Things to do & places to visit in Sanya, Hainan, China

Known as the Hawaii of China, Sanya’s miles of coastline, tropical climate, and upscale resorts make it a go-to beach destination for many travelers. But, it’s the city’s Buddhist temples, coconut plantations, fruit-sorbet stands, and fishing port that keep travelers coming back.

Sanya city in Hainan, China. Timezone: Asia/Chongqing, current date and time: Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 10:40.

Sanya Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

87°F - 79°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Very warm, muggy

Feels like

48%

Chance of rain

188.0 millimeters

Amount

9.8 mph

Wind speed

83%

Humidity

13.0

Daylight length

6:09 AM

Sunrise

7:07 PM

Sunset

22%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt

What to wear

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Aquaventure Water Park (254 reviews)
- Having a fun day in Waterpark
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Water Parks

Thrilling rides and slides, encounters with dolphins and sea lions and one of the longest rivers in the region: true adventure awaits at Aquaventure! Open year-round, Aquaventure offers extreme levels of fun for the whole family and an unforgettable day out. The waterpark is built to leading international standards. Learn first-hand about the wonders of the oceans as you get up close and personal with dolphins and sea lions, complete with photos. Get the adrenaline pumping with incredible gravity-defying water slides that delight and excite at the same time, or explore the park's fast-moving waterways and mysterious underwater rivers and tunnels. Meanwhile, surf's up at the Wave Pool and Surf Rider. For Atlantis’ youngest visitors and their parents, head down to Splashers to check out the 1,600 gallon tipping bucket, pouring water when it is least expected—to everyone’s delight! Make sure you don't miss out on the action. See more..
5.0 Dolphin Cay (77 reviews)
- Good experience
Spent 1-2 hours Aquariums

Enter the fascinating world of dolphins at Dolphin Cay and enjoy an unforgettable experience. Meet, play and swim with these graceful and charismatic creatures through our special interactions suitable for a range of ages and swimming abilities. See more..
4.5 Yalong Bay (1.644 reviews)
- Nice and clean
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Bodies of Water • Beaches • Beach & Pool Clubs

Yalong is supposed to be one of the best beaches on hainan and it truly meets expectation. Clean beach, walk into the ocean for miles without having to swim. The currents however can be quite strong from time to time. Offering jet ski service, banana boat etc. See more..
4.5 Nanshan Temple (1.085 reviews)
- Worth the Trip
Religious Sites

The giant Buddha area gets very busy but the rest is nice to see as well. This is quite far from Sanya and takes about 50 minutes to get to from the city center. The entrance for low season is 108 and there is a weird bus system that can take you around the park for 30. We would recommend skipping the bus as the area is quite walkable but bring very good shoes. You will need plenty of water if you go mid day and there are many drinks and snacks sold in the area. If you are a foreigner make sure you go to the team ticket buying counter and keep to the far right line to get in. See more..
4.5 Wuzhizhou Coral Island (851 reviews)
- Amazing day
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Islands

I did not have high expectations about this tourist spot, but was even more surprised about the beauty of Wuzhizhou Island. Especially the track trough the middle of the island is amazing, beautiful flower garden and little animals running around. Totally worth taking the trip from Sanya to here. See more..
4.5 Sanya Zhujiang Nantian Spa (605 reviews)
- Very Pleasant outside SPA inside big park
Hot Springs & Geysers

As weather was not that good to go frequently to the beach, we had the opportunity to got to this visit, organised by our hotel. Big park, with many pool natural made of stones or human construction. One of the pool was proposing the little fishes which bite the deadskin, and was the big attraction of the place. Not much English speaking in the place, but after paying the entrance ticket, you can manage just walking around. If you plan to stay for long time, you can bring your own picnic. There are lockers in the entrance, and they provide the towels. Also massage additional to the initial fee. Would recommand if you go to Sanya. Reserve the return taxi in advance. As when you finish, few taxi available, who charge you a lot more than normal price, as there is no other choice to leave the place. See more..
4.5 Luhuitou Park (395 reviews)
- Great Views for Sunset
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Parks

We planned our afternoon perfectly to get here at sunset and enjoyed the many platforms and walks. Once you get to the top it is very walkable and has well lit paths. The views will allow you to see much of the city and the many bays around the city. In low season the tickets are 35 each and there is a round trip bus that can take you to the top/down for another 15. We opted for the bus as we wanted to get up quickly for the sunset and it was still quite hot. There were some monkeys near the top but if you take the mountain pass to the deer statue you can avoid them. There was a security guard swinging a bamboo stick to keep them away when we went. There was also some deer in a stable near the top as well. See more..
4.5 Sanya Daxiaodongtian Area (383 reviews)
- A place to take romantic/Wedding Photo
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM Geologic Formations

