sanya

Best Things to Do in Sanya 

Sanya, on the southern tip of Hainan Island, is China’s premier tropical destination—offering year-round sunshine, palm-fringed beaches, turquoise seas, and a laid-back resort atmosphere. From relaxing on soft sands to exploring rainforests and temples, it’s the perfect winter escape for travelers from Russia and Central Asia seeking warmth, sea, and serenity.


🌊 Top Beach Holiday Spots

1. Sanya Bay (三亚湾)

  • 📍 Location: Close to downtown

  • 🌴 Highlights:

    • 22 km-long Coconut Dream Corridor

    • Famous sunsets & seafront promenades

    • Local seafood eateries and budget hotels

  • Recommended for: Budget travelers, sunset strolls

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


2. Dadonghai Bay (大东海)

  • 📍 Location: East of city center

  • 🌴 Highlights:

    • Water sports, beach bars, and nightlife

    • Popular with young travelers and locals

    • Cafés and supermarkets nearby

  • Recommended for: First-time visitors, families

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


3. Yalong Bay (亚龙湾)

  • 📍 Location: 25 km southeast of downtown

  • 🌴 Highlights:

    • White sand and clear turquoise water

    • Upscale hotels & beach clubs

    • Yalong Bay Central Square shopping & dining

  • Recommended for: Luxury seekers, families

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


4. Houhai Village (后海村)

  • 📍 Location: Near Haitang Bay

  • 🌴 Highlights:

    • Best surfing beach in winter (Nov–Mar)

    • Chill backpacker vibe, hostels, cafés, live music

  • Recommended for: Surfers, young adventurers

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆


🎭 Cultural & Historic Attractions

5. Tianya Haijiao (天涯海角) – “End of the Earth”

  • 📍 Location: 24 km west of city

  • Highlights:

    • Iconic coastal rock formations

    • Romantic symbolism and walking trails

  • Recommended for: Couples, photo lovers

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


6. Nanshan Buddhist Cultural Park (南山文化旅游区)

  • 📍 Location: 45 km southwest of Sanya

  • Highlights:

    • Giant 108-meter Guanyin statue by the sea

    • Peaceful temples, tropical gardens, vegetarian food

  • Recommended for: Spiritual travelers, day-trips

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


7. Sanya Romance Park (三亚千古情)

  • 📍 Location: City center

  • Highlights:

    • World-class live show on Hainan’s history and culture

    • Cultural street, restaurants, and ethnic zones

  • 🕺 Tip: Best visited in the evening when temperatures are mild

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆


8. Binglanggu Li & Miao Cultural Park (槟榔谷)

  • 📍 Location: Halfway between Sanya and Wuzhishan

  • Highlights:

    • Traditional stilt houses and tattoo culture

    • Li & Miao ethnic performances, weaving and crafts

  • Recommended for: Culture buffs, family trips

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


🌿 Nature & Outdoor Adventure

9. Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone (呀诺达热带雨林)

  • 📍 Location: 30–40 min drive north of Sanya

  • 🌳 Highlights:

    • Waterfalls, canopy bridges, and rainforest hikes

    • Fun for both kids and adults

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


10. Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park (亚龙湾热带天堂森林公园)

  • 📍 Location: Above Yalong Bay

  • 🌳 Highlights:

    • Breathtaking sea views and rainforest trails

    • Glass skywalk, ziplining, and photo ops

  • 🎬 Famous scene from: If You Are the One 2

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


11. Wuzhizhou Island (蜈支洲岛)

  • 📍 Location: Haitang Bay ferry terminal

  • 🌊 Highlights:

    • Scuba diving, snorkeling, underwater photography

    • Lover’s Bridge, Sunrise Rock

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆


👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Attractions

12. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

  • 📍 Location: Atlantis Resort, Haitang Bay

  • 🐠 Highlights:

    • Indoor and outdoor water rides, dolphin shows, and aquarium

    • Perfect for family fun and rainy days

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


13. Phoenix Hill Park (凤凰岭公园)

  • 📍 Location: Overlooking Sanya Bay

  • 🏞️ Highlights:

    • Scenic cable car ride to the summit

    • 360° panoramic view of city and sea

    • Excellent for sunset or night city views

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


Seasonal Travel Tips: October to March

CategoryDetails
☀️ Weather22–28°C, dry & sunny – ideal for beach time
🌊 Sea Temp23–25°C – perfect for swimming & diving
🈶 LanguagesRussian menus available in tourist zones
💳 PaymentAlipay/WeChat Pay common; Visa at major hotels/shops
🎉 Peak TravelRussian New Year (Dec 30–Jan 8), Chinese New Year
🧳 Who It’s ForCouples, solo travelers, families seeking a warm escape

🌟 Final Word

Sanya in winter is a paradise of blue skies, warm seas, and golden beaches. Whether you’re looking for luxury relaxation in Yalong Bay, authentic ethnic culture at Binglanggu, or a rainforest trek in Yanoda, this tropical city has something for every traveler.

👉 Tip for Russian & Central Asian Travelers: Many resorts offer Russian-speaking staff, menus, and children’s clubs—making your stay even more relaxing.

Plan your perfect beach holiday today—Sanya awaits!