Top Things to do in Sanya: Best Activities & Must-Sees
By Tina
August 24, 2026
If you're looking for a tropical paradise where you can enjoy the beach, switch off for a few days, or experience the essence of nature, Sanya is for you.
Known as the "Hawaii of China", it is a city that stands out for its white sandy beaches, night markets, and year-round tropical climate. It is located at the southern tip of Hainan Island, China's southernmost island province.
At Trip.com, we'll show you what to see in Sanya, the most iconic places, the must-visit spots, and the spaces that are sure to surprise you.
📍 Popular Things to Do in Sanya
- 🌳 Sanya Romance Park: From £30.52 - A night-time theme park featuring light shows, traditional dances, and a unique atmosphere to enjoy Sanya by night.
- 🏝️ Wuzhizhou Island: From £14.50 - The jewel of diving in China with crystal-clear waters, the famous Lovers' Bridge and water sports for all tastes.
- 🏖️ Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park: From £14.17 - Pure nature with sea views, suspension bridges and a tropical rainforest that looks like it's straight out of a movie.
- 🏯 Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone: From £7.42 - A vast Buddhist park home to the imposing 108-metre Guanyin statue, surrounded by gardens and temples.
- 🏙️ Luhuitou Scenic Area: Free - A deer-shaped viewpoint offering the best panoramic views of Sanya.
- 🏰 Atlantis Sanya: From £39.13 - A mega-resort with a water park. You can even swim with dolphins; it's an ideal plan for the whole family.
🗺️ What to Do in Sanya Based on Your Stay
Whether you're only spending a day in Sanya or have time to explore it at a leisurely pace, you'll find plans to make the most of your stay.
You can visit its most iconic spots in a single day or spend several days discovering the city, its beaches, and the surrounding area. Whether you're travelling solo, with friends, as a couple, or with the family, we're sure the city will surprise you.
Trip type | Recommendation |
Things to do in 1 day | Morning: Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park Afternoon: Dadonghai Bay Sunset: Luhuitou Scenic Area Evening: Night market |
2-day getaway | Day 1: Wuzhizhou Island (diving or walking) + sunset at the Coconut Dream Corridor. Day 2: Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park + afternoon at the beach in Yalong Bay |
3-day trip | Add the Nanshan Cultural Zone with its 108m Guanyin statue and a night market visit to your 2-day itinerary |
Couples' trip | Wuzhizhou Island (Lovers' Bridge) + romantic stroll along the Coconut Dream Corridor + dinner with a view at a restaurant in Haitang Bay |
Family trip | Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park + West Island + sandcastles at Yalong Bay |
Solo travel | Dadonghai Bay, Luhuitou Scenic Area and a night visit to the local markets |
Cultural trip | Nanshan Cultural Zone, Great Compassion Temple, Li/Miao Village in Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park |
Attractions and Tours in Sanya
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🏙️ Must-Visit Areas in Sanya
To help you better organise your visit, we have divided the must-visit places in Sanya between those within the city and those located in other parts of Hainan Island.
📍 In the city and its immediate surroundings
Guanyin Statue, in the Nanshan Cultural Zone: This is Sanya's great icon. Standing 108 metres tall, this statue dedicated to the goddess of compassion is one of the largest in the world and rises up facing the sea. The park surrounding it is part of a vast complex dedicated to Buddhist culture, with temples and tropical gardens.
Luhuitou Scenic Area (literally, "The deer that turns its head"): This is one of the best natural viewpoints in Sanya, offering views of both the city and the sea. Its name comes from a love legend of the Li ethnic group, and it is a particularly popular spot at sunset.
Tianya Haijiao: This coastal spot holds great symbolic and romantic value. It is known for its two huge rocks engraved with these words and for having once been considered the southernmost point of China.
Coconut Dream Corridor: This is a promenade stretching about 20 kilometres, lined with coconut palms. Both locals and travellers often explore it on foot or by bike, though one of its biggest draws is watching the sunset over the sea.
🏝️ In the surroundings of Sanya, on Hainan Island
To discover other corners of the island beyond the city, here are some of the most outstanding areas:
Yalong Bay: It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Sanya, thanks to its white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Nearby is the Tropical Paradise Forest Park, a jungle located in the heights from which you can get stunning views of the bay.
