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Sanya

Things to Do in Sanya in 2025 - Top Attractions, Local Food, Hotels & Travel Tips (Updated April 2025) | Trip.com

About Sanya

Recommended trip: 3–5 day(s)

31°C

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Walk on the Clouds at New Viral Attraction in Sanya@Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park

Discover A New Side To Hainan Tourism: Hands-On Coral Planting Experiences@Wuzhizhou Island

Spring-Exclusive Perk! Students Get Half-Price Access to Sun, Sand, and Sea@West Island

Walk on the Clouds at New Viral Attraction in Sanya@Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park

Discover A New Side To Hainan Tourism: Hands-On Coral Planting Experiences@Wuzhizhou Island

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Sanya Local Travel Guide 2025

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Sanya Brief Guide

Sanya is one of China's famous tourist cities. You can indulge to your heart's content in the beautiful coastal landscape and abundant water sports activities. You can also visit the beaches and enjoy Sanya's beautiful natural environment. You can also pay your respects to the Nanshan Guanyin, a 108-meter-tall bodhisattva, make obeisance and pray for good fortune, listen to the legend of Luhuitou (The Deer Looking Back), or go to Tianya Haijiao (The End of Earth) and make a vow to love and be loved until the end of time. This place also has fresh affordable seafood and tropical fruits. It is a delicious way to spend the afternoon, and you can eat as much as you want. At Yalong Bay and Haitang Bay, there are great collections of many star-rated luxury resorts and hotels. It is one of the most highly-coveted seaside resort locations.

Sanya Must-try Local Experiences

1. Explore the Coastline of Sanya Sanya offers stunning beaches like Yalong Bay and Dadonghai, perfect for relaxing, water sports, and scenic walks. Each beach provides unique views and activities. 2. Discover the Ends of the Earth Visit Tianya Haijiao, known for its unique rock formations and panoramic ocean views. Explore the park and admire the inscribed stones. 3. Journey to Wuzhizhou Island Wuzhizhou Island is a tropical paradise with pristine beaches, clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling and diving. 4. Experience Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone Visit Nanshan Temple and the towering Statue of Guanyin. Explore the temple complex and enjoy the serene atmosphere and ocean views. 5. Stroll Through Luhuitou Scenic Area Luhuitou Scenic Area offers panoramic views of Sanya and the South China Sea. The park is famous for its romantic legend and the iconic statue of a deer turning its head. 6. Witness Li and Miao Minority Cultures Visit local villages to experience the unique traditions and customs of the Li and Miao minority groups. Enjoy traditional performances and learn about their handicrafts. 7. Experience Sanya's Night Markets Explore Sanya's night markets, where you can find local handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. Indulge in Hainanese street food and local delicacies. 8. Attend the Sanya International Music Festival Held annually, the Sanya International Music Festival features performances by renowned artists and DJs, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a mix of music genres. 9. Savor Hainanese Cuisine Indulge in Hainanese cuisine with specialties like Wenchang Chicken, Jiaji Duck, and fresh seafood. Don't miss the tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples. 10. Visit Sanya's Seafood Markets Explore bustling seafood markets where you can select fresh seafood and have it cooked on the spot, showcasing local flavors. 11. Explore the First Market Discover the First Market, Sanya's oldest and largest market, offering fresh produce, seafood, spices, and local handicrafts. It's a great place for unique souvenirs. 12. Capture the Beauty of Tianya Haijiao Tianya Haijiao, also known as 'The End of the Earth,' offers stunning coastal views and unique rock formations, perfect for memorable photos.

Sanya Travel Tips

1. Respect Local Customs and Traditions: Sanya is home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Li and Miao people. When visiting ethnic villages, make sure to respect local customs by refraining from taking photos or touching religious items to avoid causing any misunderstandings. 2. Be Cautious About Beach Safety: While Sanya's beaches are beautiful, it's important to stay cautious when swimming or surfing. Always follow lifeguard instructions and stay away from dangerous areas. When taking beach photos, be aware of tide changes to avoid getting trapped on rocks or the shoreline during high tide. Your safety is the priority. 3. Don't Neglect Sunscreen and Heat Protection: The sun in Sanya is intense, and the UV index is high. Be sure to take sunscreen, a sun hat, and plenty of water when heading out. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun to prevent sunburn or heatstroke. 4. Drone Usage Must Comply with Regulations: When using a drone for photography, it's important to understand local laws in advance. Some scenic spots, like Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, prohibit drone flights. Be sure to comply with the rules to avoid fines for violations. 5. Be Cautious with Seafood Purchases: Sanya has many seafood markets, and it's recommended to choose reputable restaurants or markets. Check prices beforehand to avoid being overcharged, which can ruin the mood for your trip. 6. Pay Attention to Hotel Check-In Times: Most hotels in Sanya have a 15:00 check-in and 12:00 check-out policy, though times may vary by hotel. It's a good idea to confirm with the hotel via phone or booking platform before your trip to avoid delays in your schedule.

