: Ferries from the pier leave every 20 minutes from 07:40 to 18:00, and the journey to the island takes about 10 minutes.
Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourist Area
Many of Sanya's attractions are aimed at telling tourists about the nature and culture of Hainan Island. The Yanoda cultural tourism area includes the Valley of Dreams and the Valley of the Rainforest.
Before entering the tourist area you will find statues of Chinese Zodiac animals which are quite interesting. When you enter, the staff will greet you with song and dance. Besides, you can't count on both hands how many times you'll be told "Yanoda" here. This is how they greet guests here.
The entire area of Yanoda Park extends over 45 square kilometers. First, we suggest you visit the Valley of Dreams, where you can pass by several beautiful waterfalls. Walking in this area requires proper footwear and caution, especially when walking on slippery rocks.
If you walk all the way through Dream Valley, you will eventually reach Rainforest Valley, where you can admire tropical flora, listen to traditional music and eat.
Note that Yanoda Park has a zip-line cable car that you can ride on and enjoy stunning views of the park.
Entrance fee: 165 yuan (125 for entrance and 40 for shuttle bus)
Children under 1.2 meters tall can enter the park for free, and children between 1.2 and 1.5 meters tall can buy a discounted ticket that costs 103 yuan (63 for entry and 40 for the bus).
A ride on the Zip-line costs 100 yuan.
There is also a so-called "Camping Combo" ticket, which costs 360 for adults and 260 for children between 1.2 and 1.5m and includes entry, bus ticket, rainforest camping, BBQ and breakfast.
Opening hours: 07:30 - 18:00
Romantic park
Qianqiuqing or Romantic Park includes a water park, zoo, theater, market and cultural center. It has 10 sections such as Yazhou Old Town, Elephant Valley and Indigenous Cultural Heritage Area. There is a lot of interesting things in one place!
While there are so many things to do in this park, the main attraction is the Legend of Romance show, which takes place in the 4,700-seat theater. This is quite a spectacular entertainment show, combining drama, dance, music and acrobatics with special effects and modern stage technology. The show chronicles the history of Sanya from the prehistoric past to the present. This show is held twice a day: from 16:00 to 19:00 and then from 19:00 to 22:00.
A VIP ticket to Romantic Park costs RMB 480 without discount for any guest. A standard ticket will cost you 280 CNY, and a ticket for a group member (at least 8 people in a group) costs 260 CNY. This is one of the reasons why purchasing a group excursion to the park is a profitable option. A child under 1.2 meters tall visits the park for free, but then there will not be a separate seat for him in the theater.
Daxiao Dongtian Park
It is located 40 km from Sanya on the southwest side of Nanshan Mountain. The name "Daxiao Dongtian" means "Big and Small Fairyland" in Northern Chinese. Daxiao Dongtian Park was opened 800 years ago during the Song Dynasty, making it the oldest attraction on Hainan Island and the birthplace of Taoist culture in the southernmost part of China.
Here you can find beautiful wooden villas in lush greenery next to beautiful beaches. There is also a Taoist temple, statues, rock formations, a beautiful lighthouse in the middle of the sea, a Natural History Museum and of course the Evergreen Pines. These are Nanshan evergreen pine trees, which are living fossils. Some of the trees in Daxiao Dongtian Park are over 6,000 years old.
In the southeast of Daxiao Dongtian there is the Little Moon recreation area. It has lush, well-preserved vegetation and is touted as a natural oxygen bar with "negative ion concentrations of up to 8,000-10,000 per cubic centimeter."
It is worth remembering that swimming near Daxiao Dongtian is strictly prohibited.
Thermal springs
Sanya Zhujiang Nantian Spa is a 5-star hotel that is also famous for its hot spring spa. This spa has 38 heated pools, and each one has something unique to offer. For example, there is a pool with red wine, a pool with coconut milk, a pool with rose petals, a pool with Garra Rufa fish, etc. The temperature in most of them is high, mainly because the weather itself is warm. So you won't be able to cool off in these pools, but you will be able to relax.
At Sanya Zhujiang Nantian Spa you can also get a massage, which is very nice after a day in the bustling city of Sanya.