Wuzhizhou Island: This is the most popular island for diving and water sports. It’s known as the “Maldives of China” due to its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. It’s also a great option for spending the day relaxing by the sea.
Nanwan Monkey Island: This is a highly recommended visit for those travelling with children or with a special interest in nature. It is a natural space where hundreds of macaques live in the wild. To reach the island, you can take the longest over-water cable car in China.
Yanoda Tropical Rainforest: This ecological park, located in the interior of the island, allows you to venture into the jungle, cross suspension bridges, traverse waterfalls or go zip-lining. It is a greener and cooler alternative to beach plans.
Bin Lang Ethnic Village: This acts as a true "living museum" dedicated to preserving the culture of the Li and Miao indigenous peoples of Hainan. During your visit, you can discover their traditional dwellings, handicrafts, and dances.
Each of these places shows a different side of Sanya: its spirituality, its history, its natural landscapes, and its extensive coastline.
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Top Hotels in Sanya
5 star
Outstanding6832 Reviews
Dadonghai Beach Sanya|3.6km from city centre
The front desk staff were very welcoming and proactively upgraded us to a sea-view room. Since our flight was in the evening, they extended our check-out time to 2 PM and even offered complimentary afternoon tea. Breakfast is served from 6:30 AM to 12 PM, which is much later than other hotels that usually close at 11 AM, and it offers a rich variety of both Western and Chinese dishes. The hotel has two outdoor swimming pools, and you can access the beach directly through the back gate with your room key. The room was very clean, and the bedding was spotless. The only downside is that the toilet in the bathroom is an older model. I would definitely choose this hotel again next time I visit Dadonghai.FromIDR 1,964,919
Very Good9029 Reviews
Dadonghai Beach Sanya|3.86km from city centre
I was originally planning to book a downtown hotel just as a quick stopover before coming here. The photos of the facilities and restaurant looked great, but I was still a bit hesitant after reading some reviews mentioning musty smells and bugs in the rooms. I checked in with some worries, but it turned out my concerns were completely unfounded! The entire stay was simply perfection, definitely deserving a solid 5-star review!
👍 Fantastic Dining: The buffet BBQ is amazing, and the Peking duck is a must-try!
The buffet BBQ included in this package was truly sincere and substantial—it can easily count as a full, satisfying meal! The variety of dishes was dazzling, featuring a full range of meats, vegetables, seafood, staples, drinks, fruits, and desserts, all replenished very quickly. The quality of both the beef and the greens was top-notch, far from being just a casual, perfunctory spread. Highly recommended!
The biggest surprise for me was the Peking duck! As you can see in the photos, the chef slices it right on the spot. With exquisite knife skills, the duck skin dipped in sugar literally melts in your mouth, and the meat is tender and juicy. The flavor is absolutely top-tier—I'd come back just for this duck!
🛏️ Room Experience: Dry, comfortable, and a great night's sleep
I was genuinely pleased with the room! Opening the door, there was zero strange odor—none of the musty smells or bugs I had worried about. It was impeccably clean. What's most rare is that the room was very dry, and the bedding was crisp and cozy, lacking that typical damp feeling common in southern hotels. For someone who usually struggles to sleep in new places, I had a wonderful rest and woke up full of energy the next day.
The hotel lobby is exceptionally well-designed; the massive aqua-blue art sculpture and red floral arrangements create a very chic and striking first impression.
Families traveling with kids don't need to worry about boredom at all. The infinity pool is gorgeous, offering great fun for both adults and children. There's a dedicated kids' play area, and right across from the gym, there's an artistic calligraphy and painting corner adorned with artworks, brushes, ink, and rice paper. It strikes a wonderful balance between lively activities and quiet relaxation.
