Welcome to Sanya, China's premier tropical paradise and a highlight of any Asian cruise itinerary. Often called the "Hawaii of China," Sanya lures visitors with its stunning sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and lush, mountainous interior. Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, and Genting Cruise Lines frequently call here, offering passengers a unique blend of relaxing beach resort life and rich cultural experiences. Its modern cruise facilities and wealth of natural attractions make it an unforgettable stop.
One of Sanya's most iconic landmarks is the Nanshan Temple complex, situated about a 40-minute drive west of the city. This expansive Buddhist cultural park is home to the magnificent 108-meter-tall statue of the bodhisattva Guanyin, which rises dramatically from the sea.
For unparalleled beach scenery, a trip to Yalong Bay is a must. Often hailed as China's best beach, its crescent-shaped bay features soft white sand, clear blue water, and numerous high-end resorts.
Another famous site is Tianya Haijiao, which translates to "Edges of the Heaven, Corners of the Sea." This picturesque coastal spot is known for its large, distinctive rock formations that have been immortalized in Chinese literature and are a popular backdrop for photos.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
A popular excursion from Sanya is a trip to Wuzhizhou Island, a stunning islet located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) northeast of the city. Reachable by a short ferry ride, it's famous for its pristine beaches and is considered one of China's best locations for snorkeling and scuba diving.
For a taste of the rainforest, the Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone is an excellent choice, located about an hour's drive from the port. This ecological park offers scenic walks through dense tropical jungle, with glass bridges and cascading waterfalls providing breathtaking views.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
Cruise ships dock at the Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Terminal, a modern facility located on a purpose-built artificial island connected to Sanya city by a 395-meter bridge.
The terminal is approximately 3 kilometers (about 2 miles) from the downtown area. Due to its location, passengers will need to take transportation, such as a taxi or a cruise line shuttle bus, to reach the city center, beaches, and other attractions. The port facility itself is primarily for processing passengers and has limited amenities, so exploring beyond the port is recommended.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
The official currency in Sanya is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also referred to as the Renminbi (RMB). While major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in large hotels, resorts, and international shopping centers, cash is essential for taxis, local markets, and smaller establishments.
ATMs are widely available throughout the city and at the cruise terminal for withdrawing local currency. U.S. Dollars and Euros are not typically accepted for transactions, so it is best to exchange money or withdraw Yuan upon arrival.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
Sanya is generally a very safe city for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but visitors should practice common-sense precautions. Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded tourist areas and markets, to prevent petty theft.
Be cautious of common tourist scams, such as invitations to a traditional tea ceremony or art gallery from overly friendly strangers, which can lead to highly inflated bills. It is recommended to use official, metered taxis or reputable ride-sharing apps to avoid fare disputes. Exploring independently is generally safe, but staying in well-trodden tourist areas is always a good practice.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
Sanya boasts a tropical climate with warm weather throughout the year, making it a perfect cruise destination in any season. The average annual temperature hovers around 25°C (77°F).
The peak cruise season coincides with the dry season, from November to April, which offers pleasant, sunny weather with lower humidity. The wet season runs from May to October, bringing higher temperatures, more humidity, and occasional heavy rainfall. This period is also the typhoon season, so there is a small chance of storms impacting itineraries. Visitors should pack light clothing, swimwear, sunblock, and a hat year-round, adding a light rain jacket for travel during the summer months.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport for cruise visitors in Sanya. They are readily available at the cruise terminal and are metered, providing a straightforward way to reach specific destinations.
Ride-sharing apps, such as Didi Chuxing, are also very popular and can be a cost-effective alternative. While there is an extensive public bus network, it can be challenging for non-Mandarin speakers to navigate. For a stress-free day, many passengers opt for organized shore excursions which include comfortable, air-conditioned transportation directly to the main attractions.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
Sanya is a premier shopping destination, largely thanks to Hainan's island-wide duty-free policy. The Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex in Haitang Bay is a major attraction, offering a massive selection of luxury brands, cosmetics, and electronics at tax-free prices.
For local specialties and souvenirs, explore the city's markets where you can find beautiful pearls, crystal products, and unique handicrafts made from coconut shells. Haggling is common and expected in local markets, but prices are typically fixed in the large malls and department stores. Dried seafood and tropical fruit products are also popular local goods to take home.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
Shore excursions in Sanya often lead to the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, where you can marvel at the magnificent 108-meter Guanyin of the South Sea statue. This serene Buddhist complex offers peaceful gardens and impressive temples for a spiritual and scenic experience. For a more relaxing day, visit Yalong Bay, renowned as China's premier beach with its crescent of fine white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or sunbathing. Another popular stop is Tianya Haijiao, or "the End of the Earth," a picturesque coastal area famous for its massive, iconic rock formations that hold deep cultural and romantic significance.
Your adventure begins with a one-hour scooter ride through picturesque countryside roads, away from the typical tourist crowds. Next, embark on a two-hour hiking escapade in the enchanting Liuluo Mountain rainforest, where you will see exotic plants. An experienced guide accompanies you throughout this day of exploration before you hop back on your scooters for the return journey.
Join this 4-day private tour to experience the best of Sanya, a destination known for its warm weather, fresh air, and warm sea breezes. A knowledgeable and friendly guide will lead you to breathtaking sites like Nanshan Temple and Luhuitou Park. Your getaway also includes visits to the Binglanggu Li & Miao Minority Culture Park and Yanoda Tropical Rainforest Park.
