I spent three unforgettable days in Sanya, China's tropical paradise, and discovered why this Hainan Island gem has captured the hearts of so many travelers. From the crystal-clear waters of Wuzhizhou Island—the so-called 'Maldives of China'—to the vibrant night views atop Luhuitou Peak, every moment felt like a postcard come to life. I feasted on fresh seafood at bustling food markets, savored authentic Hainan Chicken Rice, and discovered the addictive Qingbuliang dessert that I still dream about. Staying at a luxury resort in Haitang Bay with private beach access made this escape even more magical.
Trip Overview
When: April (Spring)
Duration: 3 days
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~3,000 RMB (~$420 USD) per person
Transportation: Scooter rental + Taxi
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
After months of being cooped up at home, my friends and I couldn't wait to escape to Sanya (三亚, Sānyà)—China's premier tropical destination on Hainan Island. We landed at midnight, and stepping off the plane felt like entering a different world. The warm tropical air hit us immediately, and I watched fellow passengers frantically shedding layers of winter clothing they'd worn from colder provinces. The airport even has convenient changing rooms for this exact moment!
There's something magical about leaving your routine behind and landing in a place where palm trees sway and the ocean stretches endlessly. I remember thinking: This is exactly what I needed.
Little East Sea (小东海, Xiǎo Dōnghǎi): A Hidden Paradise
While everyone flocks to the famous Dadonghai (大东海) beach, we discovered something better—Little East Sea, a quieter cove at the foot of Luhuitou Mountain. Unlike its crowded neighbor, this spot felt like our own private paradise.
The beach here has sand and rocks, with coral reefs visible in the tidal pools during low tide. Palm trees line the shore, and every breeze carries the faint scent of coconut. I found myself kicking waves, lying under coconut palms, and listening to the rhythmic sound of surf. In those moments, it felt like the entire world had faded away, leaving just me and the ocean.
Little East Sea is also renowned among diving enthusiasts. If you come at night, the underwater world comes alive with graceful coral formations and tropical fish darting past. We even spotted crabs scuttling across the seabed—creatures you rarely see during daylight hours.
🎯 Practical Info: Little East Sea
Entry Fee: Free Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, beach photography Pro Tip: Bring water shoes—the rocky areas have sharp coral fragments
Luhuitou Peak (鹿回头, Lùhuítóu): Sanya's Best Night View
As the sun began to set, we made our way to Luhuitou Peak, supposedly the best spot in Sanya for panoramic views. Standing 275 meters above sea level, the mountain offers a commanding vista of the city surrounded by sea on three sides. Looking out at the horizon, I understood why they call this place "the city in the sea, the sea in the city."
The famous Deer Looking Back sculpture (鹿回头雕塑) stands proudly here—a symbol of the city and the legend of a hunter and a deer who transformed into a beautiful woman. As darkness fell, Sanya transformed before my eyes. The high-rise buildings erupted in a dazzling light show, turning the city from a romantic daytime beauty into a vibrant, energetic young woman pulsing with life.
I was amazed by Sanya's nightlife energy. Unlike most cities that wind down after dark, this place comes alive. Restaurants and street food stalls stay open late, and the streets buzz with activity. No wonder people say Sanya residents have more energy than those in first-tier cities!
🎯 Practical Info: Luhuitou Peak
Entry Fee: ¥42 (~$6 USD) with shuttle bus included Best Time: Sunset to night for the light show Hiking Time: 30 minutes walking, or take the shuttle Tip: Fewer crowds at night than during the day
Day 2: Culinary Adventures at East Bay Food Plaza
The next morning, I rented an electric scooter and rode to Yalong Bay (亚龙湾). By noon, the tropical heat had worked up quite an appetite. I'd read about a massive food complex called East Bay Food Plaza (东榕美食广场, Dōngróng Měishí Guǎngchǎng) near the beach, so I headed there for what would become an unforgettable food adventure.
The plaza sits just one street away from the ocean—a perfect location for a seafood feast. As soon as I entered, I spotted a seafood supermarket filled with live creatures in tanks. Lobsters, crabs, clams, conchs, and all manner of shellfish stared back at me. Everything was incredibly fresh—I watched a crab wave its claws at me as if protesting its captivity!
Here's the brilliant part: you pick your fresh seafood downstairs, then take it to any restaurant in the plaza for cooking. They charge only a preparation fee. I loved the transparency—before weighing, the staff even snipped a corner of the bag to drain excess water so you don't pay for water weight. Honest business practices like this made me instantly trust the place.
The plaza spans three floors, with most restaurants on the first and second levels. Even at 2 PM—a strange time by Western dining standards—restaurants were still serving customers. Sanya's dining hours truly defy expectations!