All in all, this is a hidden-gem hotel that far exceeded my expectations! Whether you're traveling as a family or taking a kid-friendly vacation, the dining and accommodation will suit you to a T. Highly recommended to anyone still on the fence—go for it with complete peace of mind, you won't be disappointed! I will definitely be back again! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐FromIDR 1,412,031
905 Reviews
Dadonghai Beach Sanya|4.9km from city centre
I previously stayed at the InterContinental next door, and it felt like I was walking 10,000 steps every day. This time, I switched to the Luhuitou Resort Hotel next door, and the layout is so much more reasonable – you don't have to walk far to get anywhere. The beach is right outside the hotel. Even though the hotel has been rebranded after all these years, I have to say, the hardware is still well-maintained! The staff were also super great. On my first day, I accidentally fell down the steps at the spa. The young ladies helped me out, giving me a massage and even some medicated patches. I'm so grateful to everyone! I definitely won't be doing other things while walking anymore! I went to the spa twice in a row, and the Thai masseuses had excellent techniques! It really helped me relax both body and mind after a week of running around.FromIDR 1,493,338
Outstanding13045 Reviews
Dadonghai Beach Sanya|4.12km from city centre
This hotel was originally just a one-night stopover, but the overall facilities, lounge, and room type turned out to be a pleasant surprise. In China, you probably won't find a JW Marriott at this price again.
The hotel is located on a rocky beach in Dadonghai, without sand, but offering a different experience: mudflats foraging and swimming in the sea (there's a recessed, shallow area on the rocky beach in front of the hotel that's safer at low tide). The overall sea view isn't bad at all; one side offers a view of the curved Dadonghai beach, while the other faces the lighthouse.
The hotel facilities are quite comprehensive, with a long family pool and a shallow children's pool. Armbands and full-body swimming life jackets are provided free of charge, and there are even cylindrical holders for shoes. There are numerous lifeguards, strategically placed so that every blind spot of one lifeguard is covered by another. This is completely different from the setup at other five-star hotels in Sanya, and the pool closes at 10 PM, which received unanimous praise from my family. The outdoor open-air children's playground is similar; for younger children, the playground staff will even follow behind to supervise, truly demonstrating JW's high standards.
We booked an executive sea-view room in the East Wing, a room type that directly faces the sunrise over Rabbit Tail Ridge. Plus, it has a huge balcony, instantly eliminating any feeling of a small room.
Since we only stayed for one day, we couldn't experience many of the dining options. However, seeing the hotel selling egg pancakes for 15 RMB and refreshing Qingshubiang for 20 RMB, I immediately felt that the prices were accessible to the general public. The executive lounge's food could only be described as average Marriott quality (I suspect this might be due to the hotel's price point), but it's one of the few resort hotels that even has an executive lounge. The breakfast experience was excellent, with stewed soups, JW noodles, numerous egg preparations, fermented grain vinegar, sour noodles, Hou'an noodles, and various fresh juices. Among the three hotels we stayed at in Sanya, this was the lowest-priced hotel, yet it had the highest breakfast standards.
The service was excellent overall. Whether it was the lounge attendant helping us with a last-minute room change (and getting us a room with a large balcony), or the front desk staff running out to find the mini-train because my child wanted to ride it when it was almost closing time, or the proactive luggage service and reminders from our butler Una, it all truly met the high standards of a luxury five-star hotel!
Some suggestions:
1. The open space on the large balcony could really benefit from some decorations and lounge chairs; I think it would enhance the resort feel.
2. Stronger signage is needed from the East Wing to the West Wing breakfast area. It's quite hard to find since you have to take an elevator.
Overall, it was a very pleasant stay. Aside from the lack of a sandy beach, this is a high-standard, high-value-for-money resort hotel!FromIDR 1,878,191
Good7159 Reviews
Yalong Bay Sanya|15.64km from city centre
This is probably the best value hotel in Yalong Bay. The sea view is unbeatable. Due to budget constraints, I booked a garden view room, which actually faced the road, but it wasn't noisy for me. If you want to see the sea, just go downstairs. The lobby has a great view, and the beach is right below.
