Top Things to Do in Sanya: Beaches, Temples and Attractions

Sanya packs more attractions into its 1,919 square kilometers than most visitors expect. For more context, read our Sanya weather by month guide. Beyond the obvious beach appeal, the city offers a 108-meter Buddhist statue rising from the sea, tropical rainforest parks with glass-bottomed bridges, offshore islands with coral reefs, and cultural shows that draw on Hainan’s Li and Miao minority heritage. Here are the essential things to do in Sanya, organized by category.

Things to Do in Sanya: Cultural and Religious Sites

Nanshan Temple and Guanyin Statue

The 108-meter (354-foot) Guanyin statue standing on an artificial island off the Nanshan coast is Sanya’s single most photographed landmark. For more context, read our best time to visit Sanya guide. The three-faced white statue represents the Buddhist goddess of mercy and is taller than the Statue of Liberty. You enter through Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone (CNY 129 October-April, CNY 108 May-September, open 8:00-17:30), walk across a bridge to the base, and can climb inside to touch the statue’s foot , not literally; a smaller replica’s foot inside the pedestal. The complex also includes Nanshan Temple itself, a Tang-dynasty-style working monastery, and Longevity Valley with its collection of calligraphy. Allocate 3-4 hours. Bus routes 16, 25, and 29 connect from Sanya Bay and Dadonghai. Located 40km west of downtown.

Tianya Haijiao (Edge of the Sky, End of the Sea)

This scenic area 24km west of downtown centers on giant granite boulders inscribed with Chinese calligraphy, the most famous reading ‘Tianya’ (Edge of the Sky) and ‘Haijiao’ (End of the Sea). For more context, read our Sanya events and festivals guide. Historically this was where banished officials were sent into exile , the literal end of the known Chinese world. Today it is a popular photo spot, particularly for couples (the rocks appear on the 2-CNY banknote). Entry costs CNY 81, open 7:30-18:00. The site is compact, about 2 hours is sufficient. Combine with a visit to Nanshan Temple 16km further west. Bus 16, 25, or 26 from Sanya Bay.

Luhuitou Park (Deer Turning Head)

Perched on a hilltop 5km southeast of downtown, Luhuitou Park offers the best panoramic view of Sanya’s coastline, including Sanya Bay, Dadonghai, and the city skyline. For more context, read our best neighborhoods in Sanya guide. A 15-meter statue at the summit depicts the Li minority legend of a hunter and a deer that turned into a woman , the ‘deer turning head’ that gives the park its name. Entry is CNY 45 including the electric cart ride to the top, open 7:30-22:00. The sunset views are particularly good. About 1.5 hours is enough. Take bus 2, 4, or a Didi from Dadonghai for about CNY 15.

Things to Do in Sanya: Nature and Outdoor Activities

Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park

This 1,506-hectare forest park sits on the hills overlooking Yalong Bay, 25km east of downtown. For more context, read our where to stay in Sanya guide. The main draw is the glass-bottomed bridge spanning a valley at 400 meters elevation , not for anyone with vertigo. The park also has zip lines, hiking trails through tropical rainforest, and viewing platforms with postcard views of Yalong Bay’s crescent beach. Entry is CNY 170 including the shuttle bus that climbs the mountain road, open 7:30-17:30. The film ‘If You Are the One 2’ was shot here, and you will see references to it throughout. Budget 3-4 hours. Bus 15 and 25 from Dadonghai reach the park entrance.

Wuzhizhou Island

A 1.48-square-kilometer island 30km northeast of Sanya, Wuzhizhou offers the best diving and snorkeling within day-trip range. For more context, read our Sanya travel tips guide. The water visibility averages 6-27 meters depending on season, and the coral gardens host parrotfish, angelfish, and the occasional sea turtle. The beach is white coral sand. Ferry tickets cost CNY 168 round-trip (departures 8:00-16:00, returns until 17:30), and dive packages start at CNY 480 for a guided shore dive. The island also has a luxury hotel if you want to stay overnight. Bus 28 from downtown or a Didi for about CNY 80-100 each way.

Sanya Bay Coconut Dream Corridor

This 20km palm-lined promenade along Sanya Bay’s beachfront is the city’s best free attraction. Check the full Sanya city guide for an overview of the city. The paved path runs from the Phoenix Island artificial islands in the east to the airport in the west, passing through the entire length of Sanya Bay Beach. It is particularly busy at sunset when locals practice tai chi, fly kites, and perform square dancing. The beach itself is wide but the sand is darker and coarser than Yalong Bay. The water is shallow for 50-100 meters out, making it family-friendly. Rent a bicycle (CNY 20-30 per hour) from vendors along the path.

Things to Do in Sanya: Entertainment and Shopping

Sanya Romance Park

This theme park in the city center combines cultural performances, a water park, and a recreated ancient town. The headline ‘Sanya Eternal Love’ show is a large-scale song-and-dance production telling Hainan’s history through acrobatics, special effects, and 300 performers. Entry including the show costs CNY 300, open 12:00-21:30 with the main show at 17:00 and 20:00. The park’s other draws include a haunted house, 3D maze, and a ‘Li village’ cultural zone. Budget 4-5 hours if you do the show. Bus 1, 7, 9, 23, and 27 stop nearby.

Haitang Bay Duty-Free Shopping Complex

The world’s largest duty-free mall at 120,000 square meters, this shopping center 35km northeast of downtown is a destination in itself. It stocks over 300 international brands including cosmetics, fashion, watches, and electronics. The duty-free policy allows visitors leaving Hainan by air to purchase up to CNY 100,000 (US$14,000) annually tax-free. Open 10:00-22:00. Free shuttle buses run from Dadonghai, Sanya Bay, and Yalong Bay hotels. Even if you are not shopping, the building’s architecture , shaped like a blooming flower , and the adjacent Haitang Bay beach are worth the trip.