Sanya Must-see Attractions

Sanya is a diverse and picturesque destination in China, offering attractions ranging from the aquatic adventures of Wuzhizhou Island and Atlantis Sanya, to the natural beauty and cultural experiences of Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, West Island, and the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone.

Sanya Where to Stay

Sanya is a tropical paradise that offers a diverse range of accommodation options, from luxurious five-star resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Each area in Sanya has its own unique charm and caters to different types of travelers, ensuring an unforgettable stay for everyone.

Sanya Food Guide

Sanya's cuisine is dominated by seafood, including lobsters, prawns, and mango snails cooked in various ways, as well as distinctive local Hainan flavors such as coconut chicken, Wenchang chicken, and coconut rice, offering a rich taste and unique dining experience.

Sanya Useful Guide

Sanya's transportation infrastructure is well-developed, with Sanya Phoenix International Airport and Sanya Railway Station being the primary gateways for intercity travel. Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) is a significant air hub located approximately 15 km northwest of the city center. It is the second busiest airport in Hainan province and has a runway that can accommodate large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340. To reach the city from the airport, travelers can take a taxi or use the airport shuttle bus service, which is a convenient option. Sanya Railway Station, situated on the northern outskirts of the city, is a key terminal for the Hainan Eastern Ring High-Speed Railway and the Hainan Western Ring Railway. It connects Sanya with various cities across China, including Beijing and Haikou. To get to the city from Sanya Railway Station, passengers can take public buses such as No. 4, 5, 35, or a taxi. The station is also connected to downtown Sanya by the Sanya Tram.

Trip.Best: Sanya

Top12·Hotels

Top 12 Luxury Hotels in Sanya

Top22·attraction

Popular Best Things to Do in Sanya

Top29·Restaurants

Popular Local Restaurants in Sanya

Top30·Hotels

Popular Family Hotels in Sanya

Top11·attraction

Top 11 Night Attractions in Sanya

Top20·Restaurants

Top 20 Light Bites in Sanya

Top27·Hotels

Popular Scenic Hotels in Sanya

Top8·attraction

Top 8 Family-friendly Attractions in Sanya

Top13·Restaurants

Top 13 Fine Dining in Sanya

Top16·Hotels

Top 16 Instagrammable Hotels in Sanya

Top4·attraction

Top 4 Spring Outings in Sanya

Top20·Restaurants

Top 20 Restaurants for Views & Experiences in Sanya

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Things to do in Sanya

What to Do

Looking for things to do in Sanya? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

Where to Stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Sanya, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

What to Eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Sanya dishes and foodie spots.

Sanya Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

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Sanya's Atlantis Offers Unbelievable Deals for Pre-Spring Festival Stays!

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6 days in Sanya

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Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park Guide

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👘 Exploring ethnic village in local clothes

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What People Are Saying About Sanya

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Aquaventure Waterpark

M24***cw

Atlantis Water World Sanya is a fun and exciting water park, here are some tourists' comments on it: Advantages - complete facilities, rich projects: there are 34 water slides, such as "Sea God's Leap" and "Let go of a fight" and other exciting projects, There are also areas suitable for children such as "ocean empire" and "water playboy fun", as well as leisure projects such as drifting rivers and wave pools, suitable for tourists of all ages. - Beautiful environment, clear water quality: the park is tree-lined, the environment is clean, the water quality is clear, providing a comfortable environment for tourists. - Attentive service, safety is guaranteed: the staff service is warm and friendly, the attitude is friendly, and the safety measures in the park are also in place, so that tourists can rest assured to play. Cost-effective: Although some projects in the park require additional charges, the overall price is relatively reasonable, and tourists can choose the right play items according to their needs and budget. Disadvantages - Long queue time during peak tourist season or holidays, there are more tourists in the water world, and some popular projects may need to queue for a long time, affecting the play experience.