⚠️ The complimentary sea excursion is in Sanya Bay Luhuitou, not directly from the hotel. Make sure to check the itinerary in advance. I wasn't aware of this and didn't have time to go back and forth, so I had to skip it.FromIDR 1,544,833
Family friendly
Good5693 Reviews
Yalong Bay Sanya|12.62km from city centre
This time, I brought my family to Sanya Yalong Bay for a vacation and ultimately chose to stay at the Pullman Sanya Yalong Bay Villas & Resort. The biggest surprise throughout the entire trip came from the housekeeping service. I absolutely must write a detailed review to commend these dedicated housekeeping staff.
The hotel as a whole has a Southeast Asian tropical garden style, surrounded by large areas of lush greenery. The standalone villas come with private hot spring pools, offering great privacy. You can feel the sea breeze and greenery of Sanya right in your own courtyard, creating an incredible atmosphere. The villa space is ample, with clearly defined areas for the living room, bedroom, and separate bathrooms. A large soaking tub, outdoor shower, and courtyard loungers are all available, making it perfect for a family relaxing holiday. The cleanliness and service of the room were definite highlights of this stay.
The housekeeping staff were meticulous and professional. Every day when they came to clean the room, they would gently knock to confirm, respecting our rest time. While cleaning, they not only wiped the floors, surfaces, and bathrooms spotlessly clean but also paid attention to corners and crevices. The bathroom glass and sink were free of water marks, the toilet and shower area were clean and odorless, and the bedding was neatly replaced with pillows tidily arranged. Our personal luggage, electronic products, and children's toys, which were left casually in the room, were carefully organized without being arbitrarily moved by the cleaners, protecting guests' belongings – this was particularly reassuring. After cleaning each day, the housekeeping staff would thoughtfully arrange towels into cute elephant and swan shapes on the bedside, bringing a lot of joy to the children.
During our stay, we occasionally needed extra mineral water and children's toiletries. After contacting housekeeping, the response was swift, and items were delivered to our room shortly after, with a gentle and polite attitude. One evening, when there were quite a few mosquitoes in the room, we contacted housekeeping, and staff quickly brought mosquito repellent and kindly reminded us to close the courtyard door to prevent mosquitoes from entering the room. Their thoughtfulness was evident everywhere. For several days, the room remained fresh and clean. Even when we went out for the day and brought back sand and beach items, the housekeeping staff meticulously cleaned the sand particles from the courtyard and room the next day, keeping the entire villa spotless. The area around the villa's pool was also cleaned, with fallen leaves and debris promptly cleared, ensuring the courtyard environment remained neat and comfortable.
The housekeeping staff always greeted guests with a smile and sincere demeanor, without any perfunctoriness. You could tell the housekeeping team was professionally trained and dedicated to every room and every guest. Although some hotel facilities showed their age, the room maintenance was excellent. The housekeeping team consistently carried out daily upkeep and promptly reported any equipment issues to ensure guests' comfort as much as possible. It is precisely the diligent cleaning and thoughtful service of the housekeeping staff, day in and day out, that made the entire stay warm and pleasant. When on vacation, a clean and safe room is fundamental, and the Pullman housekeeping team exceeded expectations.
The hotel's amenities are also very good. The in-park buggies were available on demand, shuttle services made travel convenient, and breakfast offered a rich variety. The distance to Yalong Bay Beach was not far. Our family enjoyed relaxing in the villa's courtyard and soaking in the private pool, making for a truly vacation-like experience.
