Sanya

Travel Guide

Dadongdai Beach which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach
Guanyin Statue of Hainan which includes a monument, a square or plaza and flowers
Nanshan Temple showing a square or plaza, religious elements and a temple or place of worship
Luhuitou Park featuring signage
Dadongdai Beach featuring night scenes, nightlife and performance art

Visit “China’s Hawaii” to discover a tropical getaway featuring white-sandy beaches, forested mountains, monkey-filled jungle and towering monuments to Buddha.

Sanya is a laid back city on the southern tip of Hainan Island, and marks the southernmost point of China. Known as “China’s Hawaii”, Sanya features stunning beaches and a tropical climate. Enjoy seaside activities like swimming, scuba diving and sailing. Hike up the forested peaks of the city’s surrounding mountains and admire the lush tropical flora.

Unpack your bags and head to Dadonghai Beach to enjoy kilometres of white sand. Soak up Sanya’s famous sunshine, swim in the clear tropical waters and refresh yourself with a freshly cut coconut. If you’re feeling energetic, follow the esplanade trail east to the hilltop lookout enjoy views of the beach and surrounding mountains.

Explore Nanshan Temple, which features a monumental 108-metre (354-foot) statue of the bodhisattva Guan Yin. The temple grounds contain an expansive tropical garden dotted with shrines and statues dedicated to Buddha. 

You’ll find beautiful forested parkland at the peak of Mount Luhuitou. This mountaintop also features magnificent views of the city and a monument to one of the region’s most famous love stories. For more great views, take a ride on China’s longest over-water cable car to Nanwan Monkey Island. Here you’ll meet hundreds of macaques roaming free in a dense jungle habitat. 

Explore downtown Sanya to find a diverse range of souvenir shops selling artisanal crafts and gifts. Food vendors set up in the late afternoons, filling the streets with barbecue smoke as they grill freshly caught seafood. Seafood restaurants also line the beach and outdoor karaoke gets the party started as night falls.

Sanya Phoenix International Airport connects the area to other major cities around China. A high-speed train connects Sanya to Haikou and other cities along the east coast of Hainan Island. The city’s bus system is efficient and inexpensive. Many destinations around Sanya are also easy to reach by foot or taxi. The tropical climate keeps Sanya’s waters warm year-round.

Where to stay in Sanya

Default Image

Tianya District

If you're spending some time in Tianya District, Tianya Haijiao and Sanya Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Tianya District
Default Image

Haitang District

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Haitang District, you might make a stop by sights like Haitang Bay and China Duty Free Sanya Duty Free Shop.

Haitang District
Dadongdai Beach featuring general coastal views and a beach

Jiyang District

Jiyang District is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park and Dadonghai Beach.

Jiyang District
Default Image

Fenghuang Town

While visiting Fenghuang Town, you might make a stop by sights like Sanya Bay and Coconut Dream Corridor.

Fenghuang Town
Guanyin Statue of Hainan showing rocky coastline

Yazhou District

If you're spending some time in Yazhou District, Nanshan Temple and Guanyin Statue of Hainan are top sights worth seeing.

Yazhou District
Luhuitou Park which includes street scenes

Xiaodonghai

You'll enjoy the bars and gardens in Xiaodonghai. You might want to make time for a stop at Sanya Bay or Luhuitou Park.

Xiaodonghai
Atlantis Sanya
Atlantis Sanya
5 out of 5
North Haitang Bei Road, Haitang Bay Sanya, Sanya
The price is RM1,227 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
RM1,227
RM1,431 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Sanya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions China Duty Free Sanya Duty Free Shop and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (203 reviews)
"We had a good deal on Expedia. The view was excellent and the food was fabulous. We spent two days in this hotel and enjoyed 5star service. Will come at another time if there is opportunity."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Atlantis Sanya
The Sanya EDITION
The Sanya EDITION
5 out of 5
No. 100 Haitang Road, Sanya
The price is RM1,391 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
RM1,391
RM1,622 total
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Sanya. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 outdoor pools, and 4 restaurants. Popular attractions China Duty Free Sanya Duty Free Shop and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
"Very nice and comfortable hotel with good privacy and service. Many restaurants and facilities are available in the hotel as well. The butler service was very nice, able to answer your enquiry in a short time"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

The Sanya EDITION
Sheraton Sanya Resort
Sheraton Sanya Resort
5 out of 5
Yalong Bay National Resort Dis, Sanya, Hainan
The price is RM467 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
RM467
RM544 total
15 Jul - 16 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Sanya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Yalong Bay and Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (97 reviews)
"Great location and beautiful resort"

Reviewed on 16 Nov 2024

Sheraton Sanya Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Citadines Yazhou Bay Sanya
Citadines Yazhou Bay Sanya
4.5 out of 5
No. 9 Chuangyi Road, Yazhou District, Sanya, Hainan
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sanya. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Sanya Daxiaodongtian Area ...
Citadines Yazhou Bay Sanya
Oakwood Apartments Sanya
Oakwood Apartments Sanya
4 out of 5
No.118 Huixin Road, Sanya, Hainan
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sanya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Pearl Mall and Sanya ...
7.6/10 Good! (5 reviews)
"There are no pans or utensils to cook in the room. There were no glasses or wine glasses, the kitchen is just for decoration. There is no washer and dryer in the room as stated in the room description. Had a huge building right in front of the room, so close that I needed to use the blinders all ..."

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2025

Oakwood Apartments Sanya
Sanya Haitang Bay Haiju Villa
Sanya Haitang Bay Haiju Villa
4 out of 5
Room 202, Unit 2, Building C, Yijing, Zhuangda Road, Haitang District, Sanya, Hainan
Stay at this 4-star villa in Sanya. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions China Duty Free Sanya Duty Free Shop and Shenquangu ...
Sanya Haitang Bay Haiju Villa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do