Very nice view, but a bit hot weather. Can take a car tour in this area with only RMB15 only per pax. You can take as many photo you like in this area. Recommend to have a tour in this area. See more..
4.5 Yalongwan Central Square (282 reviews)
- Yalongwan Square
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Visitor Centers

Good spot for tourist to purchase goods without traveling to Sanya town that something I like here with live music available. See more..
4.5 Sanya Romance Park (260 reviews) from $55.00
- Kids friendly, good show
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 9:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

Large-scale song and dance "sanya eternal love" is a "five-one project" award of hainan province tourism performing art works. This is a cannot define the performance of language and text, she based in sanya ten thousand years of magnificent long history, with its brand-new stage design makes the performance broke through the traditional space and the feeling of boundaries, presents a stunning aesthetic feeling of poetry. 360 - degree panoramic screen emerge in endlessly, 400 square meters giant suspended membrane from the sky, 4700 audience stretched out his hand and head of bikinis zero distance interactive... See more..
4.5 Nanshan Buddhism Cultural Park (226 reviews)
- Amazing statue
Parks

Nanshan Buddhism Cultural Park was really an interesting place to see. This is absolutely a place you have to visit when you are in Sanya. The 108 m high statue above the sea was really amazing! We recommend you to go there in the morning, because there are so much tourists during the afternoon. Take time to be there, because it takes time to get in the temple and the statue on its roof and there are a lot of other things to see in the park. See more..
4.5 Sanya Redaiyulin Square (180 reviews)
- GREAT GREENARY
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Neighborhoods

The place worth a visit if U R into relaxing and enjoying nature . A nice pond filled with colorful fish is a center attention . GREAT restaurants are around the place . See more..
4.5 The Lost Chambers Aquarium (178 reviews)
- Big Aquarium in Atlantis Sanya
Spent < 1 hour Aquariums

Explore the hidden depths of the oceans with amazing adventures in The Lost Chambers Aquarium. The Lost Chambers Aquarium reveals the mystery of the ancient city of Atlantis which was lost to the seas thousands of years ago. It is home to a myriad of marine animals—over 86,000, including sharks, rays and other distinctive marine life. The Ambassador Lagoon holds over 13.5 million litres of sea water and is the largest open-air aquarium with 270 species of marine animals on display in China. Go on the Ultimate Snorkel to see the wonderful sharks, rays and schools of colourful fish swim and glide beneath you, to discover our aquarium in a totally new way and get up close and personal with all the fascinating creatures that live inside.. An educational orientation session is given and swimming skills are not required, making this the perfect marine adventure for the whole family, even children as young as six. See more..
4.5 Haitang Bay (136 reviews)
- Swimming in the ocean forbidden
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Beautiful beach, not crowdy, silent, but it is not allowed to swim here. Lots of luxurious hotels in that area. See more..
4.5 Sanya Beauty Crown Cultural Exhibition Center (100 reviews)
- A cultural Experince
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Nice theater and great performance by skilled Chines performers . Great music and super nice show . We loved it . See more..
4.5 Sanya Meitianya Tropical Ocean World (91 reviews)
- Wonderful orchid garden
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

This one is a must . It is like a Chinese version of sea world . Nice aquarium and worth a visit . I enjoyed mostly the Crocodiles Museum . ENJOY . See more..
4.5 Sanya Coral Reef National Nature Reserve (53 reviews)
- Очень красиво
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Красивейшее место. Не пожалейте пары сотни долларов и погрузитесь посмотреть эту красоту. Полипы и Антигоны здесь классные. See more..
4.5 Sanya Tropical Paradise (52 reviews)
- Mostly nice view and some commerce
Forests

Mountain park located close to Yalong bay. Resorts may offer free bus transportation but it’s better to take a short taxi ride, which is much faster because it avoids many stops and some cross-sell. The mountain is mostly attractive for the view. Little teams take you up the hill. Guides can be avoided because in our view there’s not much apart from the views, which are nice on a clear day, overlooking the bay and Sanya. You can walk around the mountain and there is a commerce street with shops and attractions. Nicely done but quite touristy. The zip line might be ok for people I in need of a bit of excitement (not us). All in all, you can spend a fairly pleasurable 2 hours here. See more..
4.5 Xidao Amusement Park (50 reviews)
- I expected more from West island
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Amusement & Theme Parks

When taking the trip here I was expecting that my ticket for the ferry would include some access to sights but sadly everything on West island is additionally charged... With great weather it makes a good day trip but be aware that even seeing the famous bull statue cost you an electric car fee... Sadly... See more..
4.5 Sanya River Birds Nature Reserve (23 reviews)
- Редкие птицы!
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Очень хороший заповедник, Есть много птиц,о которых я даже не слышала.Так как это природный заповедник, то окружающая среда очень красивая с высокой травой и деревьями, и свежим чистым воздухом. See more..
4.0 Tianya Haijiao (1.043 reviews)
- Chilly December walk on the beach
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Beaches