A big thank you to all the housekeeping staff for their patient, meticulous, and thoughtful service. They created a comfortable and safe living environment for us with their professionalism and dedication. The housekeeping service at Pullman Yalong Bay is highly commendable, and I strongly recommend it to anyone vacationing in Sanya. The next time we visit Yalong Bay, we will still prioritize Pullman and look forward to meeting this warm housekeeping team again, especially the butler Chen Shanzhu and housekeeper Xu Yiming, and Sun Youhui. Thank you, and see you next time.FromIDR 2,263,044
Good5914 Reviews
Yalong Bay Sanya|13.95km from city centre
Highly recommended! Full marks for the Grand Mercure & Swissotel Sanya Yalong Bay. The hotel has comprehensive hardware facilities, attentive and thoughtful service, and beautiful landscaped grounds that are perfect for taking stunning photos. The room living experience was exceptional, with all facilities well-maintained. The hotel also provides private beach chairs and towels. The guest rooms are very spacious, featuring a lovely balcony and great natural lighting. The separate bathroom is clean and practical. The breakfast offers a rich variety of dishes with great taste. Every detail is handled with care. Truly worth recommending!FromIDR 1,319,883
Very Good9436 Reviews
Sanya Bay Sanya|2.03km from city centre
After the kids went back to work after the holiday, the two of us moved here from Haitang Bay, hoping to find a location with a bit more local vibe, and we weren't disappointed. The hotel room is small but clean and tidy. The street-facing balcony is a bit noisy, but once the door is closed, it's completely quiet. The staff are wonderful—always greeting us when coming and going, and immediately helping with any requests. The surrounding area has great amenities with plenty of dining options, and the beach is just across the street with nice scenery. All in all, it's very convenient. We especially loved the infinity pool; the water depth is perfect for adults, and it doesn't feel cold even on rainy days while taking in the views.FromIDR 864,564
Excellent13852 Reviews
Sanya Bay Sanya|7.16km from city centre
An Unforgettable Stay at Pullman Sanya Bay – Special Appreciation to Mila! 💜
Our stay at Pullman Sanya Bay was truly amazing, filled with beautiful memories that my family and I will cherish for years to come.
I would especially like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Mila, the lovely receptionist, whose exceptional hospitality, kindness, and sincerity made our stay even more meaningful.
As we were celebrating my mother's birthday abroad, I approached Mila for assistance in arranging a special birthday surprise in our room. From the very beginning, she was incredibly patient, thoughtful, and willing to help. Her genuine kindness and dedication truly touched my heart.
Thanks to Mila's wonderful efforts, the room was beautifully decorated, creating a simple yet incredibly meaningful birthday celebration for my mother. My mother was so deeply touched by the surprise that she was moved to tears. 🥹❤️ It was a precious moment that our family will never forget.
What impressed me even more was learning that Mila is only a trainee! Despite being at the beginning of her hospitality career, she demonstrated such professionalism, compassion, and genuine care for her guests.
To the management of Pullman, I sincerely hope Mila receives the recognition she deserves. She may be a trainee, but she has already made an extraordinary difference in our guest experience. Employees like her are truly valuable assets to the hospitality industry.
Dear Mila, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have left a beautiful imprint on our family trip and played an unforgettable role in making my mother's birthday so special.
May God bless you and your family with good health, happiness, and continued success. Keep shining, Mila! 🌷💜
We look forward to returning to Pullman someday!
P.S. The beautiful flowers and birthday cake were specially arranged by Mila through an online platform. Her willingness to go the extra mile made this surprise possible, and we are truly grateful! 💐🎂💜FromIDR 2,054,356
Outstanding24921 Reviews
Yalong Bay Sanya|13.08km from city centre
I brought my parents on a trip to Sanya and stayed in the Ambassador Suite in Building 2, Room 202 for three days. The location is just ideal for watching the sunrise in the morning. True to its reputation, the Sheraton is located right in the prime spot of Yalong Bay and is fantastic for taking photos. The scenery truly lives up to its title as the ”No. 1 Bay in the World,” and my parents took so many photos that their phone batteries actually ran dead.
The hotel's public areas are stunning. Upon check-in, you are given a daily activity schedule with something for all ages. My parents especially loved the Li minority bamboo dance and bonfire party at 7:00 PM every evening—it has a wonderful local touch.
The hotel service is incredibly thoughtful, truly living up to five-star standards. Here are two examples that really touched me:
1. Because the Ambassador Suite is very spacious, cleaning takes a bit longer. Seeing that I was traveling with two elderly people, the front desk thoughtfully arranged a nearby room for us to take a midday nap and rest while our suite was being prepared. Once it was ready, they brought the room key over and told us to let my parents sleep naturally before moving into our official suite. That was so considerate.
2. My parents had a slight misunderstanding about some of the special activities during their stay. I casually mentioned this to the front desk staff when checking out. The hotel took it very seriously, investigated the matter thoroughly, and proactively called us after we had already checked out to offer a very sincere apology for the impact on my parents' experience. Both of my parents were deeply moved by this.
