Sanya 三亚
About Sanya 三亚
Highlights
- ✓ Relax on Yalong Bay — the most beautiful beach in China
- ✓ Snorkel in the clear waters of the Wanning reefs
- ✓ Visit the Atlantis Sanya resort and its aquarium
- ✓ Explore the Dong ethnic village at Wuzhi Mountain
- ✓ Taste Hainan chicken rice — China's most famous dish
- ✓ Sunset cruise along the coastline
- ✓ Visit the Nanshan Buddhist Temple
Trip Essentials
Photo Gallery
Tropical beach in Sanya, Hainan Island, China
Local cuisine
Local people
Adventure
Sanya 三亚 Itinerary
Suggested Travel Plan
Suggested Itinerary
Yalong Bay Beach
The 7km white-sand beach. Water sports: snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing.
Beach Lunch
Fresh seafood and tropical fruits at a beachside restaurant.
Resort Afternoon
Swim, sunbathe, or try the water sports. Or simply relax at the pool.
Sunset at Dadonghai
The best sunset spot in Sanya. Bring a camera.
Dinner in the Old Town
Try Hainan specialties: coconut chicken, Hainan chicken rice, and fresh tropical fruit.
Location
Practical Information
✈️ Getting There
Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) is 15km from the city center. Direct flights from Beijing (3h), Shanghai (2.5h), Guangzhou (1.5h), and Chengdu (2h). The city is well-connected by high-speed rail to Haikou (2.5h) via the Hainan Island railway.
🏨 Where to Stay
Yalong Bay: luxury resorts ($150-500/night). Dadonghai: mid-range and budget ($50-150/night). Haitang Bay: new luxury development ($200-800/night). The Yalong Bay area is the best for first-time visitors — the beaches are the most beautiful and the resort infrastructure is world-class.
💡 Travel Tips
Sanya is best visited November to April (dry, sunny). May to October is the wet season with occasional typhoons. Book your resort in advance for the high season (Chinese New Year, May Day, National Day). The water is warm year-round — bring sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear. Hainan chicken rice is a must-try — the best version is at the local spots, not the restaurants.
Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) is 15km from the city center. Direct flights from Beijing (3h), Shanghai (2.5h), Guangzhou (1.5h), and Chengdu (2h). The city is well-connected by high-speed rail to Haikou (2.5h) via the Hainan Island railway.
Yalong Bay: luxury resorts ($150-500/night). Dadonghai: mid-range and budget ($50-150/night). Haitang Bay: new luxury development ($200-800/night). The Yalong Bay area is the best for first-time visitors — the beaches are the most beautiful and the resort infrastructure is world-class.
Sanya is best visited November to April (dry, sunny). May to October is the wet season with occasional typhoons. Book your resort in advance for the high season (Chinese New Year, May Day, National Day). The water is warm year-round — bring sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear. Hainan chicken rice is a must-try — the best version is at the local spots, not the restaurants.
Travel Tips
Sanya is pricier than mainland beaches
Being an island and a premium resort destination, Sanya is 30-50% more expensive than mainland Chinese beaches. However, the water quality and beach infrastructure are worth the premium.
Hainan chicken rice is a national treasure
The dish — poached chicken served over fragrant coconut rice with ginger and scallion sauce — originated in Hainan. The best version is at the local spots near the Old Town, not the resort restaurants.
Typhoon season (July - October)
Sanya is in the typhoon belt. Check the weather forecast before your trip. Most resorts offer free cancellation or rescheduling if a typhoon hits. The water can be rough during this period — avoid swimming if there are red flags.
Pack for Four Seasons in One Day
China's climate varies dramatically by region. In the north, winters can be -20°C; in the south, it's 30°C year-round. Pack layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for any trip.
High-Speed Trains Are a Game Changer
China's high-speed rail network covers most major cities. A Beijing-Shanghai trip that used to take 12 hours by plane now takes 4.5 hours by train — and the experience is far more comfortable. Book tickets on the 12306.cn website or app.
Cash Is Still King in Small Towns
While major cities are increasingly cashless (WeChat Pay and Alipay), many smaller towns and rural areas still rely on cash. Always carry RMB bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100) for small purchases and street food.
Sanya is pricier than mainland beaches
Being an island and a premium resort destination, Sanya is 30-50% more expensive than mainland Chinese beaches. However, the water quality and beach infrastructure are worth the premium.
Hainan chicken rice is a national treasure
The dish — poached chicken served over fragrant coconut rice with ginger and scallion sauce — originated in Hainan. The best version is at the local spots near the Old Town, not the resort restaurants.
Typhoon season (July - October)
Sanya is in the typhoon belt. Check the weather forecast before your trip. Most resorts offer free cancellation or rescheduling if a typhoon hits. The water can be rough during this period — avoid swimming if there are red flags.
Pack for Four Seasons in One Day
China's climate varies dramatically by region. In the north, winters can be -20°C; in the south, it's 30°C year-round. Pack layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for any trip.
High-Speed Trains Are a Game Changer
China's high-speed rail network covers most major cities. A Beijing-Shanghai trip that used to take 12 hours by plane now takes 4.5 hours by train — and the experience is far more comfortable. Book tickets on the 12306.cn website or app.
Cash Is Still King in Small Towns
While major cities are increasingly cashless (WeChat Pay and Alipay), many smaller towns and rural areas still rely on cash. Always carry RMB bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100) for small purchases and street food.