There was a time in China’s feudal history in which criminals were banished to Hainan Island. The exiles were unhappy indeed – surrounded by nothing but coconut trees, white sand beaches, mountains and water. All they wanted was to get home. Today, all anyone wants is to visit the place - because Hainan still offers a world of natural beauty that many visitors to the Middle Kingdom never get to see.
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Water play might be the number one distraction in Sanya – but it’s far from the only one.
Things to Do
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Dive in Dadonghai
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The picturesque area along Dadong Sea is known as China’s Golden Coast and is the place to start your water adventures. Snorkel, dive, join a game of beach volleyball, or just walk along the white-sand beach. Our concierge can recommend qualified PADI-certified SCUBA shops.
Location - 5 Minute drive/1.5km
Get Hot and Steamy
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Nantian Hot Spring is ideal for those looking for a geothermal cure for their aches and pains. The natural springs are rich in minerals and trace elements and the water can range in temperature from 45˚–90˚C. Prices vary by season.
Location - 40 Minute drive/45km
Ride a Raft
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It’s worth getting up early to get to Wuzhi Mountain. The beautiful Wanquan River valley begins here and adventurous visitors can find ideal rafting conditions all year long. Best of all, you get to ride a bamboo raft down the mountain. Ask our concierge to make arrangement
Location - 2.5 Hours drive/90km
Explore a Cave
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Get to the dark heart of Hainan by exploring one of the island’s many caves. Luobi Cave in Lizhigou Town reaches to a height of nearly 22m while the two cave sites near Nanshan’s Cultural Tourism Zone, about 20km west of Sanya City, are perfect for exploring and boast numerous Tang Dynasty relics.
Location - 30 Minute drive/25km
Visit a Tropical Forest
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For a contemplative alternative to the charms of seaside fun, plan a trip to Ganshiling Tropical Forest, where exotic plants, wildlife and native trees are in abundance. This is also a preserve for endangered flora and fauna.
Location - 1 Hour drive/50km
Things to See
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The End of the Earth
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Translated literally, Tian Ya Ha Jiao means “the end of the sky and the corner of the sea.” Besides taking in the magnificent sea-and-sky panorama, be sure to look for the stone carvings and follow the winding paths up the mountains for even more spectacular views.
Location - 30 Minute drive/35km
Jianfeng Peak Natural Reserve
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The region around Jianfeng Peak contains the largest tropical rainforest in China. Bird-watchers, nature lovers and those with an interest in traditional Chinese medicines will find this a fascinating expedition.
Location - 1hr 40 Minute drive/130km
Yalong Bay National Resort District
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The perfect place to set out on an island adventure, Yalong Bay not only has a beautiful crescent-shaped beach, but also is home to numerous islets and reefs that are just waiting to be explored. Swim, play golf or tennis, hire a boat, climb the impressive cliffs.
Location - 30 Minute drive/30km
The Goddess of Mercy Statue
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The Nanshan Buddhism and Cultural Centre has everything from cultural exhibits and Buddhism instruction to beautiful sea views. Still, everyone comes to admire Guanyin,. the impressive 108-metre-high statue that is the world’s tallest Goddess of Mercy.
Location - 45 Minute drive/50km
Tong Zha Folk Village
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For those looking to learn about the heritage of Hainan’s minority peoples, especially those from the Li and Miao nationalities, this is a good place to start. Bamboo buildings, log houses, arts, crafts, costumes, local snacks, and even traditional performances can all be found here.
Location - 1.5 Hours drive/100k
Where to Shop
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Bu Xing Street Mall
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This bustling street in the heart of Sanya has a variety of souvenir shops and restaurants as well as the city’s main bus terminal. Keep an eye out for interesting locally made keepsakes, fun fashion boutiques and the electronic products bazaar.
Location - 20 Minute drive/17km
Heren Pearl
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Sanya’s best-known pearl factory is more reliable than the street markets and beach hawkers. Here you can learn about how pearls are created, then browse through a vast selection of freshwater and seawater pearls. Be sure to barter.
Location - 30 Minute drive/30km
Summer Mall
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Summer Mall is most famous for its fun boutiques and its souvenir supermarket, where one can purchase all kinds of interesting local products including Hainan-grown coffee, tea and pepper. Look for local varieties at extremely affordable prices.
Location -5 Minute drive/2km
Ming Zhu Pearl Plaza
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Ming Zhu was the first mall to bring the one-stop-shopping concept to Sanya, so not surprisingly, one can find an amazing variety of goods here, from souvenirs and local fashions to electronic products and more.
Location - 20 Minute drive/7km
Where to Dine
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Haiya Seafood Restaurant
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Located on Binhai Road, this a good choice for anyone interested in trying classic Hainan cuisine, including Wenchang chicken, Hele Crab, Jiaji duck, and delicious Dongshan Lamb.
Location - 15 Minute drive/6km
Ba Guo Bu Yi
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Make reservations if you want to experience one of Sanya’s best restaurants, named for its sister eatery in Shanghai. With a fiery menu including mapo tofu, chicken smothered in chilis and Sichuan noodles this is a hot spot indeed. Diners will be treated to live opera performances each night.
Location - 15 Minute drive/10km
12 Yuhai Road, Sanya City 572000, Hainan, PRC China
T: +86 (898) 8820 9999
Local Time: 00:00