All in all, I am extremely satisfied with this hotel stay.FromIDR 2,693,971
Swimming pool
Outstanding11947 Reviews
Sanya Bay Sanya|8.37km from city centre
An absolutely wonderful stay! Butler Jolin contacted me the day before to coordinate our arrival details, making the check-in process the next day a breeze. When we got to the room, the sea-view room Jolin arranged for us was just amazing 🌹 Being on a high floor with a direct ocean view, the perspective was wide open, and the Coconut Dream Corridor was right across the way. During our stay, whenever I had a question, Jolin replied in seconds. She even brought us complimentary cookies and fruit! Her service was so thoughtful, and I'm very grateful—definitely deserve a big thumbs-up~ Down on the basement level (B1), there's a family activity center with a swimming pool, a water park, and kids' programs, including DIY crafts and water bubble fun. Dining and entertainment around the area are also super convenient, with night markets, the ”Eye of the Sea,” and local eateries all nearby. It was fantastic! We originally only booked for two nights, but decisively extended our stay right after checking in. All in all, Howard Johnson Resort Sanya Bay offers incredible value for money!FromIDR 1,203,343
Outstanding28815 Reviews
Yalong Bay Sanya|12.69km from city centre
Special thanks to our butler, Linda, for her excellent service throughout our stay. She communicated promptly whenever we had questions. Although our originally requested room on the 4th floor of Building 8 wasn't available on the day of check-in, we were assigned room 8108—a centrally located room on the 1st floor of Building 8. The stay was wonderful and nowhere near as bad as some online reviews suggested!
Room 8108 offers easy access to the public areas, making it ideal for families traveling with elderly members and children. For those who frequently visit the public areas and need to change clothes often, you can enter the room directly through the lawn. The view was decent, though not a full ocean view, and it was a bit damp with some mosquitoes and bugs.
On the second day, once a room on the 4th floor became available, Linda arranged our room change right away. While room 8408 isn't as convenient to get around as the 1st floor—you have to walk to Building 7 to take the elevator down to the 1st floor for public areas, and walk to Building 7, go down to the 3rd floor, and walk a bit further to reach the lobby—the view is truly fantastic and a striking upgrade from the 1st floor!FromIDR 3,016,489
Good18060 Reviews
Haitang Bay Sanya|26.5km from city centre
Although there was a slight wait for check-in, the lounge nearby with tea and TV made the wait less bothersome. The hotel facilities are incredibly well-maintained, and there was absolutely no strange odor upon entering the room. The large lawn was truly refreshing to see. Even with so many people during the National Day holiday, the pool wasn't overly crowded and the water quality was very clean. Our butler, Felix, added me on WeChat in advance, sent the National Day activity schedule, and his replies were always prompt, resolving issues quickly – definitely not an automated response! The evening buffet had performances and a raffle. Honestly, apart from the TV being a bit old and not allowing screen mirroring, there's absolutely nothing to complain about. Shangri-La, please keep up this standard!FromIDR 1,897,163
Outstanding17201 Reviews
Yalong Bay Sanya|12.92km from city centre
Stayed at the Yalong Bay Marriott for two nights with my elderly parents, and they loved it. The resort grounds are flat and easy to walk on, with virtually no slopes from the lobby to the beach, making it a breeze to take a leisurely stroll with them. The landscaping is open and breezy, and after taking a morning walk around the gardens, the elders kept saying how rejuvenating this place is—so much more comfortable than walking around our residential neighborhood.
Our butler, Bailu, was a real standout this time—she arranged for our two rooms to be close to each other and was always responsive to our requests. The service was genuine and attentive, absolutely top-notch. Next time the whole family visits Sanya, there's no need to look anywhere else; we'll definitely stay here again and will be asking for Bailu.FromIDR 3,482,649
Excellent10555 Reviews
Dadonghai Beach Sanya|4.7km from city centre
I've been coming to the InterContinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort for six consecutive years, and I've always been satisfied. Sanya has several bays, but Dadonghai best fits the image of a clear, gradually deepening ocean with sandy beaches and coconut trees.
