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
Category | Details |
---|---|
☀️ Weather | 22–28°C, dry & sunny – ideal for beach time |
🌊 Sea Temp | 23–25°C – perfect for swimming & diving |
🈶 Languages | Russian menus available in tourist zones |
💳 Payment | Alipay/WeChat Pay common; Visa at major hotels/shops |
🎉 Peak Travel | Russian New Year (Dec 30–Jan 8), Chinese New Year |
🧳 Who It’s For | Couples, 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!