If you don't have a rental car, then the best way to get to the Sanya Zhujiang Nantian Spa is to buy an excursion from an agency, as travel agencies offer a package (transport + ticket) at the same price as the ticket price if purchased directly from the hotel. At the same time, you can only get to Sanya Zhujiang Nantian Spa by taxi, and the cost of the trip will be rather high.
Entrance fee: 198 yuan for adults, including locker, shower, towel, unlimited use of hot spring.
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 24:00, but full service starts only from 12:00
Yalongwan Tropical Paradise Forest Park
This forest park is located in the Yalongwan National Resort Area, near the city of Sanya. Hainan Province is China's first ecological province, and Tropical Paradise Forest Park is the closest natural oxygen bar to Sanya. As you can already guess from the name, here you can find a beautiful rainforest with amazing flora and fauna.
There's something for everyone here. You can relax, explore the rainforest or explore the surrounding areas of the park. Interesting places include Orchid Valley, Yanbo Pavilion, Guojianlong Rope Bridge, Qianli Umbrella, Tropical Paradise, Canghai Tower, Giant Buddha Stone, Kongshan Pavilion, etc.
Remember that we are talking about an area with a large territory, so it is important to correctly plan a route along it in order to see all the most interesting objects, without getting overtired and not driving in circles. We recommend the following route. Take the special car at the west gate and then get off at Orchid Valley. After you finish exploring this valley, you can take a bus to Guojianglong, cross the Guaijianglong Bridge, and then take a bus from Haitang Station and get off at Redaitiantang Station (Main Peak), visit the Giant Buddha Stone, Dragon Square and Canghai Tower.
Opening hours: 07:30 - 17:30
Other attractions of Sanya
We have already presented you with the most popular attractions in Sanya. But these are not all the interesting places that you can see in the vicinity of this city on your own or during an excursion. Also among the attractions of Sanya it is worth adding all the bays located near the city (Yalunwan, Sanya Bay, Haitang and Dadonghai).
Other interesting places include: Monkey Islands, Borders, Phoenix, Fenjie and West Island, Luobi Cave, Baiyue Ethnic Culture Village, Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park.
You can be sure that you will find something to see in Sanya. Most likely, you will be faced with the question of what to choose from all this variety of attractions. Still, a detailed study of all these places requires at least two weeks.
Tropical Hainan is famous for its stunning beaches, picturesque coral reefs and year-round sunny weather. The island is covered with natural and landscape parks, creating a unique ecosystem and harmonious atmosphere for people seeking unity with nature.
The beaches of the island can be called exemplary in terms of cleanliness, amenities and beauty of the surrounding landscapes. And all this splendor is offered for quite reasonable money. It’s not for nothing that the island is nicknamed “East Hawaii.”
Holidays on Hainan Island are popular among the inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom themselves. The rich cultural heritage of the past has been preserved here. Once upon a time, during the imperial dynasty, noble nobles who for some reason did not please the ruler were exiled to the island.
The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.
from 900 rubles/day
What to see on Hainan Island?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
One of the largest Buddhist complexes in Asia, covering a vast area of 50 km². It consists of the imposing Guanyin Temple with a 108-meter statue of the Goddess of Mercy on the roof and a landscaped park designed in accordance with classical Feng Shui traditions. The complex is located approximately 40 km from the resort city of Sanya. It is located at the foot of Mount Nanshan.
An artificial island created from individual coral reefs and small areas of land, located off the coastline of Hainan (near the port of Sanya). It is home to several futuristic skyscrapers housing five-star hotels, as well as luxury private villas, famous brand stores, a yacht club, a sports complex, an amusement park and a beach. Phoenix and Hainan islands are connected by a 390-meter bridge.
An open-air museum dedicated to the culture of the indigenous peoples of Hainan Island - the Li and the Miao. It is a vast park area with traditional buildings characteristic of these ethnographic groups. The villagers are skillful actors who perform folklore performances for tourists and demonstrate their dexterous skills. The improvised settlement is located 30 km from Sanya.
The extensive museum exhibition consists of valuable art objects belonging to different eras. It houses collections of Chinese porcelain, paintings, weapons, Chinese silk clothing, jade items, precious metals and sculpture. The age of individual exhibits reaches several thousand years. In a separate room you can view a unique collection of paintings made on silk fabric and ancient calligraphic scrolls.
