Sanya Bay
Sanya Bay, a 22-kilometer crescent-shaped coastline on Hainan Island, is renowned as China’s "Coconut Dream Paradise." Stretching from Phoenix Island in the east to West Island in the west, it features powdery white sands, swaying coconut palms, and year-round tropical warmth. As one of Sanya’s three major bays, it offers a laid-back escape with panoramic sunsets, vibrant coral reefs, and proximity to luxury resorts and local fishing villages. The bay’s free public beach and scenic promenade make it a favorite for families, couples, and water sports enthusiasts.
Historical Overview
Once a quiet fishing hub, Sanya Bay’s transformation into a tourism hotspot began in the 1990s with infrastructure development. The 2005 completion of the Coconut Dream Corridor (a 18-kilometer seaside path) solidified its reputation. In 2012, it was designated a national coastal wetland park, balancing tourism with ecological preservation. Recent initiatives include coral reef restoration projects and eco-friendly beachside developments.
Structural Layout
The bay is divided into three zones:
- Eastern Zone: Dominated by Phoenix Island’s futuristic skyscrapers and artificial archipelago.
- Central Zone: The bustling public beach and Coconut Dream Corridor, lined with cafes, hotels, and street art.
- Western Zone: Quiet fishing villages like Tianya Town and West Island’s snorkeling sites.
Key landmarks include the Sanya Bay Lighthouse, Haiyue Plaza, and the 108-meter "Phoenix Island Gate" sculpture.
Major Attractions
- Coconut Dream Corridor: A palm-lined promenade with biking/jogging paths, outdoor gyms, and nightly street performances.
- Sanya Bay Beach: Free public beach with calm waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
- West Island: A 20-minute ferry ride away, offering glass-bottom boat tours and coral reef diving.
- Phoenix Island: A man-made island with luxury hotels and a marina (admission fee applies).
- Tianya Haijiao: Though technically outside Sanya Bay, this iconic "End of the Earth" scenic spot is a 30-minute drive west.
- Sanya Bay Sunset: Ranked among China’s top sunset views, with hues of orange and purple reflecting off the South China Sea.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Half-Day Relaxation (3–4 hours):
Start at Coconut Dream Corridor → Rent a bike → Stroll the beach → Watch sunset at Haiyue Plaza → Dine at a seaside seafood restaurant.
Highlights: Scenic views and local cuisine. -
Full-Day Adventure (6–8 hours):
Morning: Snorkel at West Island → Afternoon: Explore Phoenix Island → Evening: Sunset cruise with cocktails.
Highlights: Marine life and luxury experiences. -
Cultural & Eco Tour (Full Day):
Visit Tianya fishing village → Join a coral planting workshop → Attend a Li ethnic minority cultural show → Night beach bonfire.
Highlights: Environmental education and local traditions.
Ticket Purchase
- Free Access: Sanya Bay Beach and Coconut Dream Corridor are open to the public.
- Paid Attractions:
- West Island ferry: ¥140 (round-trip, includes snorkeling gear).
- Phoenix Island: ¥160 (adults), ¥80 (children).
- Online Booking: Reserve ferry tickets via Ctrip or Trip.com.
Transportation
- By Plane: Fly to Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX), 15 minutes from the bay.
- By Bus: Routes 8, 25, 26, or 27 to "Sanya Bay" stop.
- By Taxi: Direct to Coconut Dream Corridor (¥25 from downtown).
- By Bike: Shared bicycles available along the promenade (¥2–5/hour).
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: November–March (dry, cool weather).
- Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays or early mornings.
- Essentials:
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), wide-brimmed hat, and reusable water bottle.
- Water shoes for rocky shorelines.
- Cash for street food and local markets.
- Prohibited: Littering, feeding wildlife, and unauthorized drone use.
- Eco-Tip: Participate in beach cleanups organized by local NGOs.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
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Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
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Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