Authentic Hainan Cuisine
Before lunch, I stopped at a traditional Hainan beverage shop for a refreshing salted passion fruit drink (老盐百香果, lǎo yán bǎixiāngguǒ)—a local specialty. Even in April, Sanya's heat demands constant hydration, and this drink delivered with a thick layer of real passion fruit pulp at the bottom.
We chose a restaurant specializing in Hainan home-style cooking (海南私房菜, Hǎinán Sīfāng Cài). The restaurant offered both indoor and outdoor seating, but with the midday heat, air conditioning won easily.
The seafood I'd selected downstairs arrived at our table perfectly prepared. The shellfish—simply steamed with ginger and scallions—needed no sauce to shine. The freshness spoke for itself. A whole fish arrived glazed in a rich, savory brown sauce reminiscent of Jiangnan-style cooking, the tender flesh practically melting on my tongue.
Then came the Hainan Chicken Rice (海南鸡饭, Hǎinán Jī Fàn)—but not the plain white version I'd expected. This restaurant served a golden-skinned variation, and that crispy skin proved to be the highlight. My first bite surprised me with its unexpected depth of flavor.
But the absolute standout was Qingbuliang (清补凉, Qīngbǔliáng)—Hainan's most beloved dessert. This refreshing treat features coconut milk as its base, loaded with toppings like red beans, mung beans, watermelon, taro, grass jelly, and more. Served ice-cold, each spoonful delivered a symphony of textures and flavors. I declared it my number one favorite dish of the trip.
We also tried Hainan Rice Noodles (海南粉, Hǎinán Fěn)—thinner than typical noodles and tossed with fried peanuts, sesame seeds, bean sprouts, scallions, pork strips, and pickled vegetables. Like a noodle salad, the thin strands absorbed all the flavors beautifully.
Coconut Rice (椰子饭, Yēzi Fàn)—sticky rice steamed inside a fresh coconut—balanced the coconut's richness perfectly. Fair warning: this dish fills you up fast, so pace yourself!
After lunch, we explored the plaza's three floors. This place truly gathers cuisine from across China and beyond—Southeast Asian flavors at Spicy Crab House, Sichuan specialties at Chuan Yue Liu Xiang with chefs imported from Sichuan province, and more.
🍽️ Restaurant Recommendations at East Bay Food Plaza
Hainan Home-Style (海南私房菜): Authentic local dishes, air-conditioned Yanglan Sour Fish Soup (杨栏酸鱼汤): Famous pickled fish soup Chuan Yue Liu Xiang (川悦留香): Authentic Sichuan cuisine Coconut Chicken (椰小鸡): Coconut hot pot—famous Hainan specialty Frog Warrior (蛙小侠): Unique bullfrog dishes in ancient Chinese décor
Beyond restaurants, the plaza houses a supermarket stocked with Hainan specialties—dried mango, dried jackfruit, coconut powder, beach essentials like swimsuits and hats, and even Japanese skincare products. You can also find a pharmacy for minor ailments like heat exhaustion or cramps, and a wine shop with selections at various price points.
🎯 Practical Info: East Bay Food Plaza
Location: Yalong Bay, Sanya Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM (restaurants vary) Payment: Cash, mobile payment (WeChat/Alipay) Pro Tip: Buy fresh seafood downstairs and have it cooked upstairs for the best value
Day 3: Wuzhizhou Island (蜈支洲岛, Wúzhīzhōu Dǎo)—The Maldives of China
After days of eating and relaxing, I craved some adventure. Sanya has numerous offshore islands, but I chose Wuzhizhou Island—China's most famous tropical island destination and filming location for the movie Personal Tailor (私人定制). Those dreamy scenes I'd watched on screen? They were all shot here.
The water visibility around Wuzhizhou ranks among the best in coastal China, earning it the nickname "China's Maldives." Though locals told me the water was even clearer three or four years ago, it still took my breath away.
A ribbon of pure white sand curves along the shoreline, soft and yielding beneath my feet. Standing before that impossibly turquoise water, I could have convinced anyone I'd been transported to a Southeast Asian paradise.
Beyond the beaches, Wuzhizhou offers every water sport imaginable. The island is renowned as China's top diving destination. Before we even boarded the ferry, vendors approached us with offers for activities I'd never heard of: parasailing, banana boats, transparent kayaks, flying fish rides. The prices weren't cheap, but the variety was impressive.
We opted for a more relaxed approach—walking, exploring, and taking photos. The midday sun was intense, but the sea breeze provided relief. For those sensitive to sun, the island offers electric shuttle buses that tour the perimeter.
