Sanya Beaches in Hainan Province of China, About Sanya, How to Reach

Traditionally, travelling in China is understood as witnessing the vibrant culture of this country through its flourishing city life. But away from the overwhelming energy of the cities, there's a quieter tropical beach in China that'll shatter all your conventional notions about exploring this country.

The beach city of China, Sanya, lies in the southernmost part of Hainan, the island province of China. The golden arcs of the sun drench the beaches of Sanya and make it a favourite with Chinese locals as well as tourists. Travellers call it the Hawaii of China making the rest of the world curious about this beach paradise by the South China Sea.

Here's all you need to know to plan a seaside getaway to Sanya, the stunning beachside of China this year.

Sanya

All about Sanya

This Chinese beach vacation spot had been a chosen getaway spot for local Chinese tourists, but it was the Russian vacationers who put the city of Sanya on the global tourist map.

The 209km long coastline along the South China Sea is dedicated to travellers and has been developed keeping in mind the interests of the holidaymakers in the region. In Sanya, you have five beaches to choose from: Yalong Bay, Dadonghai, Sanya Bay, Haitang Bay and Clear Water Bay. To help you pick the one that best suits your holiday, here's a short destination guide to the five beaches of Sanya.

Best time to visit Sanya

The weather conditions in Sanya stay comfortable throughout, and that is why it sees a regular influx of travellers all year round. The beaches however remain blissfully quiet during March to May and October to November when the Christmas and New Year festivities are over.

How to reach Sanya

By Air: Most visitors reach Sanya by flight. The Sanya Phoenix Airport is located on the south side of the Hainan Island and the Haikou Meilan Airport is in the north.

If you're in China take a transit flight via Guangzhou. Regular flights are available daily from Guangzhou to Sanya.

International flights to Sanya are limited so opting for a connecting flight from Shanghai Pudong Airport is recommended since the prices are cheap and regular flights are available to Sanya from here everyday.

The Five Beaches of Sanya

Yalong Bay

Yalong Bay Beach stands at a comfortable 30-minute drive away from the Sanya Airport towards the southeast side of Sanya City. The turquoise sea surrounding this golden beach has made it one of the most popular Chinese vacation beaches in this region and the 7km long coastline is also known as the Yalong Bay National Resort.

Things to do: You can make a visit to the rainforest or the Yalong Bay golf club on quiet mornings. Butterfly Valley located on the eastern side of this beach has an exhibition house constructed in the shape of a butterfly and is home to some of the most rare and precious species of these insects.

Suggested place to stay: Princess Palace Villa

Hotel Price: ₹14,634 per night

Photo of The Stunning Beaches Of Sanya, China: This Tropical Paradise Is Know As The Hawaii Of China by Tripoto

Dadonghai Tourism Area

This 3-km long stretch of coast fringed with coconut trees lies between Mt. Tuziwei and Mt. Luhuitou. This sandy beach is closer to downtown Sanya, compared to Yalong. On the east end of the beach, the coastal park is an ideal spot to watch the vast expanse of the sea and the gorgeous landscape. Dadonghai is one of the smallest beaches in Sanya and is home to many budget backpacking hostels for long-term travellers.

Things to do: Dadonghai is the beach where you can find quality western food at reasonable prices. Dolphin Bar and Sanya Surf Circus are recommended for food and have a relaxing ambience. The diving club, beach bars and supermarkets around the beach keep visitors occupied while in Dadonghai.

Suggested place to stay: Mino Bed and Breakfast

Hotel price: ₹5,588 per night

Sanya Harbour

Sanya Bay stands 10 minutes away from the Sanya Airport. It is also just minutes away from downtown Sanya. Sanya Bay is warmer than other beaches during winter, due to the winds from northern China. This beach in China is not as popular as Yalong Bay, but it has a 22-km coastline that attracts travellers throughout the year due to cheaper rates of accommodation. Unlike other beaches, you can see English and Russian signboards on this beach due to the regular influx of foreign travellers.

Things to do: At the southern end of Sanya Bay, Time Coast is the place for the best bars and nightclubs in the region. Sanya Bay is also known for Phoenix Island, an artificial island where five spectacular twin towers stand. Luhuitou Park is another spot to catch stunning views of the Phoenix Island. Other major attractions here include visiting the Nanshan Park and the Guan Yin of the South Sea of Sanya, a 354 ft statue of the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara.

Place to stay: Nordic Flower House

Hotel price: ₹2,860 per night

Haitang Bay

Haitang Bay is located further away from downtown Sanya compared to Yalong Bay and hence promises a quieter escape. The bay has a 42.3km long coastline replete with newly-constructed hotels and villas that are cheaper than accommodation in Yalong Bay.

Things to do: Indulge in some retail therapy at Haitang Bay duty-free shopping complex. Almost 2km away from Haitang Bay, the Sunrising Rock makes for a stunning spot to explore the outdoors when in Haitang.

Suggested place to stay: Begonia Bay Townhouse

Hotel price: ₹6,053 per night

Clear Water Bay

Clear Water Bay is distant beach from downtown Sanya and is located almost 35km from the city. This seaside in China is known for its unparalleled vistas and has a stunning 12 meter visibility under the ocean. This secluded beach is one of the few beachside destinations where you can hear the singing of the sand, a rare whistling sound caused by the wind passing over the beaches. Hawaii and the Golden coast of Australia are two other beaches where a similar phenomenon is experienced.