Visit the Nanhai Buddhism Culture Park, one of the largest cultural tourist attractions of its kind in China. Key features include superior landscaping, beautiful gardens with cherished tropical plants, and stunning sea views. The park's new highlight is the 108-meter-high Nanhai Guanyin Buddha on the sea, and you can also sample its very special vegetarian food.
This short 4-5 hour tour is an excellent choice for cruise visitors to see the highlights of Sanya. You will get a bird's-eye view of the city's beautiful beach, urban landscape, and rolling mountains. To complete your trip, you'll experience authentic local life with a visit to Sanya's biggest grocery market for some real local shopping.
Enjoy convenient private transfer service between Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) or train stations and your hotel. All our clean, air-conditioned vehicles are licensed with insurance and are operated by professional drivers who know the area well. This service, just for your group, provides transfers to Sanya center, Yalong Bay, Dadonghai Bay, and other destinations.
Discover the Nanshan Buddhism Culture Park in Sanya, which offers a fresh look at one of China's mainstream religions. Here, you can enjoy both the attractions of Buddhist culture and beautiful natural scenery. You will be impressed by the clear sea and the 108-meter-tall statue of Guanyin Pusa, the Goddess of Mercy.
Experience true Hainan life with a visit to a very local fishing village and market. On this tour, you will do some local shopping and taste authentic local snacks. For lunch, you will enjoy seafood so fresh that it goes from the fishing tank to your table in about ten minutes.
Enjoy a flexible day exploring Sanya with a private car and driver for eight hours, with a transparent, fixed price and no shopping stops. Before your trip, a travel consultant will help tailor an itinerary so you can simply relax and enjoy your time. Your driver will suggest authentic local restaurants, help you get tickets, and provide travel guidance for a hassle-free day.
Take a relaxing half-day Sanya tour with your own private tour guide and driver. This five-hour excursion leads you to the popular Nantian Hot Spring. Here, you can unwind and relax by bathing in the hot spring pools.
Experience the local life of Hainan on this walking tour through the center of Sanya. You will get to taste authentic local snacks and enjoy the opportunity to shop just like a local. This tour is a great way to immerse yourself in the city's culture.
Enjoy private chauffeur service from your downtown Sanya hotel to Binlang Ethnic Village and save precious time. This service allows you to collect your tickets without queuing in the general admission line. Your driver will pick you up at your requested time and be waiting at an appointed place to take you back to your hotel.
Embark on a captivating one-day journey to NanShan Temple to immerse yourself in breathtaking mountain and ocean vistas. Discover the awe-inspiring, 108-meter-tall Guanyin statue and roam the mountain to explore diverse styles of Buddhist architecture. Your experience is enhanced by a guide well-versed in Buddhism, who will provide valuable insights into the area's rich spiritual tapestry.
Explore Sanya's vibrant underwater world with the PADI Open Water Diving Package on Fenjiezhou Islet, tailored for certified divers. The package includes two exhilarating dives per day in crystal-clear waters with a maximum of two divers per instructor. This seamless experience includes round-trip transfers from Haitang Bay and boat transfers to the islet.
Book a private transfer from your Sanya city hotel directly to the Sanya Cruise Port. Avoid the hassle of waiting in long taxi or shared shuttle queues with this private, door-to-door service. Your professional driver will be waiting at a scheduled time with a nameplate, ready to take you to your destination in a clean car with no hidden charges.
Enjoy a reliable, hassle-free private transfer from your hotel to the airport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. A professional driver will meet you at your hotel lobby and help with your luggage. This fully insured service includes 24/7 emergency customer service and a 48-hour free cancellation policy for your peace of mind.
Book a private, door-to-door transfer from the Sanya Cruise Port to your city hotel. Avoid the hassle of waiting in long taxi or shared shuttle queues upon arrival. Your professional driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time with a nameplate to take you comfortably to your destination. This service features no hidden charges, clean cars, and flight tracking.
Book a private car charter for a seamless and flexible adventure, exploring Sanya's highlights at your own pace. With a professional driver, you can visit the beaches of Yalong Bay, Nanshan Temple, and Tianya Haijiao. The service includes hotel pick-up and drop-off and transparent pricing, with an optional English-speaking guide available for deeper cultural insights.
Visit Sanya Sun Valley Golf Club, a premier golfing destination nestled amidst lush tropical landscapes. The club features a meticulously maintained 18-hole course that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. Designed to challenge players of all skill levels, the club also boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a clubhouse and dining options.
See why Sanya is honored as the “Hawaii in China” on this half-day tour with a private guide. Lasting 4-5 hours, the tour takes you to Binglanggu Li & Miao Minority Park to enjoy fresh scenery and unique folk culture. Designed for travelers seeking leisure and amusement, this outing also includes lunch.
Take a one-day Sanya tour with a private guide and driver to visit Wuzhizhou Islet and Nantian Hot Spring. First, experience the elegant natural environment and romantic sense of the Islet. Afterwards, relax in the many different kinds of hot spring pools at Nantian, with an included lunch to satisfy your stomach.
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Prices are around steady throughout the year. On average cruises visiting Sanya are extremely affordable compared to other itineraries. See the illustration below for the average cost per day by month.
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