The Personal Tailor Filming Location
Then we found it—the iconic location from the movie. Stepping into this scene felt like entering another world entirely. Bougainvillea bloomed in vibrant pinks and purples, a pristine swimming pool reflected the sky, and coconut palms swayed overhead. The familiar setting triggered memories of the film—Ge You before his famous "Ge You Slouch," Bai Baihe and Li Xiaolu before their controversies, Zheng Kai when he was still "the little leopard." Time changes people, but this landscape remains faithful and beautiful.
Near the pool, a white "bird's nest" structure perches dramatically between sea and sky. The minimalist white architecture harmonizes with nature, creating an atmosphere both serene and elegant. I waited ages for a shot without tourists in it—everyone wanted photos under that iconic canopy.
Once called "Sanya's last virgin land," Wuzhizhou now draws crowds year-round. In winter, the entire island swarms with visitors. But even with the crowds, the beauty remains undeniable.
Lover's Island (情人岛, Qíngrén Dǎo)
Wuzhizhou is also known as Lover's Island, and the northwest coast features Lover's Island proper—a rocky shoreline where waves crash dramatically against the rocks. According to legend, two giant boulders here were once lovers transformed by an angry Dragon King. Romantic or tragic? Either way, the power of the ocean here commands respect.
The water here remains crystal clear, but what captured me more was the thunderous sound of waves slamming against the massive rocks. I collected broken coral pieces and shells along the beach while listening to the ocean's symphony. Simple pleasures—beachcombing, listening to waves, feeling small before nature's power.
Romantic installations dot the island—white high-top tables and chairs positioned against the azure ocean backdrop, perfect for couples' photos. The Lover's Bridge, "I Love You" signs in multiple languages, and love locks everywhere add to the romantic atmosphere. Standing on the rocks, watching the waves crash behind me while I remained calm in front—there's something meditative about that contrast.
As our ferry departed, I spotted the lighthouse at the pier. There's something about lighthouses that calms my restless heart. Watching it grow smaller in the distance, I felt a day's excitement settle into peaceful contentment—ready for the next round of culinary adventures.
🎯 Practical Info: Wuzhizhou Island
Ferry: From Wuzhizhou Pier (near Haitang Bay), 20-minute ride Entry Fee: ~¥144 (~$20 USD) including round-trip ferry Best Time: Arrive early (before 9 AM) to beat crowds Water Sports: Diving (~¥380+), parasailing (~¥280), snorkeling (~¥180) Tip: Bring sunscreen, hat, and water—the tropical sun is intense
Haitang Bay (海棠湾, Hǎitáng Wān): Luxury Resort Life
We based ourselves in Haitang Bay, located far from downtown Sanya—almost at the edge of the city. Unlike Yalong Bay or Dadonghai, this area hasn't been overtaken by urban noise and crowds. It remains relatively undeveloped, which paradoxically makes it more precious.
Haitang Bay hosts numerous luxury resorts, including the InterContinental where we stayed. Each resort claims its own private beach, allowing guests to enjoy sunset views in relative seclusion. The proximity to Wuzhizhou Island makes this area popular—many visitors stay here specifically for early morning ferry departures to the island.
This is Sanya's true quiet paradise—nestled between mountains and water, largely undeveloped, its raw beauty makes it uniquely shine among the city's attractions. The beach has a steeper slope than Yalong Bay in some areas, though our hotel's beach was relatively flat. Swimming isn't allowed here year-round due to strong currents, but wading and beachcombing remain delightful.
Staying at InterContinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort
For a touch of luxury, we booked the InterContinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort and fully embraced the resort lifestyle.
Location: Just five minutes' walk from the duty-free shopping mall—incredibly convenient! About one hour from the airport by taxi (approximately ¥180/$25 USD), so it's better suited for those with rental cars.
Price: Peak season pricing applies year-round in Sanya. We paid ¥1,900 (~$265 USD) per night for two people for two nights. Book early—rooms sell out fast.
Facilities: The InterContinental brand guarantees quality. The central courtyard resembles a botanical garden with shuttle carts for transport—perfect for families with children. Two swimming pools provide refreshment options.
Just three minutes' walk to the private beach. The sand quality exceeds Dadonghai's, and being private means it's cleaner too. The waves remain strong though—swimming prohibited year-round, but wading satisfies the ocean craving.
Room: Classic Chinese-style decoration, quite spacious with two bathroom sinks—thoughtful touch. The welcome dessert impressed me so much I ate it at midnight. A large bathtub on the balcony overlooked the ocean. Sitting on the balcony sofa, emptying my mind, I felt completely at peace.
At check-in, they welcomed us with fresh coconut juice—a sip of local flavor that immediately dispelled travel fatigue.