Beautiful beach for enjoyable walks. There was a chilly breeze coming off the water on our December visit. Lots of rock formations. Breathtaking views. See more..
4.0 Sanya Bay (476 reviews)
- Wait for Calm Waters
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bodies of Water

We had some really good sunny days in Sanya Bay. The water is quite warm and you can usually find a spot on the beach to put your stuff. The coconut corridor walk is nice and you can find quite a few prime eating spots and bars around Sanya Bay. To see a good view from up high go to Luhuitou Park or a rooftop bar in the area. Please note that the bay is not always safe to swim and you have to keep an eye on the flags. Best to see the bay when it is sunny and clear or during sunset. See more..
4.0 Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone (346 reviews)
- Visitor-friendly rainforest park
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests

Well organized. Nice walking pathways through the rainforest jungle. Lots of beautiful scenery and tropical plants. Valley views from the glass bridge. See more..
4.0 Binglang Ethnic Village (309 reviews)
- Informative museums and a great show
Historic Sites

A very nice park to learn more about the Li culture (and a little bit about the Miao). I regretted that pricing was explained in Korean and Russian but not English, not customer friendly! Package 2 gets you entrance, show, and little carts (220 RMB, about $33). Besides this, we were lucky to find an English-speaking guide ($22). You don't have to take one but we wanted to avoid wasting time (without guide, count an hour more, and add more time if you don't take the carts but walk). The tiny Li museums are very informative. The weaving grandmothers were very skilled and cute. The show is about an hour and grandiose. For seats, avoid A and F if you can, D is in the center. Beyond row 3, it's harder to see since VIP are already on rows 1-3, you would be at row 4-6 to see well. Light information is provided in English there about each dance. See more..
4.0 Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park (273 reviews)
- Visit if you are in the Area
Hiking Trails

The park offers views of Yalong Bay and has a well maintained tropical forest. Would recommend starting at the peak and working your way down from there to go from the exposed heat to the cooler gardens. The cost is 90 RMB + 50 RMB for entrance and bus in low season. I'm not sure if the bus fee can be waved but it is worth it as there aren't many walkable options to go without. Please note that there are extra activities that cost more to experience like the glass walkway and suspension bridge. After looking at them we thought they were not worth it as it was very busy and the lineups were long. We took a Didi to get here and believe it is worthwhile to visit if you're in the area. It is very easy to avoid the crowds because most are eager to do the bridges and glass walks. See more..
4.0 Phoenix Island Sanya (189 reviews)
- Pretty and chill.
Islands

You can go in for brunch or dinner, better use taxi to go in. Make sure to be dressed nicely and you would be able to walk around and experience the place without a problem. There is an amazing view lounge on 32 floor in one of the hotels. Entry in the evening is paid, but it's a nice place to chill, have a cocktail and take nice pictures (you have to be 18 years old to enter) We went in the evening, they have kids playgrounds (small though), pool and restaurants which you can visit a-la-cart. See more..
4.0 West Island (149 reviews)
- A pleasant excursion, if a little crowded
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM National Parks

The main attraction of Xi Dao is the adjoining small Niuwang Dao (island) sporting a massive eponymous golden bull on its summit. A pleasant excursion with some good views, fresh sea air and a busy open air food stall on the little island. The main island appears to lack much charm and promotes many activities which didn't seem to attract any punters. Ferry leaves just West of Sanya airport. Make sure to get there by mid-morning. When we returned at 3:00pm, the outbound ferries were heaving See more..
4.0 Pineapple Shopping Center (116 reviews)
- Ideal
Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls

We needed a break from the hotel and the mall was a perfect place. Lots of eateries around,good fairy prices at the stalls around. Definitely worth if you are with a little one. There's a tiny train that goes around on the 1st floor for little kids. Costs 20rmb. Miniso shop has fair prices for quick items that one may have forgotten. A huge supermarket on 2floor. See more..
4.0 Mazu Temple of Sanya (103 reviews)
- Small but old temple, culturally interesting
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Religious Sites

This small temple is located on its own little island that is now a major tourist destination. The temple was underwhelming but very historical. We didn't stay long though do to the crowds. We were there at the start of the Chinese New Years Holiday so it was expected to be busy, which it was! See more..
4.0 Fenjiezhou Island (75 reviews)
- Good but not outstanding
Wednesday: 9:07 AM - 5:02 PM Islands

It is a beautiful island for sure, but perhaps I expected too much. It is not dramatically different from the more famous Wuzhizhou island, but not much less crowded. If you don't have a car, just save yourself some trouble and go to the more convenient Wuzhizhou island. See more..