Sanya and Hainan
China's tropical island — beaches, rainforest and hot springs
Hainan is China's Hawaii, on the same latitude and with the climate to match. Sanya is the resort end — the white sand and warm water of Yalong Bay, diving off Wuzhizhou Island, and hot springs in the hills behind. Inland the island turns into rainforest: Yanoda, Jianfengling, waterfalls, and the villages of the Li and Miao peoples.
It is the obvious place to add a beach week to a China itinerary without leaving the country, and Hainan's visa-free entry rules are among the simplest in China.
We use it two ways: as a rest at the end of a long touring itinerary, or as a stand-alone winter escape with a private guide for the inland days.
Places to see in Sanya and Hainan
The highlights we build into almost every Sanya and Hainan itinerary. Your own list can be longer, shorter, or somewhere else entirely.
Yalong Bay
A long white-sand beach — warm water and calm swimming.
Wuzhizhou Island
Diving, snorkelling and a coral reef twenty minutes offshore.
Yanoda Rainforest
Suspended walkways and waterfalls in the tropical interior.
Nanshan Temple
A 108-meter statue of Guanyin standing on the sea.
Luhuitou Park
The headland view over Sanya, best at sunset.
More places in China
Tell us what you want to see in Sanya and Hainan
We do not publish fixed packages or prices, because almost nothing about a good trip to China is fixed. Send us your dates and interests and a specialist will design an itinerary around them — with a clear, itemized quotation.
- Your own English-speaking guide and private vehicle
- Hotels chosen for location, not for commission
- Tickets and permits booked on your behalf, including timed entries
- Free revisions until the trip is right
We reply to every inquiry within one business day.