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Фотогалерея ‒ Sanya, China

Guide to Sanya

Sanya Virtual Tour

The resort of Sanya has earned the unofficial nickname "Chinese Hawaii." Hainan is the only island in the country with a tropical climate, where there's no snow or cold. The tourist season typically lasts from November to May, but you can visit here at any time of the year.

The best beach in the vicinity of Sanya is Dadunhai, located three kilometers from the city. A bit further, 25 kilometers from the resort, you'll find the famous Yalunwan Bay, often referred to as "paradise on Earth" by the Chinese. If you're a fan of rocky coasts, you can take a ferry to the Luhoytou Peninsula.

Sanya is a fantastic destination for water sports enthusiasts. Not far from the resort lies the only coral reserve in China, home to around 600 species of fish and animals. You can explore beautiful caves, shipwrecks, and even airplanes that crashed in these waters. For those without a diving certificate, there are options to dive with two professional instructors.

It takes just an hour to reach the Xinglong Thermal Spring Valley from Sanya. Here, guests can relax in one of the healing water baths or book wellness treatments at a traditional Chinese medicine center.

Tips for tourists

Population
685 408
Time zone
UTC+8
Language
Chinese
Currency
Yuan (CNY)

Tours to Sanya

Hainan Island will introduce you to the great China from an entirely new and unexplored perspective. This landmass in the South China Sea offers a truly wonderful nature retreat.

Due to certain historical circumstances, travelers have only recently begun to take an interest in tours to Hainan. For a long time, it was a closed naval base. However, the stunning climate, pristine nature, and unique landscapes eventually convinced investors to turn the island into a major tourist hub.

Today, Hainan is not only the greenest island in all of China but also one of the most environmentally friendly areas in the world. So, if you want to spend your vacation far from harmful industries, consider booking a last-minute tour to Sanya.

This area attracts visitors not only with the best beaches on the coast and untouched natural beauty. The island's mild tropical climate allows tourists to visit almost all year round.

However, we recommend postponing your trip if you have planned it between October and early December. During this time, last-minute deals can be incredibly cheap, but this is due to the rainy season. In this part of China, it often brings strong typhoons.

Finding cheap flights to Sanya is quite challenging, as ticket prices depend on flight duration. Prices start at 850 USD per person for a round trip. So, if you are traveling as a couple, your budget should be no less than 3000 USD.

Affordable accommodation options in Sanya can be found in hostels. A dormitory bed costs around 10-15 USD, while elite four-star apartments will cost about 220 USD per night.

Interesting places in Sanya

There are many iconic sights to which you'll repeatedly be offered excursions by hotel guides and local tour operators. Many people prefer to travel around the island on their own, compiling an individual itinerary. Shopping enthusiasts can explore Sanya's major shopping malls, while those who love the lively nightlife will find Times Coast Bar Street to be a perfect destination, where bars, clubs, and discos in Sanya are concentrated.

Sights

Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

Sanya is a popular resort on Hainan Island, accessible from Europe only with layovers. Most travelers fly via Beijing, Guangzhou, or Shanghai before taking a domestic flight. Airlines such as Air China, China Southern, KLM, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways offer convenient routes from Warsaw, Frankfurt, Budapest, Prague, Barcelona, and Chișinău.

Round-trip flights from Berlin start at 720 euros, from Vienna at 690 euros, and from Madrid at 750 euros. Occasionally, airline promotions help reduce costs. To save money, it's best to book tickets in advance, as prices can rise significantly during the high season.

The best hotels in Sanya

There are 66 hotels and 14 hostels in the city. A bed and breakfast can be found for as little as 15 USD, and a double room in a 4* hotel will cost you 45-105 USD per night, depending on the season. The cost of accommodation in the best hotels in Sanya reaches 750 USD per day. Tourists with a large budget choose Ocean Sonic Resort, MGM Grand, Sanya Marriott Yalong Bay Resort & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, located on the first line. Sanya February Sea Seaview and Kesile Apart Hotel offer good conditions and affordable prices.

Find out more about the cost of accommodation in Sanya

The cost of vacation

The largest portion of your expenses will likely go toward flights, so it's advisable to purchase tickets in advance (as many airlines tend to raise prices as the departure date approaches). Accommodation options in Sanya cater to all tastes and budgets, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. You'll also find plenty of affordable local cuisine served in cafes.

While excursions can be somewhat costly, they are essential for a complete vacation experience in Sanya. We recommend setting aside around 100 USD per day for sightseeing and other forms of entertainment.

The budget for a trip to Sanya
Flight от 1800 USD Accomodation from 45 USD per day
Average check in a restaurant from 135 CNY (about 20 USD) Transportation fare from 8 CNY (about 1.2 USD)
Excursion from 300 CNY (about 45 USD)
Total: about 2810 USD for a week for two people

Sanya: tips for tourists

A vacation in China requires careful preparation. We have gathered all the practical information that can be useful for travelers. With tripmydream, your vacation will go off without a hitch!

Visa to Sanya

Citizens of the European Union can visit Hainan Island without a visa for up to 30 days. Since May 1, 2018, Hainan Province has implemented a visa-free regime for citizens of 59 countries, including EU countries.

Conditions for visa-free entry:

Purpose of travel: tourism.

Duration of stay: up to 30 days.

Restrictions: Visa-free entry is only valid on the territory of Hainan Island; to visit other regions of China, an appropriate visa is required.

Sanya Airport

Phoenix International Airport is located 11 kilometers from Sanya. Opened in 1994, the passenger terminal was renovated in 2007. The airport is expected to handle up to 6 million people a year in the near future.

Airport transfers to Sanya

From 6:00 to 22:30, the airport bus No. 8 will take you to the city center in just 15 minutes at a cost of CNY 10. If you want to get to your hotel without transferring, take a cab. It costs about 30 CNY.

Public transportation in Sanya

There are several buses in the city, and a ticket costs around 8 CNY. You can also rent a bicycle from a hotel or street vendor (10-20 CNY per hour) or take a cab (7 CNY plus 2 CNY per kilometer).

Car rental in Sanya

A car will cost from 60 USD per day, and a liter of gasoline costs about 8 CNY (1.2 USD). The law requires you to have a certificate from the local highway authority, so you can rent a car with a driver (which costs CHY 100-200 per day).

Security in Sanya

As in any resort town, theft does happen, so avoid taking original documents, large amounts of cash (a bank card can successfully replace them) and expensive jewelry to the beach or for a walk. It's safer to keep valuables in the hotel safe.

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