Yalong Bay beach isn't always accessible, and Haitang Bay is more suitable for duty-free shopping. Dadonghai is close to the city center and the airport, and the road to the airport is relatively easy to navigate, being within the city.
Dadonghai has corals, making it suitable for beachcombing, snorkeling, and some friends were also paddleboarding there.
Let's talk about the hotel. The InterContinental's design is very thoughtful. It won a gold award for hotel architecture back in the day, drawing inspiration from local ethnic minority handicrafts and incorporating many aesthetic elements of traditional Chinese architecture, such as borrowed scenery, symmetry, carved landscapes, and the use of water features. The element of water is also extensively used in other InterContinental hotels. Green landscaping is interspersed throughout the hotel, allowing guests to relax and enjoy their vacation. I've stayed at other hotels in Sanya, where some, to accommodate more rooms, make guests walk a lot without any scenic views along the way. The InterContinental, however, offers a new delightful view with every step.
This time, booking through Trip.com, I had a butler, Annie, who communicated with me via WeChat throughout my stay. This is an exclusive Trip.com service. The butler was professional and answered all my questions. Sometimes she'd reply even at 10 PM, which made me feel a bit embarrassed.
This stay was in a one-bedroom villa, which offers unbeatable value for money. It has a small courtyard, a private plunge pool, and you can see the ocean right from your bed. The Executive Lounge is also free to use and offers breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner. Breakfast isn't crowded, with a separate menu. The dishes aren't as extensive as the Mediterranean restaurant, but it's good enough for breakfast. The Executive Lounge's afternoon tea includes sandwiches, burgers, fruits, cakes, soft drinks, and Qingbuliang (a local dessert). The Executive Lounge is right by the sea, with both indoor and outdoor seating, all very comfortable. Dinner includes alcoholic beverages, Chinese and Western salads, hot Chinese and Western dishes, noodles, and cakes, satisfying dinner needs with healthy and delicious options, as expected from a good hotel.
Thanks to the housekeeping staff, Ms. Guo Junfang, for her warm service every day. When she saw the pool was dirty, she immediately contacted customer service to have it cleaned.
All the hotel staff are excellent, including the electricians, air-conditioning repair personnel, the gentlemen and ladies in white uniforms at the Executive Lounge, and the gentlemen and ladies in blue uniforms at the Executive Lounge, as well as the chefs. They are all very good, highly professional, and diligent.
Due to many foreign guests, the hotel has a good number of international staff. The service has improved compared to two years ago.
Regarding check-in wait times, I arrived at 12 PM, had lunch, and waited for 40 minutes before checking in. During the wait, I was given drink vouchers. The hotel usually has a 12 PM check-out time, and rooms require thorough cleaning afterward. Some friends shouldn't be unhappy about this; just enjoy the beautiful scenery and walk around a bit.
I will continue to stay here again and again, like visiting a friend.FromIDR 2,794,250
⭐ Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Sanya
Guanyin statue in the Nanshan Cultural Zone🙏
The great symbol of Sanya and one of the most imposing Buddhist monuments in the world. Its presence facing the sea is breathtaking.
📌 Trip Tip: the park is huge, so don't skimp on the tourist bus to get around it. Bring water and sun protection, and wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees so you can access the temples.
Wuzhizhou Island 🏝️
A paradise for diving and water sports. Its crystal-clear waters and the famous Lovers' Bridge make it the queen of Sanya's islands.
📌 Trip Tip: arrive before 10:00 am to avoid queues. Set aside a full half-day and don't forget your sun cream.
Yalong Bay and its park🌴
The most beautiful beach in Sanya combined with a jungle in the heights. The views from the suspension bridge and the glass-bottomed viewpoint are spectacular.
📌 Trip Tip: visit the forest park first thing in the morning (around 7:00 am) to avoid the heat. The afternoon is perfect for the beach.
Luhuitou Park Viewpoint 🦌
The best free viewpoint in the city. The panoramic views at sunset, with the sea and the lights of Sanya, are one of the most beautiful scenes you will take away with you.
