7 Jun 2024
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Sanya, the top tourist destination on mainland China's Hainan Island, is famous for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking seascapes, delectable seafood and local cuisine. With a pleasant climate year-round, Sanya promises a perfect vacation to experience no matter when you visit. HK Express has handpicked the 5 best places to visit in Sanya to inspire and help you plan your journey!
Looking for a tranquil island paradise in Sanya? West Island is your perfect choice! Nestled in the heart of Sanya Bay, West Island's clear waters are a haven for sea turtles. Dive in to marvel at these majestic creatures, alongside vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish—a must-visit for diving enthusiasts! Beyond diving, West Island offers a range of water and rainforest adventure activities. It also features the breathtaking "Glass Sea" scenery like Wuzhizhou Island, making it a trending spot for social media check-ins!
Transportation: Take a speedboat or cruise from downtown Sanya to West Island, a journey of about 30 minutes.
No trip to Sanya is complete without capturing stunning photos! Daxiao Dongtian, located in the Yazhou District of southern Hainan Island, is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The most famous photo spots include the "Sky Gate," "Heavenly Ladder," and "Seaside Lighthouse." The scenery is enchanting at any time of the day, offering countless photo ops that showcase the magnificent sea and sky views. Don't miss this breathtaking landscape!
Address: Daxiao Dongtian Scenic Area, Chengnanshan, Yazhou District, Sanya City (If driving, it takes about 1 hour from downtown. There is a parking lot at the entrance of the scenic area.)
Opening Hours: 07:30 - 18:30 (latest entry time)
Admission: Free entry, with some photo spots requiring a fee depending on the time.
Sanya boasts several famous night markets, but the most popular one is undoubtedly the "Linwang Night Market." This market offers an array of delicious foods, including stir-fried coconut milk qing bu liang, beef offal hot pot, hot spring drunken goose, and coconut chicken, all voted as must-try Sanya delicacies. The prices are very affordable. If you’re staying in Haitang Bay, it's just a 15-minute drive away with free parking available, making it very convenient for those driving!
Address: Intersection of Linwang Avenue and Linwang First Alley
Operating Hours: 17:30 - 00:30
Nanshan Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples in China, is also a top attraction in Sanya. Its intricately carved architectural details, perfectly blending Han Chinese and Theravada Buddhism, reflect a deep cultural atmosphere. The magnificent 108-meter "Nanshan Guanyin of the South Sea" statue is awe-inspiring. Inside the temple, visitors can participate in activities such as worship, drawing divination sticks, and copying sutras, with the monks' chanting bringing instant inner peace. You can also take the sightseeing car to fully explore every corner of Nanshan Temple, allowing yourself time to feel the tranquillity and experience the breathtaking sea and sky views that Nanshan Temple has to offer.
Address: Within Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, Yazhou District, Sanya City
Opening Hours: 08:00 - 17:00 (hours may vary on special holidays)
Admission: Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone ticket—RMB 129 per person
(Tickets to Nanshan Temple are not sold separately; admission is included in the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone ticket)
Tips: To respect the temple's culture, please wear appropriate attire when visiting Nanshan Temple, such as sleeved tops, trousers, mid-calf dresses or capri pants. Otherwise, you may be denied entry. Remember to plan your trip and allow sufficient time for your visit.
Your visit to Sanya won't be complete without enjoying sun and beach activities! Houhai Village is your best choice for outdoor fun. Free from high-rise buildings, Houhai Village offers clear blue waters, golden sands, and lush tropical vegetation, making it Sanya's paradise. Visitors of all ages can enjoy swimming, diving, and admiring the beautiful coral reefs and various marine life. For those who prefer quieter activities, take a leisurely walk along the beach, feel the sea breeze, and experience the charm of the fishing village culture. Nearby, you'll find many restaurants offering flavourful Chaoshan cuisine and seafood, highly recommended for a delightful dining experience!
Address: Houhai Village, Haitang District, Sanya City
Opening Hours: All day
Sanya is a charming travel destination featuring stunning attractions and unique Hainan cuisine full of surprises. Plan your trip to Sanya now and get ready for an unforgettable journey!