Sanya Travel Guide

Explore the best things to see, do, and eat in Sanya, China in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Sanya

Located in Hainan Island, Sanya is known as the “Hawaii of China” for the sunshine, coastline, and resorts. It is the southernmost city of China, with a population of 600,000 people. The city is well-known for its beaches, tropical weather, and cultural heritage. If you’re looking for a destination that offers a combination of relaxation and excitement, Sanya is the perfect place to visit.

List of Places to Visit in Sanya

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Nanshan Temple: A Buddhist temple located on the southern coast of Sanya with the Guan Yin statue
  • Sanya City Museum: Store and display the rich historical and cultural heritage of Sanya
  • Luhuitou Park: A park on a hilltop that offers an excellent view of Sanya and is surrounded by a legend

Natural Attractions of Sanya: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone: A national park with lush greenery and various species of wildlife
  • Yalong Bay: A beautiful crescent beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and water activities like parasailing and jet-skiing
  • Dadonghai: An ideal place for snorkeling, diving with underwater volcanoes, stunning coral reefs, and colorful tropical fish

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sanya

  • Nanshan Mountain: A 25km round-loop for bikers and hikers which takes you through scenic spots like the Nanhai Guan-Im statue and a 108-meter-tall statue of Buddha
  • Hainan Coastal Cycling Route: A 123km round-loop that encircles the southern and western coastline of Sanya, with scenic beaches and villages.

Best Things to Do in Sanya: Activities and Tours

  • Visit a local market to taste the tropical fruits and local snacks like coconut pudding, dried seafood, and sugar cane juice
  • Admire the beauty of palms and the different species of birds, and butterflies at the Butterfly Valley
  • Experience local culture and traditions at the Li and Miao Nationality Park

Week-Long Itinerary for Sanya

Day 1-2 Relax at Yalong Bay, and try some water activities
Day 3 Visit a local market, Luhuitou Park, and Sanya City Museum
Day 4 Biking on the Hainan Coastal Cycling Route
Day 5 Explore the Yanoda Rainforest National Park
Day 6 Visit Nanshan Temple, $2-billion with valuable Buddhist relics
Day 7 Experience traditional Chinese medicine and Health Culture at Wuzhizhou Island

Food and Drink Scene of Sanya

Sanya cuisine is popular with its seafood and Hainan chicken rice, and it is also influenced by the neighboring Cantonese and Southeast Asian cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hainan chicken rice (海南鸡饭): A dish made of fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth with tender, flavorful Hainan-style chicken.
  • Seafood (海鲜): Due to its location on the coast, Sanya has a wealth of seafood like clams, shrimps, and lobsters.
  • Dongshan Lamb (东山羊肉): Boiled with spices, served with soup, onions, and noodles, a local dish in Sanya.

Local Beverages

  • Coconut water (椰子汁)
  • Sugarcane juice (甘蔗汁)

Where to Stay in Sanya: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Luxury hotels: Hyatt Regency, Atlantis Sanya, Ritz Carlton, and InterContinental Sanya Resort
  • Mid-range hotels: Courtyard by Marriott Sanya, Crowne Plaza Sanya City Center, Joya International Hotel, and Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort & Spa
  • Budget hotels: Merlin Inn, Mountain View International Youth Hostel, Youth Island Traveler’s Hostel, and Binyue Theme Resort Hostel

What to Buy in Sanya: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Hainan Coffee
  • Wenchang Chicken (文昌鸡)
  • Hainan Pineapple

Local Culture and Customs of Sanya

Sanya is influenced by Buddhist culture, and it’s famous for the Guan Yin figure in Nanshan Temple. The city is also home to the Li and Miao minorities with their unique traditional crafts, folk song and dance performances, and a booming tourism industry.

Best Time to Visit Sanya

The best time to visit Sanya is from October to April, when the weather is mild and pleasant, with an average temperature between 20°C and 29°C (68°F to 84°F). Summer is the busiest time, and the weather can be hot and humid.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sanya

Do:

  • Stand-up paddleboarding
  • Go to a traditional Chinese medicine hospital
  • Visit the famous Guan Yin statue at Nanshan Temple.

Don’t:

  • Wear shorts or inappropriate clothing while visiting temples, religious sites, or attending a wedding or event.
  • Smoke in non-designated areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sanya

Sanya is one of the safest cities in China, and crime is low compared to other cities. Still, it is recommended to be cautious and avoid walking alone at night or small lanes in unfamiliar areas.

Health in Sanya

Sanya is a relatively safe city for health, but it’s important to be cautious about food safety, especially regarding the seafood, and avoid drinking tap water unless it is boiled first. Sunscreen is a must-have when visiting Sanya, as the UV rays here are strong.

Getting to Sanya: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sanya

  • Sanya Phoenix International Airport
  • Haikou Meilan International Airport

Bus Stations Near Sanya

  • Sanya Bus Station
  • Yalong Bay Bus Station

Other Options

  • High-speed trains from Haikou
  • Ferries from Haikou or Guangzhou
  • Taxis

How to Get Around in Sanya

  • Bus: The city bus is cheap, and it stops at most tourist spots and downtown areas.
  • Taxi: Taxi is the most convenient, and they run 24 hours a day. A flag-down rate is ¥8 (US$1.2).
  • Bike Rental: Bike rental is a popular option for visiting beaches, but it’s suggested to rent from reputable vendors and wear a helmet.

Where to Go Next from Sanya: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Haikou: The capital of Hainan, seen as the commercial hub of Hainan island, and famous for the Qilou Old Street.
  • Wuzhishan: A city famous for its gorgeous scenery and Jinjiling Park.
  • Bo’ao: One of the most popular destinations in Hainan, Boao is famous for its natural beauty, clean environment, sunshine, and its annual Boao Forum for Asia.

Conclusion

With its diverse geography and culture, Sanya is a destination worth visiting for travelers in search of adventure or relaxation. With this comprehensive travel guide, you now have all the information you need to plan your next trip to Sanya, China.

Downtown Sanya Downtown Sanya Dadonghai beach Dadonghai beach The glass bridge at Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park. The glass bridge at Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park.