📌 Trip Tip: go at sunset and bring mosquito repellent. You can take the bus to save time and effort.
Tianya Haijiao 🌅
China's symbolic "end of the world". Its engraved rocks and romantic atmosphere make it an almost essential stop for postcard-perfect photos.
📌 Trip Tip: make the most of it at sunset and combine it with a seafood dinner at the nearby First Market.
☀️ Best Time to Visit Sanya
Before visiting this paradise, it's important to take the weather and crowd levels into account. November to April is considered high season, as the weather is stable and the temperatures are pleasant.
From May to October, it's the complete opposite: temperatures often climb above 30ºC, humidity levels rise, and you might encounter the risk of heavy rainstorms.
Season | What it's like | Recommendation |
November to February | Dry and cool season. This is Sanya's "winter", with daytime temperatures of 25-28°C and cooler nights (18-22°C). | The best time to travel. The weather is ideal for the beach, diving, and outdoor activities. Avoid Chinese New Year (January/February), as the city gets packed with domestic tourists and prices skyrocket. |
March and April | Temperatures start to rise (28-32°C) and humidity increases slightly. The days remain mostly sunny. | A great time to visit, with an excellent balance: the weather is still pleasant, there are fewer tourists than in the winter months, and prices drop. |
May to June | Start of the rainy season. The heat and humidity increase significantly. | Acceptable if you don't mind the heat. You can find deals on accommodation, but you need to be prepared for the rain and the humidity. |
July to October | Typhoon and heavy rain season. It is the hottest, most humid, and most unstable time of year. | Not recommended. The sea is often rough, it rains frequently, and there's a risk that outdoor activities or island excursions might be cancelled. |
We recommend travelling between November and April, always keeping local holidays in mind, with March and April offering the best balance between weather and price.
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🥢 What to Eat in Sanya
Sanya's cuisine combines the taste of the sea with the intensity of tropical flavours. You'll find everything from hearty stews to seafood and meat dishes. Without a doubt, trying the island's gastronomy is an experience you simply cannot miss.
- Coconut chicken: tender chicken cooked in the pure juice of three green coconuts. A sweet broth with an intense coconut aroma.
- Zaopo: a sweet and sour broth fermented with rice wine, in which fresh seafood is cooked. A refreshing and addictive flavour.
- Fresh seafood: a coastal essential. Try the steamed grouper or the stir-fried crab. Buy them at the market and have them cooked on the spot.
- Hainan noodles: thin noodles with fried peanuts, bean sprouts, pork, and a special sauce. A classic that never fails.
- Tengqiao fried ribs: ribs marinated in honey and fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Qing Bu Liang: a refreshing dessert with coconut milk, fruit, red beans, taro, and tapioca. Perfect for beating the heat.
🚇 Transport Options in Sanya
Sanya has its own international airport: Sanya Phoenix International Airport, with the code SYX.
Although Sanya doesn't have an underground system, it does have an 8.37-kilometre tram line with 15 stops. It connects the city centre with Sanya railway station, and a ticket costs around £0.35.
The most budget-friendly option is the local bus. The city has an extensive network of routes connecting the centre with the beaches and other places of interest. Tickets start from £0.20, but bear in mind that journey times can be longer during rush hour.
For getting around more comfortably, you can use taxis or ride-hailing apps like DiDi. Some orange vehicles identified with the “Hainan Trusted Pay” logo allow you to pay with international bank cards.
Renting a car can be a great alternative if you're travelling in a group or want to explore other parts of Hainan Island at your own pace. One of the advantages is that the island's motorways are toll-free. Plus, for short trips along the coast, it's also common to hire a bicycle or an electric scooter.
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📱 Sanya Travel tips
- Book tickets for the most popular attractions in advance.
- Always carry your passport, as you may be asked for it to access certain places.
- Download map, translation, transport, and payment apps before you arrive.
- Check the entry requirements for China.
- Consider getting an eSIM for China with a VPN.
- Check out how to use Alipay in China safely.
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✈️ Book your flight + hotel in China at the best price on Trip.com.
❓ FAQ – Things to Do in Sanya
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