Sanya (Chinese: 三亞; pinyin: Sanya) is the southernmost city of Hainan Island, China. Population: 536,000 (2006). It is the second largest city (after Haikou) on the island. The 108 m high statue of Guan Yin completed in 2005 is one of the tallest statues in the world. Yawan Bay and a 7.5 km long beach are located southeast of the city.
overview
Billed as the "Hawaii of China", Sanya has a 20 km stretch of beach. As the only city on the tropical coast, it is definitely booming and packed with water sports such as diving and jet skiing, hiking in the rainforest, and loads of tourists. Hotels ranging from zero to five stars.
With year-round sunshine, the temperature fluctuates around 25*C even in January and 30*C in summer. The islands and beaches are beautiful and the water in Yalong and Dadonghai bays is clean enough for a good swim, but you may also want to head to Wuzhizhou Island or north to visit the unspoiled and natural scenery.
While tourists come during each season, the peak season runs from October 1 to the end of winter. During winter, Sanya is a popular destination for Russians mainly staying in Dadonghai (大东海) and North China to escape the cold weather. During the Chinese New Year, the city will be flooded with tourists, and expect everything to be extremely expensive.
As China's southernmost city, Sanya along with Yangshuo often serve as the last stop for backpackers who want to spend the rest of their visa days in China.
Area
- Sanya Beach - stretches for about 25 km, but is rather polluted and has no swimmers. Along the beach there are seafood restaurants and hotels costing ¥50-5,000.
- Sanya City - full of souvenir shops and street goods at night. You'll see locals dancing along the beach in the evenings, and a host of vendors selling souvenirs, street food and a game fair. Try outdoor public karaoke if you dare! Cross the Sanya River (Sanya 三亚河 he) to the less touristy, cheaper, and more fun part of the city.
- Da Dong Hai (大东海) - has Sanya's best balance between growth and natural beauty. The following town Dadonghai is more expensive than Sanya, but has better restaurants and a beautiful beach. Shopping, however, is not as good as Sanya City. The predominant languages in this region, both spoken and written, are Chinese and Russian.
- Ya Long Bay (亚龙湾 Yàláng wān) - is further from Sanya city than Dadonghai and 45 minutes away from Phoenix airport. The destination has been developed into an international holiday center with many 5 star resorts, golf courses etc. The long beach is taken care of by different hotels. You will find many restaurants in the new shopping area. Definitely worth a visit once, but be prepared for a higher price than Sanya.
- Haitang Bay - A relatively new development area. Not as crowded as A Long Bay. Only 35 minutes away from Phoenix International Airport by highway G98. Home of the largest Duty Free Shopping Mall in China in the future. Several luxury resorts.
Arrive
By air
Sanya Phoenix International Airport (Chinese: 三亚凤凰国际机场; IATA code: SYX) is an airport located in Sanya city in Hainan province. China. The airport is located in the northwest center of Duong Lan town, Phuong Hoang village.
By train/train
By car
By bus
By ship
Traveling in the city
Visit
- Da Dong Hai (大东海; Dadonghai). Mostly Russian (among tourists and signage, there's very little English here!) Dadong Sea has Sanya's best balance between development and natural beauty. The town after Dadong Bay is more expensive than Sanya, but has better restaurants and a beautiful beach. Shopping, however, is not as good as in Sanya City. The sea has algae blooms that change the water color from thick green to tropical. However, even with "clear tropics" the seafloor is just sand with rarely a rare school of fish or eels. See the beach both in the morning and at sunset.
- [www.seaturtles911.orgSea Turtles 911]. The only non-profit organization promoting sea turtle conservation in China, the main 911 sea turtle facility is a sea turtle floating hospital in Lingshui near Nanwan Monkey Island, as well as programs in Sanya and Haikou. While on Hainan Island visitors are welcome to volunteer with the organization's sea turtles and educational programs.
- Monkey Island Nam Loan (Nánwān hóu do). Actually a peninsula, Nam Loan Monkey Island is home to about 1,800 endangered Macaque monkeys whose habitat you can roam freely through. Be careful, the monkeys will jump on humans (fun) or attack to steal fresh water or food (hungry)! There are also a number of circus-style shows featuring monkeys doing stunts. Admission is ¥68 and a round trip on the gondolas costs 60 yuan. ¥163.
- Sanya Nanshan Temple (三 亚南 山寺). A construction aimed at tourists began in 1998 with a giant statue of Guan Yin on a platform rising out of the sea. The park has some interesting spots but the entrance fee is huge 150 yuan.
- Wuzhizhou Island (蜈支洲岛). The waters around this island are the most beautiful in Sanya. A popular spot for swimming and scuba diving, this island has fallen victim to popularity. The water is less clear and fish is less abundant than before, so choose a date and time to maximize visibility while visiting. Snorkeling will cost around 400-500 yuan.
- Huong Thuy Bay (香水湾; Xiangshuiwan). The beach strip is quite undeveloped and therefore peaceful.
Play
Learn
Work
Shopping
Cuisine
Price
Affordable
Luxurious
To drink
Sleep
Price
Affordable
Luxurious
Security
Medical
Contact
Cope with
Next point
 | Wikipedia has articles about Sanya |