One of the bays of the South China Sea, approximately 30 km distant from Sanya. The name of the place is translated from Chinese as “dragon shore”. The best hotels in Hainan are located on the picturesque Yalong coast, which are surrounded by forests, mountains, white beaches and magnificent tropical gardens. The bay is considered the most prestigious resort on the entire island. Locals usually call the bay “paradise on earth.”
Dadonghai is located near Sanya. You can get here from the city on foot. The beaches of the bay are especially loved by tourists due to reasonable prices for hotel accommodation and traditional “holiday joys”. The length of the bay coast beaches is about 2 km. You can also find almost ideal conditions for surfing here, which attracts fans of this sport.
Natural park created in 1999. On its territory, tourists can watch the life of exotic animals in their natural habitat. Ostriches, black swans, parrots, monkeys, crocodiles, lions and other fauna live here. Children will be delighted with the enclosure with lion cubs and tiger cubs, and adults will be able to watch the process of feeding adult predators.
A reserve created for the purpose of studying and breeding Guangxi macaques, a subspecies of small monkeys. It is located about 80 km from Sanya in a quiet and remote area of Hainan Island. About 2,000 individuals live in the park. They walk freely along the alleys, sit on trees, rocks and the ground, and also hang in clusters on visitors, constantly trying to get into bags, pockets and steal things they like.
A natural reserve near Yalong Bay, where a unique collection of butterflies from different parts of the world is collected. A large number of exotic insects (more than 2000 species) also live here. There is a small museum and a souvenir shop for tourists. The best time to visit the reserve is in the morning, before the sweltering heat of the day sets in.
The park is located in Sanya on a fairly large area around a high mountain. The name of the area comes from the legend of a hunter who prepared to kill a deer, but in time noticed that the animal turned its head and turned into a beautiful girl. In Chinese, the name of the park is Luhuitou. There is a deer nursery here, where you can feed the animals and take memorable photographs with them.
Healing thermal waters, where local residents bathed and improved their health many centuries ago. Today, Zhujiang Nantian is a modern, well-maintained complex that includes 36 swimming pools with different temperatures and water composition. On its territory there is a cozy hotel, a Chinese restaurant, several open-air cafes, traditional tea houses and spa salons. The hot springs are quite popular among the locals.
The volcano is located on the territory of the national park of the same name. Its slopes are covered with dense tropical vegetation, in places turning into impenetrable jungle. Thanks to natural steps made of hardened lava, tourists have the opportunity to climb to the crater itself - the heart of the volcano, frozen many millennia ago. There is a museum and a restaurant on the slopes of the mountain. The climb to the top is equipped with comfortable benches for rest.
A mountain range that got its name due to its resemblance to the shape of a palm (“wuzhishan” means “five fingers” in Chinese). The highest peak of the ridge reaches 1867 meters. There are many trekking trails along the territory of the massif, along which you can climb two of the five peaks of Wuzhishan. Several hundred species of tropical fauna live here and about 170 species of orchids grow.
An 80-hectare tropical garden, founded in 1957 as part of the scientific base of an agricultural institute dedicated to the research and conservation of valuable plants. In addition to ornamental crops, the garden grows coffee, vanilla, black pepper and fruits. In a local store, tourists can purchase aromatic coffee and “Silun” vanilla tea, which are made from local products, as souvenirs.
The relict jungle of Yanoda is located in the southern part of Hainan near the Qixian ridge. More than 45 km² of forest has been turned into a landscaped tourist area, which includes a landscape park with a lotus lake, a river, waterfalls and a tropical orchid greenhouse. The park is equipped with walking paths, suspension bridges and a rope crossing across the gorge. For tourists seeking unity with nature, a tent camp has been organized in the jungle.
A small island with an area of 2 km², located about 20 minutes by boat from Hainan Island. The tourist infrastructure of the place began to develop relatively recently, so Pirate Island still retains the charm of untouched nature. Almost its entire area is covered with virgin tropical forests. There are picturesque coral reefs around the coastline. Tourists can relax on the clean and picturesque beaches of the island.
The island is located a few kilometers from the coastline of Hainan. You can get there by boat or motor boat. Nature has created ideal conditions for diving here. The island is surrounded by densely populated coral reefs, home to amazing sea creatures. Visibility in clear water is almost perfect, so underwater divers are in for an unforgettable sight.
