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 Apr. 26, 2023 -
Questions & Answers on Sanya Travel
Asked by Quadflieg from BELGIUM | Apr. 26, 2023 08:31Reply
planning to travel to Sanya late dec. 2023
Hi, we are planning to visit Hainan ...we are Belgium passport holders. Do we need a travel agent to get a VOA if we start from Hong Kong? if Yes, do we first have to visit a travel agent in Hong Kong or how does these things works? How is the weather late December? Which is the easiest way to get from Hong Kong to Sanya?
We are elderly people but still like to travel independent...we don't need a visa to travel to HK ...
Answers (1)
Answered by Anne | Apr. 26, 2023 23:52
00Reply


Hi, according to the official policy, registering a local travel agency is must but you don't have to join a group tour. However, someone recently also reported that only round-trip tickets and hotel reservations are needed. It is still suggested to register a Hainan travel agency.
Asked by Ahmed Sameh | Jun. 28, 2020 07:27Reply
Which beaches are free to swim at in Sanya?
Answers (1)
Answered by Emery from FINLAND | Jun. 28, 2020 20:52
00Reply


Don't worry. There are many beaches in Sanya are free, such as Sanya Bay Yemeng Changlang Beach and Dadonghai Beach.
Asked by Rob from CHINA | Apr. 23, 2020 20:55Reply
Can a foreigner visit Sanya now?
I am a foreigner who lives in Shanghai. I have a Green QR code and have been here since Feb 16 2020. Can I travel to Sanya right now?
Answers (1)
Answered by Nathaniel from DENMARK | Apr. 26, 2020 22:35
00Reply


As I know, it will be fine if you have a Green QR Code.
Asked by Celedonia B. Muyrong from PHILIPPINES | Jan. 08, 2020 21:30Reply
Filipino husband & wife for a 5 days vacation in Sanya
Hi! My husband and I are both Filipino citizen from the Philippines. We want to have a vacation in Anantara Vacation Club (we are club points owner) located at Sanya; do we need to produce VISA? we will just stay 4-5 days vacation. Hope to have an answer. Thank you.
Answers (1)
Answered by Mia from THAILAND | Jan. 09, 2020 18:25
00Reply


If you want to apply for Visa on Arrival at Sanya airport, you need to show passports with proof that you have been issued a Chinese visa before.
Asked by Mike from NETHERLANDS | Jan. 07, 2020 00:03Reply
The netherlands Passport holder vacation in Hong Kong
Hi, we are planning to visit Hainan. Do we need a travelagent to get a VOA if we start from Hong Kong?
Flight schedule > The netherlands to Hong Kong > 14 days later from Hong Kong to Hainan. > 7 days later from Hainan back to Hong Kong.

thanx
Answers (1)
Answered by Kathy from NEW ZEALAND | Jan. 07, 2020 19:16
00Reply


Yes, you need to be received by a local travel agent to enjoy Hainan 30-day visa free.
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