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Wuzhizhou Island

D69***95

Very beautiful, very worth going, that is, the climate feels too hot, too dry, the clothes are all sweaty, the arms get sunburn, must do a good job of sun protection. Many water projects are very exciting, but the facilities are not convenient to arrange. The dressing room, toilet, shower room, locker room for water projects are not together. The big players have played very few games because of the queue.

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Sanya Atlantis Resort

_TI***v2

The hotel resort have water park, water performance show and aquarium all interconnected by a mall. The water park was of high quality. We went during easter, queueing time was short and acceptable, around 10-20minutes, especially when we enter the water park at 11am. More people would enter the water park starting from 2-3pm and the line would become longer. The aquarium have different showtimes as displayed on LED board so make sure to check before you enter!

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Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park

136***33

The hotel service is very good. When I arrived at the hotel, I checked in. The front desk lady also upgraded the room. The hotel has a sea view. The beach is just outside the pool. The water quality of the beach is very clear. The sand is very delicate and not tied. Special thanks to the two cleaning sisters Chen Juxuan and Jinchun in the housekeeping department. Sweet smile, service is particularly good

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West Island

Anonymous User

The beach on the West Island is simply a paradise on earth. The sea is crystal clear, showing a dreamy blue and green. The beach is delicate and soft, and it is particularly comfortable to step on. Walking on the beach, the sea breeze is blowing, and the mood is very comfortable. And there are relatively few tourists here, and the beach is particularly quiet, so I can enjoy this tranquility and beauty. The scenery of Niuwangling is also beautiful. Standing on the top of the mountain overlooking the entire island, the sea and the sky are the same, and the Taurus statue adds a mysterious color. The West Island fishing village style is a major feature of the place, retaining many traditional coral old houses, each building is full of historical traces. The Cultural and Creative Hall and the Sea Bookstore are also particularly interesting, full of literary atmosphere. Here, I seem to have traveled through time and space, and felt the lifestyle and cultural traditions inherited by fishermen for generations. Sanya West Island is really a perfect tourist attraction, whether it is natural landscape, play projects, service facilities and cultural characteristics, it is impeccable.

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The Lost Chambers Atlantis

_TI***v2

We watched the feeding session at the Ambassador Lagoon, very cute and fascinating as our gaze follow the massive amount of fish following the feeding staff around for food. The staff even stuffed food into stingray’s mouth by flipping them slightly over from the glass window. The aquarium is excellently decorated with a large variety of fish for observation.

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Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone

Jack021

Yes, the most important attraction in Nanshan Scenic Area is this 108-meter three-sided viewing video, but the remaining few attractions are also possible. It's just a matter of time, so it's just a matter of focusing on visiting two of the attractions. The other is Nanshan Temple, which is also very interesting.

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Tianya Haijiao

Anonymous User

This trip was a really good experience. Tour guide Lu Yang was also very nice. He introduced us along the way and gave us suggestions and precautions. The time for the tour was also arranged according to our own situation. There were not many people when we went to Xidao in the afternoon. We saw the beautiful glass sea. We went to Tianya Haijiao again after getting off the island. We entered at the right time. There were few tourists inside and almost no one on the beach. It was so comfortable to squat on the beach to pick up shells. It was sunset at that time, which was particularly beautiful. I will choose this restaurant again in the future! The boss is also very nice૮(˶ᵔᵕᵔ˶)ა

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Statue of Guanyin

Anonymous User

I signed up for a one-day tour of Nanhai Guanyin and Xiaodongtian on Ctrip. The chartered car driver was very enthusiastic and came to the hotel lobby early to wait for me. We talked and laughed in the car. The driver enthusiastically introduced the tourist attractions and local cultural relics in Sanya. We soon arrived at the first stop, Nanshan Sea Guanyin, which is a national 5A-level scenic spot. The Guanyin is 108 meters high, equivalent to 36 stories high, and weighs 2,600 tons. The statue is solemn and spectacular from a distance. Surrounded by the blue sky and vast waves of the South China Sea, the sea and mountains are continuous, and the scenery is beautiful. It has become a tourist destination for Chinese and foreign tourists to compete to worship.

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Sanya Romance Park

M52***58

On the weekend, I went to the Qianguqing Scenic Area with my friends. There were many surprises here, including the grand performance of "Sanya Qianguqing", the outdoor Lizhai marriage performance, and the tourist interaction session. The snack street in the scenic area was very lively. During the visit, my family was obsessed with the performance and the child was almost lost. Fortunately, the scenic area broadcast attentively and helped us find the child.