город и курорт

Sanya: a tropical sea on Hainan Island

Sanya is China's main beach resort, in the south of Hainan Island. It offers a warm sea in winter, bays lined with international chain hotels and large-scale duty-free shopping.

best time

October to April, with November–March the most comfortable months

highlights

  1. IYalong Bay, Dadonghai, Sanya Bay and Haitang Bay
  2. IIA warm sea in the winter months
  3. IIIA duty-free shopping complex
  4. IVNanshan Park with the Guanyin statue
  5. VYalong Bay Tropical Forest

Who Sanya suits

Sanya is for those who want a winter beach holiday in large, modern hotels. It is popular with families with children, couples and anyone combining the beach with shopping: Hainan has a special duty-free regime, and its huge shopping complexes are a reason to visit in their own right.

If you have already been to Turkey and the UAE and are looking for where to go for a winter beach break, Sanya offers something new: a different cuisine, tropical nature and Chinese character.

When to go

The season runs from October to April. November to March offers the most comfortable conditions: sunny and dry, with warm days and a sea that is good for swimming. January evenings can be cool, so bring a sweater.

From May the heat builds, and summer is very humid. July to October is typhoon season: a storm can spoil a few days of your holiday and affect flights. Chinese New Year (January–February) is peak time for domestic tourism, and hotel prices rise sharply.

Where to stay

Yalong Bay

The most prestigious bay: clear water, white sand and international chain hotels. It is quieter here, and the city is far away. The best choice for a beach holiday and for families.

Dadonghai

A bay next to the city, with lots of cafés, shops and markets, and places to walk in the evening. Hotels are simpler and cheaper; the beach is busy, and the water is sometimes less clear.

Sanya Bay

A long city promenade with sunset views. Convenient if you want to stay in town and not rely on taxis.

Haitang Bay

A new bay in the northeast with large resort hotels and a duty-free shopping centre. The beaches are long, but some spots can have waves, so families with toddlers should choose their hotel carefully.

What to see

  • Nanshan Buddhist Park. A huge statue of the goddess Guanyin standing right in the sea, plus temples and gardens.
  • Yalong Bay Tropical Forest. Suspension bridges, viewpoints and views over the bay.
  • The End of the Earth (Tianya Haijiao). Coastal rocks carved with characters, a favourite with Chinese tourists.
  • Wuzhizhou Island. Diving and snorkelling in clear water.
  • Monkey Island. A cable car over the sea to a macaque reserve.
  • Duty-free centre. Cosmetics, watches and electronics; allow at least half a day.

How many days to plan

For a beach holiday, 7–10 days. If you want to combine the sea with cities, take two weeks: a few days in Beijing or Shanghai, then a domestic flight to Hainan and a week by the sea.

Good to know

Flights from Tashkent: our manager will find direct and connecting options. It is often easier to fly via a major Chinese hub.

Set up mobile payments and internet access in advance: many familiar apps don’t work in China without extra tools. Hotel staff understand English, but taxi drivers and market vendors rarely do, so a translation app on your phone helps.

The sun in southern Hainan is harsh even in winter. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a hat and water.

Entry rules for Hainan differ from the general rules for China and are reviewed from time to time. Rules are given as of October 2026 and may change: check with our manager or the official embassy website before you travel.

Food and hotel life

Sanya is big on seafood: at the Dadonghai market, people buy fish and prawns and take them to nearby cafés to be cooked. There are halal restaurants in the city, but fewer than in Beijing, so Muslim families often find hotels with a clear meal plan more convenient. Large resort hotels have kids’ clubs, pools and restaurants serving different cuisines, so many guests spend most of their time on site and go out for just one or two excursions.

Let us plan your Sanya holiday

Send a request, message us on Telegram @GlobalDestination1 or call +998 99 760-82-88. Our manager will pick the bay and hotel to suit your style of holiday, arrange flights and, if needed, add a city leg to your route.

Updated: 2026-10

FAQ

When is the best time to go to Sanya?

October to April. In winter the days are warm, the sea is fine for swimming and there is little rain. Summer is hot and humid, and typhoons are possible from July to October.

Which bay should I choose in Sanya?

For a relaxed beach holiday, Yalong Bay: clear water and upscale hotels. Dadonghai is for those who want the city close by. Haitang is a new, long bay with large hotels and a duty-free centre.

Is Sanya good for a holiday with children?

Yes. Many hotels have kids' clubs and water parks, and the flight is shorter than to Southeast Asian resorts with several connections. But some bays can have waves, so check the beach when choosing a hotel.

What are the entry rules for Hainan?

China applies separate entry rules for Hainan to a number of countries, and the conditions change. Rules are given as of October 2026 and may change: check with our manager or the official embassy website before you travel.

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Global DestinationTashkent
TASHKENT2026

To: Global Destination

Where: Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Tel.: +998 99 760-82-88

Email: [email protected]

Telegram: @GlobalDestination1