A narrow strip of sand several tens of meters wide, separating the fresh waters of the Wanquanhe, Longgong and Jiuqu rivers from the salty waves of the South China Sea. This unique natural place is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The beach is located near the small town of Boao, which is located on the east coast of the island. The “Jade Belt” is covered with snow-white sparkling sand.
A magnificent landscaped park with numerous caves, sacred trees and grottoes, which, according to Taoist philosophy, are considered the gateway to another world. On its territory is the Temple of the Dragon, the ruler of the world. This place is sacred to all followers of Taoism. Thousands of pilgrims come to the park every year, not to mention tens of thousands of tourists from mainland China and other countries.
The history of the founding of the park is connected with a tragic legend about the love of a guy and a girl who turned into boulders and froze on the coast. Over time, other stones began to appear near them. Each boulder has its own poetic name. The park's paths offer stunning views of the coast. “Edge of the World” is intended for leisurely walks, reflection and contemplation of nature.
Sanya city, located in China, on the island of Hainan, is certainly worth a visit for a traveler who is tired of standard, rather boring attractions and resorts and who prefers a combination of top-level comfort and educational independent hiking trips. The picturesque, impeccably beautiful coastline of Sanyawan Bay, along which the surprisingly interesting city of Sanya is located, will delight both lovers of a quiet and slow holiday with children, as well as fans of atypical attractions and extreme types of entertainment on the water.
And if you are tired of water treatments, the full power of the developed tourist infrastructure is at your service - exclusive shopping, walking tours in the tropics, magnificent landscape parks designed on an Asian scale and a unique museum of the world's best pearls. Let's take a closer look at all the popular places in Sanya!
Main attractions of Sanya
It is not known exactly when this city was founded, but it is quite interesting that the ancestors of modern Chinese believed that “the sky and the ocean end” - it was located so far from the main political centers that during the period of the Empires it was called "edge of the world". It was precisely because of its remoteness from the then civilization that the city became famous as a place of exile for officials and public figures who fell out of favor with their own rulers. Now it’s simply hard to believe - the island seems like a real paradise!
Beaches of Sanya
- Sanya main beach - Yalong, stretching for several kilometers to the east. It is here that all kinds of tourist attractions and the most luxurious hotels await you. Lush vegetation, clean sand and amazingly clear, blue water - believe me, once you've been here, you'll definitely want to come back. Among the disadvantages of the beach, one can note a relatively small number of catering outlets, but some people like this layout even more.
- Danduhai Beach hidden on both sides by mountains, so even in winter the water here is noticeably warmer than in neighboring bays. There are practically no palm trees here, but their role is played by free umbrellas and spacious canopies equipped with fountains with drinking water. During the day this beach is very crowded, but in the evening this place becomes quiet, cozy and almost deserted, so you can feel like a real Robinson Crusoe on a desert island.
- Sanyawan resort area will delight you with a gentle, smooth entry into the sea and a dense, comfortable layer of light sand. The beach is separated from the road that runs along the coast by a row of palm trees, which provide excellent shade. Here, tables of bars, cafes and restaurants are set right on the sand, so any tourist can sit comfortably just after leaving the water.
Sanyawan resort area
Sanya Parks
- Taoist Park "Heavenly Grottoes"- the oldest attraction of the island, consisting of six extensive zones. It was from here that Taoism began to spread throughout Southern China, so that several relics such as the Heavenly Altar and the Heavenly Imprint can be seen here. The southern mountain of the park is almost completely covered with greenery; dracaenas grow here, which the Chinese call “longevity pines” - this is one of the rarest centenarians in the world; the age of such a tree can be about 10 thousand years. Judging by the reports of some researchers, dracaenas remember dinosaurs!
- On the same South Mountain, called by some the Mountain of the Divine Turtle, there is a wall of writings that tell the story of the god of writing, Kuixing, who is often depicted standing on a huge sea turtle. Adherents of Taoism believe that God especially honors those who are famous for their talent in the written word. The statue of God, located there, is simply overwhelming in its size.
