Sanya Travel Guide: Your Complete Guide to China's Tropical Paradise

Introduction to Sanya

Today I'd like to share my thoughts on Sanya, a city in Hainan.

Sanya is a wonderful place, especially in winter, when it’s incredibly comfortable. Located at the southernmost point of China’s mainland, Sanya enjoys a unique position (excluding the city of Sansha).

Impressive Sea and Scenic Beauty

What impressed me most about Sanya was its sea. It was bluer than any other sea I’d ever seen in the north. The deep, clear blue of the water seemed to wash away any worries. Sunlight reflected off the sea, making it sparkle like countless diamonds.

I always felt that the sea in Sanya was bluer than the one in Qingdao. At first, I couldn’t understand why. But later, I learned that Sanya is located in the tropics, which results in higher water transparency. The direct sunlight enhances the water’s blue hue. In contrast, the northern seas are more affected by monsoons, ocean currents, and suspended particles, making them appear murkier.

My First Trip to Sanya (2014)

I’ve been to Sanya twice. My first visit was in the summer of 2014. It was the first time I realized just how beautiful Sanya is. Although it’s very close to Haikou, the capital of Hainan, the two cities felt like completely different worlds. Haikou had a lower temperature compared to the warmth of Sanya.

On this trip, four of my friends and I drove down from Zhejiang along the coastline. We boarded a ship at Xuwen Port in Zhanjiang, heading to Sanya. We arrived at night, and the sea breeze was delightful.

One of the first places we visited was Tianya Haijiao (End of the Earth). I remember feeling sticky and wet after leaving, due to the salty seawater and the intense summer heat—a feeling I will never forget. We also went to Nanshan Temple to see the Guanyin statue of the South Sea, but it was already closed when we arrived, so we could only look at it from afar. Afterwards, we visited Yalong Bay, which was beautiful. However, because it was so hot, we didn’t stay long in Sanya and left after three days.

My Second Trip to Sanya (Exploring the Island)

My second trip to Sanya was a road trip with another friend. We first took a high-speed train to Zhanjiang, then a ferry to Haikou, and finally rented a car. This time, we drove around the entire island of Hainan, with Sanya as our main destination.

During this trip, I had the chance to ride in a helicopter. The flight lasted less than a minute, but the experience of being in a helicopter was unforgettable. Now that I have a drone, I can create similar visual experiences, but nothing beats the thrill of flying in a helicopter myself.

We also took the Sanya Island Ring Railway. Since Sanya is an island, taking the island ring railway is a must-do. Even if you don’t ride the whole way, just experiencing part of it is worthwhile.

Additionally, We watched the indoor performance "Sanya Eternal Love."

Besides, the hotel where we stayed had a very peculiar appearance, resembling a leaf

Local Life and Population

I also stayed in a hotel with a unique shape that resembled a leaf. Besides the locals, Sanya is home to the largest population of people from Northeast China. Many people from this region migrate south during the cold winters, seeking the warm sunshine and humid sea breeze in Sanya.

This migration is closely related to both climate and lifestyle. Northeast China is known for its long, harsh winters, while Sanya offers a natural refuge with its year-round warmth. Many people from Northeast China choose to settle in Sanya for extended periods or even permanently.

Northeasterners often form close-knit communities. They open restaurants, supermarkets, and even create chat groups using their local dialects. This sense of belonging has encouraged more elderly Northeasterners to stay in Sanya. I noticed this firsthand when I stayed at a hotel owned by a businessman from Northeast China, and a Northeast Chinese restaurant was right next door.

Sanya's Tourism and Travel Tips

Overall, my two trips to Sanya left me with a very positive impression. However, there are a few things to note. Summer in Sanya can be incredibly hot, and typhoons are a common concern. Aside from the summer months, Sanya is an excellent destination for both tourism and long-term stays. So, if you’re planning to visit, try to avoid summer and consider traveling in winter instead.

My relatives also love Sanya, and their family has visited multiple times for vacation.

Avoid Peak Travel Times

One important note: absolutely avoid traveling to Sanya during China’s peak holiday periods, especially during the Spring Festival Golden Week. During these times, the area is overcrowded with tourists. Hotel prices skyrocket, scenic spots become overcrowded, and traffic is severely congested, which can ruin your travel experience.

Hainan is an island with no bridge connecting it to the mainland, so all transportation (including goods and people) relies on ferries that cross the Qiongzhou Strait. This makes transportation inefficient, especially during peak seasons. Airfares to and from the island can be three to four times higher during major holidays, and in some cases, prices can rise up to seven or eight times the regular cost. Therefore, it’s best to avoid visiting during major holidays.

Avoid Scams and Health Traps

Additionally, be aware of low-priced tour packages and wellness scams targeting seniors. These tours often promise free accommodation and health benefits, but in reality, they force participants to buy products or visit stores. Be cautious and avoid these scams. If you’re unsure about any offers, you can purchase our in-depth PDF guide, which explains the details and helps you avoid these traps.

Conclusion

In summary, Sanya is a fantastic city to visit in any season except summer. I hope everyone has a wonderful time in Sanya!