In autumn and winter, Sanya is relatively warm compared to other places around the world which would be experiencing the coldness of the seasons. Winter is the best time to vacation in Sanya. You can put on summery beachwear, take a leisurely stroll along the sunny beach and enjoying the tropical fruits while indulging in the secluded beauty and romance of the place.

By air

Sanya Phoenix International Airport is the largest international airport in the southern part of Hainan. There are currently 63 international and domestic routes flying to Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, Xi’an, Urumqi, Chongqing, Chengdu, Guiyang, Guilin, Harbin and other cities.

By rail

Sanya has express trains travelling to Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing via Haikou. The trains cross over the Hainan West Line Expressway and along the way, travellers can appreciate the spectacular views of tropical forests the distant sea.

By road

Hainan East Line and West Line expressways begin from Sanya and Haikou respectively and follow the coastline to form the Hainan Expressway which encircles the island and branches out in various directions, connecting Lingshui, Wanning, Qionghai and other cities. Travellers can expect smooth traffic flow along the toll-free expressways and the surrounding picturesque scenery.

Sanya Phoenix International Airport is 11 kilometers southwest of Sanya city centre. Citizens of countries that have diplomatic relations with The Republic of China can obtain visa upon arrival whereas visitors in tour groups from certain countries can enjoy visa-free access for 15 days.

Airport shuttle buses’ operating time is dependent on flight schedules. Passengers can board the shuttle buses at the airport exit. Bus fare is RMB 15 per person for the 45-minute ride. The bus route: Jichang Road,- Sanyawan Road - Jiefang Road,- Yuya Avenue - Dadonghai Square. The bus will travel past Sanya Bay Holiday Resort, Jinglilai Resort, Lanhai Garden, Bihanlantian Apartments and Orient Seaview Hotel Sanya.

It takes about 25 minutes by taxi from the airport to the city centre with taxi fare costing approximately RMB 50; it costs about RMB 70 to Dadonghai and about RMB 90 to Yalongwan Bay from the airport. The fare is negotiable.

During peak season and holidays, there is an increase in visitors to Sanya and it is difficult to find accommodation. If you prefer a quiet holiday and lower cost of travel, it is recommended that you visit Sanya during its low season.Sanya has a tropical climate. It is warm and sunny throughout the year. Visitors are strongly recommended to bring along sunblock and preventive remedies for heat stroke.

Sanya, known as Yazhou in ancient times, has an extensive history and outstanding culture. During the Qin dynasty, Yazhou was located at the border of Xiang County, one of the three counties in the south. Yazhou was a city, built mud before the Song dynasty and was then later built with bricks in 1198 in the Fourth Year of Nan Song. It expanded and became a big and impressive city with a moat during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.

Sanya was called the most remote place on earth since ancient times as it was situated far away from the capital. Many famous people visited Yazhou including prime minister Han Yuan in the Tang dynasty; Jian Zhen, a famous monk; the famous Prime Minister Zhao Ding and the official Hu Quan during the Song dynasty; and the spinning expert Huang Daopo, who made great contributions to the economic and cultural development in this area.

Sanya is the southern-most point of the Hainan Province and is China’s only tropical resort city by the sea. There are more than ten attractions – its sunny weather, sea, beach, climate, forest, animals, hot springs, grottoes, countryside etc. Sanya was the first stop in the Republic of China during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games torch relay.

Beach, diving and seafood are three ever popular aspects of a Sanya vacation. As the southern-most point of the Hainan Province, Sanya enjoys summer-like weather all year round with flowers blooming luxuriantly, thus earning the name of “Eastern Hawaii”. Many bays such as Yalong Bay, Dadonghai and Sanya Bay can be found along the 200-kilometre coast, lined with coconut trees. The rise in sea level has resulted in the east and west islands being covered by the sea. . With a well-protected ecology and coral reef, Wuzhizhou has been named as “China’s Best Dive Spot”.

Top quality resorts in Sanya offer a comprehensive range of recreational activities such as the hot springs, spa, yachting, sea fishing and golf, all of which proved to be very popular amongst vacationers. Playing in the sand, collecting shells, catching crabs and enjoying the sunset are also great ways to enjoy Sanya. In addition, more and more tourists from within China and abroad are choosing Sanya as the best place for wedding photo shoot and honeymoon.

There are many attractions besides the three bays. Nanshan Buddhist Culture Tourist Zone is famous for its ecologically-friendly Buddhist-themed sculptures. You can hear the sound of lapping waves while admiring the cluster of sculpted historical figures in Tianyahaijiao Tourist Zone. Moreover, the life-like figure sculptures in Luhuitou Peak Park tell the beautiful love story of “Luhuitou”.

Our Top Picks for Sanya

1. Yalong Bay: the flat and expansive, white and soft beach of Yalong Bay is formed by weathering of corals and shells. The sand is of the best quality compared to Dadonghai and Sanya Bay. Hence the famous saying "If it is not Sanya, the sea is not worth a look, If it is not Yalong, it is not a bay."
2. Dadonghai: its three sides are surrounded by mountains and the remaining side faces the sea. Lush coconut trees line up along the beach, with sea temperature ranging between 18 and 22°C in winter. Within Sanya, there are comprehensive vacation offerings such as a variety of hotels, large shopping malls, underwater sightseeing and diving spots. A wide range of water sports and beach activities are held all year round.
3. Wuzhizhou Island: it is named "the Best Dive Spot in China". It has the most complete ecological coral reef in China with a colorful underwater world. The island is like a tropical kingdom of greenery. You can even see the Dragon Tree which could be found during the time period of the Dinosaurs.
4. Tianyahaijiao: a very well-known attraction in China where the sea seems to become one with the blue sky. Scattered sails in a vast expanse of rolling waters, coconut trees dancing in the breeze, a cluster of unique rocks and giant stone carvings of the Chinese characters “Tianya”, “Haijiao”, “Nantianyizhu” and “Haipan Nantian” towering on the beach - together, it creates a picturesque and beautiful scenery.
5. Nanshan Cultural Tourist Zone: The Nanshan mentioned in the birthday greeting of “Longer life than Nanshan” refers to the Bieshan, a famous mountain in southern Hainan. Nanshan Cultural Tourist Zone is located at the southern foot of Sanya’s Nanshan. Ancient Yazhou city was situated in the north while the Big and Small Caves are located in the south. The place boasts greenery resulting from a blend of the tropical and marine climates, China’s Buddhist culture, cultural and historical relics depicting longevity-and-happiness. Nanshan Temple is the most famous tourist attraction in this tourist zone and it features temple halls, meditation rooms, towers, pavilions and gardens depicting Buddhism-inspired architectural designs.