Sanya Hotels

Unashamedly VIP, Sanya sees luxe resorts and stunning beaches crammed into every pocket of the ritzy Yalong Bay, while those with slightly smaller budgets head to the accommodation options at Dadonghai Bay. If you don’t have a good radar for sorting out the cheese from the real McCoy, you’ll probably end up getting lost in a sea of binoculars and poorly applied sunscreen in the tourist Mecca of Sanya Bay, but no one ever said Sanya’s draw card was authenticity.

SANYA’S TOP 10

SANYA EVENTS

January celebrates the Laba Rice Porridge Festival. It is customary to drink (yes, drink) Laba Porridge and celebrate its long history.

The Lantern Festival has been going on since the Tang dynasty and becomes more and more elaborate each January.

Chinese New Year is the biggest celebration in Sanya. This includes the New Year Blessing and many other traditions, celebrations, markets, stalls and dances (January/February).

Qingming Festival, known as ‘Tomb Sweeping Day’ or ‘Pure Brightness’ in English, usually in April. It is customary to take time to remember the dead.

WHEN TO GO

• Spring and autumn are warm, with the average temperature sitting at a pleasant 22ºC (72ºF).
• Sanya’s long summers last from June to early November. Expect hot and humid weather, with the occasional typhoon. Daytime temperatures often hit 38°C (101ºF).
• You can still hit the beach in winter, when temperatures only drop to 20ºC (68ºF).

GETTING AROUND

• If you’re travelling along the coast, the cheapest option is minibus. It costs Y10 for a full trip and Y5 between Sanya and either end.
• You can always catch a motorbike taxi if you’re up for bartering. A trip should cost around Y3 to Y5, so don’t get ripped off!
• Most things you’ll need day-to-day are within walking distance, and it’s quite safe to walk around at night.

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