Sanya Travel Guide

Sanya Travel Guide

Sanya Map

Sanya Facts

Chinese Name: 三亚 (sān yà )
Population: 614,647
Area: Land Area: 1,921 square kilometers (742 square miles); Sea Area: 3,500 square kilometers (1351 square miles)
Location: in the south of Hainan Province, southern China
Administrative Division: 4 districts (Haitang, Jiyang, Tianya, Yazhou)
Area Code: 0898
Zip Code: 572000
GDP (2019): CNY 67.786 billion (USD 9.825 billion)

Known as the “Hawaii of China”

Sanya is located in the south end of Hainan Island, adjacent to Lingshui County on the east, Ledong County on the west, Baoting County on the north and the South China Sea to the south. Sanya is the only city in China that can enjoy the tropical rainforest and ocean scenery at the same time. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Sanya presents integrated beautiful sceneries of beaches, seas, mountains and rivers. Many hills also provide a commanding point for overlooking this city. Besides, the sea water is clear with high visibility and moderate water temperature, which is suitable for swimming all year round. Numerous egrets live in the evergreen mangroves on both sides of two rivers in the west and east of urban Sanya. All the above make Sanya a paradise for habitation, tourism and vacation.

Citizen from 59 qualifying nations is exempted from Chinese visa if he or she is received by a travel agencies in Hainan Province and has 30 days visa-free entry to Hainan.

For most travelers, Sanya is a noted tourist resort with mountains, rivers and the best seaview. The favorable climate is hot in summer but warm in the three other seasons so attracting large numbers of followers from both home and abroad every year. The whole city is related to the sea.  Here you can enjoy a unique tropical oceanic landscape that is totally different from the other provinces of China. Sanya BayDadonghai, Haitang Bay and Yalong Bay all golden seaboards of Sanya, are some of the first choices for visitors to spend their holidays. Instead of a busy and exhausting journey, you can relax totally here by strolling along the beaches and breathing the fresh air. If you are an enthusiast of exciting water activities, Wuzhizhou Island is your place to challenge the mysterious and changing sea. Additionally more than 20 ethnic groups including Han, Li, Miao, Hui inhabit there becoming a wonderful place to appreciate the various cultures of China. In Binglanggu Li & Miao Cultural Heritage Park and Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone, you can fully experience local ethnic customs.

 See also: Top 10 Things to Do in Sanya

7 Most Beautiful Beaches in Sanya

Enjoy the sunshine in Asian Dragon Bay, Sanya
 Sanya Pictures       Videos
Tianya Haijiao, Sanya
Tianya Haijiao

Recommended Tours

Beach Travel in Haikou & Sanya: 5 days to the beautiful beach resorts

 More China Tour Packages

Along with the developing economy of this region, this wonderful city has become much easier for visitors to reach where domestic and international flights can take you in the shortest time. A journey by train and ship will take you a little more time but give you more opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty around you.

 See also
Sanya Phoenix International Airport
How to Travel between Haikou and Sanya
Top 6 China Family Holiday Destinations

 See also: Best Time to Visit Sanya

Sanya Travel Tips

Tasting the local dishes is a must on your journey. Sanya never shirks in its efforts to entertain its guests with a variety of seafood and delicious tropical fruits all the year round. Both of the star-rated hotels and a number of roadside booths serve the freshest seafood. Shopping is also a must on your journey, so don't forget to choose some sea products and beautiful decorations for you or your friends and relatives back home. With good quality, star-rated hotels and reasonable hostels distributed everywhere in the city and waiting for you, there is no need to worry about accommodation.
 

 Further Reading:
Top 10 China Destinations for First Time Travelers

China Honeymoon: 10 Best Destinations for Couples

8 Major Cities in China for Enthusiastic Shoppers

10 Most Beautiful Cities in China

- Last updated on Nov. 29, 2023 -
Questions & Answers on Sanya Travel
Asked by LEE YH from SINGAPORE | Feb. 22, 2024 03:59Reply
distance from Sanya Jinjiang Inn Hexi Road Pedestrian Bridge To Sanya Railway Station
What is the road distance from Sanya Jinjiang Inn Hexi Road Pedestrian Bridge to Sanya Railway Station?
Answers (1)
Answered by Jenny | Feb. 23, 2024 00:37
00Reply


It is about 10 km. Bus Line 50, 15, 4, 42 are all available to reach.
Asked by ozge from TURKEY | Nov. 28, 2023 11:08Reply
can I get visa on arrival with a Turkish citizenship
Hello, I am planning to go to Hainan for a couple of days for my friend's wedding. Is my country eligible for visa on arrival?
Answers (1)
Answered by Daisy | Nov. 29, 2023 01:42
00Reply


I'm sorry but Turkey hasn't been included yet. And you need to obtain a Chinese visa in advance.
Asked by Jenna from SINGAPORE | Nov. 26, 2023 10:52Reply
Are Hainan island shops and night markets during chinese new year 2024?
Answers (1)
Answered by Jessica | Nov. 27, 2023 22:24
00Reply


Yes, most shops and markets open normally.
Asked by jade from SOUTH KOREA | Nov. 20, 2023 20:18Reply
Sanya visa
I am traveling to Sanya, Hainan from South Korea.
I have and Irish passport and working in korea.
Do I need to aply for a visa?
Answers (3)
Answered by Andrew | Nov. 22, 2023 00:23
00Reply


If you are a Irish passport holder and fly directly from South Africa to Sanya without any stops in China, you don't need any visa.
Answered by Jade | Nov. 22, 2023 21:45
00Reply


Thank you, however I am flying from South Korea to Sanya and have a layover in China for a few hours.
Answered by Andrew | Nov. 22, 2023 22:12
00Reply


Then I'm afraid you need to obtain a Chinese visa in advance.
Asked by Jade from KOREA | Aug. 07, 2023 21:31Reply
visit china as an Irish person living in South Korea
Hello I am Irish living in South Korea as an English teacher. I want to visit Sanya, China, What steps and documents are required for this process?
Answers (1)
Answered by Alex | Aug. 08, 2023 19:38
00Reply


If you only visit Hainan Island (where Sanya is located), you can make use of Hainna 30-day visa-free access. Just register with a local agency, and provide hotel and return flight orders. Recent feedbacks also say it is not necessary to register with a local agency anymore, which needs to be proved anyway.

If you also plan to visit other destinations in the mainland of China, then apply for a visa in advance in South Korea.
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