Located along the south coast of Hainan Island, Sanya Bay is one of the five major bays that surround Sanya City. It’s been nicknamed “China’s Hawaii” due to its tropical climate and more than 20 kilometres of beaches. In addition to idyllic offshore islands, it’s also home to the Dubai-inspired developments of Phoenix Island.
Things to do in Sanya Bay
Relax on one of Sanya Bay’s beautiful beaches, which are a popular escape for visitors from Northern China in the winter months. You can snorkel amidst schools of fish or rent a jet ski to zip around the bay while keeping your eyes peeled for endangered Chinese white dolphins.
In the south-east of Sanya Bay is Phoenix Island, an artificial island nicknamed the “Oriental Dubai”. It features strikingly designed high-rise luxury apartments and a five-star hotel, as well as a conference centre, a yacht marina and a ferry terminal. In addition to its retail stores and restaurants, Phoenix Island also features a small theme park and sporting facilities.
Towering above Sanya is the Guanyin of Nanshan, a 108-metre-high Buddhist statue that forms part of the Nanshan Temple complex. The whitewashed and gilded statue features three aspects, one facing inland and the other two facing towards the South China Sea, with each depicting different hand positions. Surrounding the statue are landscaped gardens and the Golden Jade Kwan-yin Statue, which was constructed from gold, diamonds and jade.
Getting around Sanya Bay
Sanya Phoenix International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the centre of Sanya and has flights to destinations across Asia. Trains connect from Beijing to Sanya railway station, with the train loaded onto a ferry for the journey between mainland China and Hainan Island. Buses travel along the edge of Sanya Bay and access most of the area’s attractions.