Food: Breakfast was an extensive buffet—I ate until I could barely walk. The hotel offers pickup and drop-off service to the 68 Food Plaza (六八美食广场) about 3-4 kilometers away for guests staying in Haitang Bay. The plaza specializes in seafood with some local specialties available.
🏨 Practical Info: InterContinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort
Address: Haitang Bay, Sanya (near duty-free mall) Price: ¥1,900+ (~$265+ USD) per night Highlights: Private beach, ocean-view balconies, extensive breakfast buffet Tip: Book early, especially during peak seasons
Haitang Bay Dining: Lanyue Creative Restaurant
After resting at the hotel, we sought dinner and discovered Lan Yue Creative Restaurant (揽月匠心创意餐厅)—a place boasting dishes recognized among "Sanya's Top 10 Favorite Dishes." Located just 1 kilometer from Atlantis Hotel with free pickup service, we decided to try it out.
The bright, airy interior immediately pleased me. Following the server, we selected our seafood live from tanks—transparency in action. I held an enormous lobster that thrashed about energetically in my hands. This hands-on approach to ingredient selection builds trust.
Following the server's recommendations, we ordered their most popular dishes. The finger-licking salt and pepper mantis shrimp (吮指椒盐皮皮虾) came recommended by Hong Kong's God of Cookery himself. The crispy, savory coating paired perfectly with the bouncy shrimp meat—truly exceptional.
Coconut-flavored sea snails (椰香花螺)—one of Sanya's top ten famous dishes—allowed the seafood's natural sweetness to shine through with subtle coconut notes.
The white-cut Wenchang chicken (白切文昌鸡, Báiqiē Wénchāng Jī)—a favorite of screenwriter Ning Caishen—featured silky skin and firm, chewy meat. Wenchang chicken represents one of Hainan's four famous dishes, raised in the Wenchang region known for its free-range poultry.
The Siamese lobster (暹罗龙虾), developed with consultation from a Thai Michelin one-star chef, delivered distinctly Southeast Asian flavors.
Nanyang-style crab (南洋风味蟹), another of Hainan's four famous dishes, featured plump crab roe and perfectly spiced, mildly hot seasoning.
Our table overflowed with dishes—two people eating enough for four. The restaurant provided Hainan's distinctive yellow chili sauce to enhance flavors.
Through the window, Atlantis Hotel's magnificent architecture framed our meal. Watching the sea breeze while savoring excellent food—this is Sanya's vacation rhythm at its finest.
🎯 Practical Info: Lan Yue Creative Restaurant
Location: Near Atlantis Hotel, Haitang Bay Service: Free pickup for nearby hotels Specialties: Salt & pepper mantis shrimp, coconut sea snails, Wenchang chicken Price: ¥200-300 (~$28-42 USD) per person Tip: Try the yellow chili sauce for extra heat
The End
That season, the island was warm.
That night, Sanya was beautiful.
After the pandemic eases, we must make up for all the travels we've missed—only then can we work harder and face the pressures ahead.
Sanya is exactly that kind of place: joyful and delicious. Where every morning brings sunshine and ocean views, every meal brings culinary discoveries, and every sunset paints the sky in impossible colors. Whether you come for the beaches, the food, or simply to escape, Sanya welcomes you with open arms and that laid-back island spirit that reminds you why you travel in the first place.
That season, the island was warm.
That night, Sanya was beautiful.
Quick Reference Guide
Must-Try Foods
Hainan Chicken Rice (海南鸡饭) — Silky, flavorful chicken with fragrant rice Qingbuliang (清补凉) — Coconut milk dessert with assorted toppings Wenchang Chicken (文昌鸡) — Hainan's signature free-range chicken Hainan Rice Noodles (海南粉) — Thin noodles with savory toppings Coconut Rice (椰子饭) — Sticky rice steamed in fresh coconut Fresh Seafood — Lobster, crabs, shellfish at East Bay Food Plaza
Must-Visit Places
Wuzhizhou Island — Best diving and island scenery Little East Sea — Quiet beach away from crowds Luhuitou Peak — Best night views of Sanya Haitang Bay — Luxury resorts and private beaches
Useful Phrases
你好 (Nǐ hǎo) — Hello 多少钱 (Duōshao qián?) — How much? 谢谢 (Xièxiè) — Thank you 这个很好吃 (Zhège hěn hǎo chī) — This is delicious 太热了 (Tài rèle) — It's too hot!
Money Matters
¥1 RMB ≈ $0.14 USD (as of 2024)
Meal at local restaurant: ¥50-100 (~$7-14) Seafood feast: ¥200-400 (~$28-56) Luxury resort: ¥1,500+ (~$210+) Wuzhizhou Island: ¥144 (~$20)