Sanya is known as ‘China’s Hawaii‘ and is located on the southern tip of Hainan Island. It is the country’s premier beach destination and, while beautiful, overdevelopment and overcrowding during holidays has taken its toll.
Sanya straddles long stretches of beach and is a great escape for Chinese tourist during the harsh northern winters. It’s all about the beach here, with year-round swimming, along with water sports like snorkeling and jet-skiing. There are myriad hotels and restaurants in Sanya and the nightlife is lively.
The problem with Sanya is its popularity. Avoiding the main holidays is a must, particularly Chinese New Year and the weeks leading up to it. Pollution is a problem although the beaches remain beautiful. There is some good souvenir shopping in Sanya with pearls being a good buy.
Getting There & Away
Sanya Airport is the best way in. It receives flights from Guangzhou in about an hour, as well as from Hong Kong. The G223 highway, direct from Haikou, is the fastest way in from the capital, with buses taking 3 hours, 30 minutes. Trains also run to Sanya from Haikou and come in direct from Beijing (35 hours) and Shanghai (36 hours) via ferry.
Things to Do
Sanya Attractions
- Sanya Beach
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Sanya bay is the highlight, where the waters can be enjoyed year-round - activities include sunbathing, snorkeling, and jet-skiing.
Side trips from Sanya
- Nanwan Monkey Island
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This nearby peninsular features almost 2,000 endangered macaques.
- Perfume Bay (Xiangshui Wan)
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A couple of hours by bus from sanya, the beaches here are more laidback and less polluted than at sanya
Events
- Sanya-Haijiao International Wedding Festival
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An annual event in november where couples from all over celebrate their marriage at the ‘end of the earth’.