Su Lin
What's Inside
I've been guiding travelers in Sanya for over a decade, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that most visitors try to cram too much into their trip. They end up exhausted, sunburned, and missing the real magic of this tropical paradise. This classic itinerary is exactly what I recommend to friends—five days that balance beach time, culture, and food without feeling rushed. Let me walk you through it.
Day 1: Arrival & Yalong Bay Bliss
Fly into Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX). Most international flights arrive via Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. Grab a taxi or pre-book a transfer—don't bother with the bus if you have luggage. The ride to Yalong Bay takes about 40 minutes (around 120 RMB). Check into one of the beachfront resorts; I personally love the Ritz-Carlton Sanya for its impeccable service, but the MGM Grand Sanya is a solid mid-range option.
Afternoon: Hit the beach. Yalong Bay has the clearest water and softest sand in Sanya. Rent a paddleboard or just float in the calm waves. The sun is brutal between 11am-3pm, so I usually tell guests to wait until 3:30pm. Trust me—you'll avoid a lobster-red back.
Evening: Head to the Dongjiao Seafood Market (about 10 minutes by taxi). Pick fresh seafood from the stalls, then have the nearby restaurants cook it for you. The garlic steamed lobster is my must-order. Prices? Negotiate hard—they start high with tourists. A meal for two with drinks runs about 250-350 RMB.
Day 2: Cultural Highlights – Nanshan & Tianya Haijiao
Today we dive into Sanya's cultural side. Start early—7:30am is ideal.
Nanshan Temple
Located about 40 minutes from Yalong Bay. Entrance is 129 RMB (adult), open 8:00-17:30. The highlight is the 108-meter-tall Guanyin statue standing in the sea. I once watched a group of Buddhist monks chanting there at dawn—goosebumps every time. Spend about 2-3 hours. Avoid the electric cart (30 RMB) unless you're in a hurry; the walk through the gardens is lovely.
Tianya Haijiao
After lunch, drive 20 minutes south. Entrance is 81 RMB. The name means "End of the Sky and Corner of the Sea"—a romantic spot with massive boulders and palm trees. Honestly, it's a bit touristy, but the beach is nice. Skip the crowded photo spots near the entrance; walk 10 minutes east for quieter stretches. Allow 1.5 hours.
Evening: Return to the resort area for dinner. I recommend Shrimp King on Longhai Road—their spicy crab and coconut rice are legendary. Pro tip: ask for the "local menu" (not the tourist one) to save 30%.
Day 3: Island Escape – Wuzhizhou
Wuzhizhou Island is a 30-minute ferry from the mainland at Houhai Village. First ferry departs at 8:00am; return by 17:30. I suggest taking the 8:30 ferry to avoid the crowds. Entrance + ferry combo is 144 RMB (book via WeChat mini-program "蜈支洲岛" for a small discount).
The water here is unreal – turquoise and calm. Snorkeling is the main draw. Rent gear for about 100 RMB on the island (bring your own mask if you're picky). The coral reef garden is shallow and perfect for beginners. I've seen clownfish, parrotfish, and even a sea turtle once.
For lunch, the beachfront BBQ fish is decent – a grilled whole fish with rice and veggies for 80 RMB. Avoid the overpriced Western buffet.
Afternoon: Hike up to the lighthouse viewpoint – a 15-minute uphill walk but 360-degree views. Then chill on the secluded eastern beach (many tourists don't venture there). Leave the island by 15:30 to beat the rush.
Day 4: City Sights & Seafood Feast
Today we explore Sanya city and eat our weight in seafood.
Luhuitou Park
Start at 9am. Entrance is 42 RMB (elevator up optional 15 RMB). The park offers panoramic views of Sanya Bay and the city. The story behind the park is a local legend about a deer that turned into a girl – ask any local to tell you. I always laugh at the giant deer statues; they're a bit kitschy but fun. Spend 1 hour.
Sanya's First Market
Head to this bustling market around 11am. It's a maze of fruit stalls, dried seafood, and local snacks. Buy some mangoes (the Qiong Mango variety is the sweetest) and try a bowl of mian ye (noodle soup with coconut milk). Then choose your seafood for lunch – there are dozens of stalls. I always go to stall 12 (Auntie Li) – she's honest and her crabs are always fat. Take your purchases to a nearby cooking stall (like Lin Jie) and they'll prepare a feast for a small fee (about 20 RMB per dish). The whole meal will cost around 150-200 RMB per person.
Afternoon: Wander along the nearby Haitang Bay promenade or visit the Sanya Pearl Museum (free entry, but they push sales). Honestly, I'd rather nap at the hotel.
Evening: For a splurge, book a table at Undersea Restaurant at Atlantis Sanya. Dinner with aquarium views starts at 800 RMB per person. Pre-book at least a week ahead via Trip.com.
Day 5: Relaxed Departure or Add-Ons
If your flight is in the afternoon, squeeze in a morning swim or visit Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone (1 hour drive, 150 RMB entrance) for waterfall views. Otherwise, sleep in, enjoy one last beach walk, and head to the airport 2 hours early. The airport has decent duty-free shopping for Hainan specialties like coconut candy and local tea.
How to Get Around
| Method | Cost (RMB) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi (Didí app) | 10-30 per trip (within city) | Short hops, especially with luggage |
| Bus (Route 25, 27) | 2-10 per ride | Budget travel, Yalong Bay to city |
| Rental car (via platforms like Ctrip) | 150-300/day | Groups, exploring outskirts like Yanoda |
| Bicycle (shared) | 1-2 per 30 min | Short distances on flat roads |
I recommend using the Didí app (like Uber) for convenience. Taxis are plentiful but drivers often refuse short rides. Buses are air-conditioned and cheap – route 25 goes from Yalong Bay to Tianya Haijiao (one hour).
Where to Stay
Yalong Bay: Best beaches, luxury resorts. Per night: 800-2,500 RMB (standard rooms).
Sanya Bay: Cheaper, closer to airport, but water is murkier. Per night: 300-800 RMB.
Dadonghai Bay: Central location, good for budget travelers. Per night: 200-600 RMB.
For first-timers, I always recommend Yalong Bay. The extra cost is worth it for the swimming conditions and resort amenities. If you're on a tight budget, Dadonghai has plenty of hostels and guesthouses – just be prepared for occasional traffic noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
*Prices and schedules may vary – always check official sources via WeChat or Trip.com before your trip.
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