- Dragon king statue, which owns the South China Sea, can be seen in the park's temple of the same name. The domineering dragon king is believed to bring good luck and a stable income if revered properly. The day when the majestic dragon raises its head falls on the second of February, and then celebrations are held in the temple, stunning in its splendor, and numerous prayers are offered to the sea and the king.
- Romantically beautiful Park "Edge of the World" located to the west of the city, its name is most accurately translated from Chinese as “the last point of sea and sky.” The park is especially popular among lovers, since the story of the Chinese Romeo and Juliet is connected with this place: if you walk along the coastline, you can see two boulders with the inscriptions “Tianya” and “Haijao”. These young people turned to stone after their families forbade them to continue their relationship. Boulders are considered by the Chinese to be symbols of faithful and eternal love; wedding ceremonies are often held here. There are a great variety of similar stones with inscriptions in the park, especially “Broken Heart” and “Wealth”, the legends of which can be learned from guides working throughout the territory.
- Bethel Nat Ethnic Park, which was dedicated to the local small peoples of Li and Miao, is located several tens of kilometers from Sanya. Here you can look at the betel nut, which for the aborigines is something like a birch tree for the Russian people. The palm tree on which the nut grows is very similar to the coconut tree, but the fruits that grow on it are completely different. Locals start chewing betel from an early age; this tradition goes back to ancient times. The Chinese firmly believe that the nut helps improve brain function.
Museums of Sanya
- Sanya Natural History Museum is the only one in the south. Here you can see the remains of long-extinct animals such as dinosaurs. The museum also carefully preserves unique objects that can be used to recreate the image of our world as it was hundreds of millions of years ago. In total, the museum's exposition contains about two thousand exhibits, some of which are items of the national treasury.
- To the Pearl Museum It is worth a visit not only for those who would like to get acquainted with the culture of mining this amazing jewelry, but also for those who would like to purchase beads, rings or earrings for themselves. By visiting this exciting place, you will not only see unique pearls that were greatly valued by the emperors of China, but you will also visit a real, working pearl plantation.
- Nanshan Temple represents the largest Buddhist sanctuary built since the birth of modern times. It’s hard to imagine, but the temple complex occupies an area of 40 thousand square kilometers. Here you can appreciate the size of the famous Guanyin statue of the merciful bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, which towers over visitors by 108 meters, making it the fourth tallest statue in the world. Also on the territory you can see many copies of buildings of the Tang Dynasty, which ruled the country in the first century AD. In addition, the sculptural composition inside also deserves special attention: in the center of the vast hall of the temple there is a statue of Buddha, next to it there are two bodhisattvas, and around there are four Kings of Heaven, who carry constant watch, preserving the well-being of all living things.
Nanshan Temple
Traveling from Sanya: what to see in 1 day of stay
If you have a limited amount of time at your disposal, I recommend this option for walking around the city and its surroundings:
- The train station is the starting point of the route. Let's go to Nanshal Temple Express "Hainan - West".
- After seeing the sights of the temple, we return back to the city by the same train and go by bus to Park "Edge of the World".
- After wandering along the beach and bowing to the sacred boulders with inscriptions, we have lunch in a cafe located in the park.
- We travel by bus to Taoist Park: Numerous attractions, recreation areas and restaurants await us there. At this point the route ends, since few people have enough strength for the further journey.
Taoist Park
In Sanya with children: where to go
- It is unlikely that your children will be bored Butterfly Park, which is located in an incredibly narrow gorge, overgrown with a real forest. The gorge itself is completely covered with a net, under which a whole sea of butterflies of different colors and sizes flutters. By the way, among them there are specimens whose market value amounts to thousands of American dollars.
- If you like zoos, move with your children to Monkey Island- a real kingdom of these cheerful and scurrying animals. The monkey show starts on the island at approximately ten in the morning, so try not to miss it.
Monkey Island
Sights of Sanya - Video
Having arrived on Hainan Island, you want to take unforgettable photos, while in Sanya, we found a couple of beautiful places where you can capture your trip. Enjoy watching!
That's all! I hope I managed to interest you in the amazing city of Sanya, and you will visit it soon, and then share your own impressions. By the way, if any of our dear readers have already been to this delightful resort, then I invite you to correct any possible errors and inaccuracies that I might have made. Safe and enjoyable travels!