Sanya, perched on Hainan’s southern coast, has long been called “China’s Hawaii.” Expect calm, swimmable bays, tropical mountains rolling to the sea, and a food scene built on coconuts, seafood, and island comfort. The city’s neighborhoods—Sanya Bay, Dadonghai, Yalong Bay, and Haitang Bay—each offer a distinct beach vibe and easy day trips.

History meets leisure along the coast. Visit Luhuitou Park, a hilltop lookout tied to a Li ethnic love legend, then step into modern spectacle at the enormous Haitang Bay duty‑free complex. Classic sites like Nanshan Temple and Tianya Haijiao set the mood for slow mornings and sunset strolls.

Practical notes: Dry, balmy weather peaks in winter; summer is humid with occasional typhoons—check forecasts. Duty‑free rules are generous (currently up to RMB 100,000 per person per year for travelers departing Hainan), and pickups are typically at the airport or appointed counters. For flights and high‑speed trains within Hainan, search on Trip.com (flights), Trip.com (trains), or Kiwi.com.

Sanya

Welcome to China’s premier beach city. Base yourself near Dadonghai or Sanya Bay for lively promenades and night markets, or in Haitang Bay for serene resorts and the famous duty‑free city. Yalong Bay combines postcard‑blue water with a lush tropical forest park and easy beach access.

Can’t‑miss highlights include Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park (skywalks and sweeping views), Wuzhizhou Island (clear water and snorkeling), Nanshan Temple (a 108‑meter Guanyin statue gazing to sea), and Tianya Haijiao (“Edge of the Sky, Rim of the Sea”), a classic photo stop.

• Where to stay (mid‑budget friendly): In Dadonghai, look at The Shanhaitian Resort Sanya (Autograph Collection) for modern rooms near the sand; Crowne Plaza Sanya City Center for value and city access; in Sanya Bay, Holiday Inn Resort Sanya Bay for sunsets and a long promenade; in Haitang Bay, Renaissance Sanya or InterContinental Sanya Haitang Bay for resort amenities near duty‑free. Browse options on Hotels.com or compare vacation homes on VRBO.
• Local eats to target: Hainan noodles (海南粉) for breakfast; coconut chicken hot pot (椰子鸡); Wenchang chicken, Jiaji duck, Hele crab; fresh‑catch stir‑fries at Chunyuan Seafood Plaza; and the chilled dessert qingbuliang (清补凉), brimming with coconut milk, beans, and fruit.
• Cafés and snacks: Find beachfront espresso at Starbucks (multiple bays), boutique roasts at Manner Coffee in city malls, and fruit‑heavy smoothies near Dadonghai. At Haitang Bay’s duty‑free complex, expect specialty coffee kiosks and dessert stands perfect for a mid‑shop break.
• Getting in and around: Fly to Sanya Phoenix (SYX) from major Chinese hubs (about 3–4 hours from Beijing/Shanghai, often $120–220 one‑way off‑peak) via Kiwi.com or Trip.com. The Hainan East Ring high‑speed rail links Haikou–Sanya in about 1.5–2 hours; check schedules on Trip.com (trains). Within the city, use taxis/Didi; most bay‑to‑bay rides run ¥30–120 depending on distance.

Day 1: Arrival, Sanya Bay Sunset, and Seafood Start

Morning: Fly into Sanya Phoenix (SYX). If arriving from another Chinese city, compare fares on Trip.com. Airport taxi to Dadonghai or Sanya Bay is typically 25–40 minutes (¥40–80).

Afternoon: Check in and decompress with a walk along Sanya Bay’s Coconut Corridor—palms, wide sands, and kite surfers if there’s breeze. Grab a light bite: a bowl of Hainan noodles from a neighborhood shop (look for the classic toppings—braised pork, pickled veg, peanuts, and a splash of vinegar).

Evening: Dinner at Chunyuan Seafood Plaza (春园海鲜广场): pick your live seafood and have it cooked to order. Expect ~¥50–80 per 500g for common shellfish and market prices for pricier fish; confirm weight and cooking fee upfront. Cap the night with qingbuliang—a chilled coconut dessert—at a busy dessert stall near First Market.

Day 2: Dadonghai Swim, Luhuitou Views, Coconut Chicken

Morning: Beach time at Dadonghai, the most convenient swimmable bay. Rent a lounger (¥30–60) and, if seas are calm, try a stand‑up paddle board (¥60–100/hour). Coffee afterwards at a nearby café (look for local roaster kiosks or a beachfront Starbucks for AC and charging).

Afternoon: Ride 10–15 minutes to Luhuitou Park (ticket ~¥45). Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city’s three major bays and the deer statue tied to the Hainanese love legend. Snack on fresh coconut or mango slices at the base vendors.

Evening: Feast on coconut chicken hot pot (椰子鸡)—a delicate broth simmered with young coconut water and Hainan herbs. Many local spots serve it; look for clear broths and free‑refill coconut water. Side dishes: taro, bamboo fungus, and hand‑made shrimp paste. Night stroll along Dadonghai’s promenade for sea breeze.

Day 3: Yalong Bay Tropical Forest + Yalong Bay Beach Day

Morning: Head to Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park (30–40 minutes by taxi; ticket ~¥160–175). Walk canopy paths and the glass‑bottom skywalk for jungle‑to‑sea vistas made famous by a Chinese rom‑com. Wear breathable shoes; there’s moderate stair climbing.

Afternoon: Down at Yalong Bay Beach, the water is typically the clearest on the mainland side. Rent snorkel masks (basic sets ~¥40–60) or simply float and nap under an umbrella. Grab a casual lunch of Hainan chicken rice or stir‑fried noodles from a beachside canteen.

Evening: Dine in Yalong Bay’s resort area—look for seafood clay‑pots, stir‑fried morning glory with garlic, and coconut‑rice. For dessert, try baked coconut puddings sold warm; they’re mildly sweet and fragrant.

Day 4: Move to Haitang Bay + Wuzhizhou Island

Morning: Transfer to a hotel in Haitang Bay (45–60 minutes from Dadonghai; ¥80–120 by taxi). Drop bags and catch the shuttle or a short cab to the Wuzhizhou ferry terminal.

Afternoon: Wuzhizhou Island day trip: ferries run frequently (round‑trip + island access commonly ~¥150–200). Expect bright water, sandy coves, and optional add‑ons—snorkeling, SNUBA, or glass‑bottom boats. Food courts on the island serve simple rice bowls and fruit smoothies; bring reef‑safe sunscreen.

Evening: Back on the mainland, explore Haitang Bay’s Duty‑Free City for a first browse. Dinner ideas inside the complex include hot pot, Hainanese sets, and noodle bars; it’s convenient and air‑conditioned for a low‑effort evening.

Day 5: Duty‑Free Shopping + Nantian Hot Spring + Houhai

Morning: Deep dive into Haitang Bay Duty‑Free: beauty, fashion, sunglasses, and watches at competitive prices. Bring your passport and departure info; purchases are typically collected airside or at designated counters. Strategy: price‑check across counters, then consolidate to maximize promos.

Afternoon: Soak at Nantian Hot Spring (20–30 minutes from Haitang Bay; entry often ~¥168–198). Pools range from herbal infusions to coconut‑milk mixes, plus quiet relaxation zones—perfect for the “放松” vibe.

Evening: Head to Houhai Surfing Village for a casual seaside dinner—BBQ skewers, grilled fish with lime and chili, and beach cafés serving simple pastas and fresh juices. If the swell cooperates, ask about a beginner surf lesson next morning (typical group lesson ¥300–500).

Day 6: Nanshan Temple, Tianya Haijiao, and a Night Show

Morning: Taxi 45–60 minutes to Nanshan Temple (ticket ~¥118). Stroll the sea‑edge boardwalks, manicured gardens, and the towering Guanyin statue set on an offshore plinth—striking in morning light.

Afternoon: Continue 25 minutes to Tianya Haijiao (ticket ~¥70–80). Photograph the granite boulders carved with “天涯”“海角” and wander the coconut groves. Snack on fresh sugarcane juice or coconut rice cakes from licensed kiosks.

Evening: Return toward the city for the “Eternal Love of Sanya” (千古情) performance at Sanya Romance Park—an immersive, high‑production retelling of local history and legends (typical seats ~¥280–380). Post‑show, swing by Jiefang Road area for late‑night dumplings or fruit platters.

Day 7: Easy Morning, Last Bites, Departure

Morning: One last beach walk—Sanya Bay is closest to the airport and great for a mellow swim if seas are calm. Breakfast on Hainan noodles and a cup of island coffee; pick up packaged coconut candies and dried mango from a reputable supermarket or First Market’s official stalls.

Afternoon: Taxi to SYX for your flight. If you still need tickets or a schedule change, check Kiwi.com or Trip.com. Allow extra time for duty‑free pickup if you pre‑purchased.

Evening: Fly home with a sun‑kissed glow and a suitcase of Hainan flavors.

Where to Book & Budget Tips

• Hotels & Homes: Compare mid‑range resorts and city stays on Hotels.com and VRBO. Dadonghai is lively and central; Haitang Bay is quieter and near duty‑free.
• Transport: For flights and island rail, see Trip.com (flights), Kiwi.com, and Trip.com (trains). Taxis/Didi are efficient for bay‑to‑bay moves.
• Costs (mid‑budget ~49/100): Meals ¥40–120 per person (local spots), scenic tickets ¥45–180, Wuzhizhou + extras ¥150–300+, taxis within city ¥20–120. Free: beaches, promenades, sunsets.
• Food pointers: For seafood markets (e.g., First Market/Chunyuan), always confirm weights, cooking fees, and prices in writing before cooking. Coconut desserts are your best-value refreshers on hot afternoons.

Over seven days, you’ll balance laid‑back beach time with light adventure—snorkeling at Wuzhizhou, forest skywalks above Yalong Bay, temple calm at Nanshan, and retail therapy at Haitang Bay. The pace stays gentle, the food fresh, and the sunsets unhurried—exactly the Sanya mood.