Hainan is China's tropical side — warm, relaxed and shaped by the sea. With palm-lined beaches, warm waters and tropical landscapes, Hainan feels far removed from China's ancient capitals.
Spend your days on the beaches of Sanya, explore coastal villages, enjoy fresh seafood, or simply slow down after a journey through China's cities and mountains.
But there is another Hainan beyond the resorts.
Among the Li people of Hainan, traditional textile techniques bring together spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidery. Patterns created by Li women preserve stories, beliefs, traditions and aspects of community life, while techniques such as warp ikat and distinctive embroidery have been passed down through generations.
You can experience this heritage through traditional textiles, local architecture, food and community life.
Hainan is therefore more than a beach escape.
It is a place where tropical landscapes meet a culture with its own deep history and identity.
Come to Hainan to slow down. Look beyond the beach, and discover the island's living heritage.
Threads, Patterns & Living Heritage
Travel beyond the resorts and discover the traditional textile arts of the Li people of Hainan. Meet local artisans, learn how natural fibers are spun, dyed and woven, and discover how traditional patterns preserve stories of nature, family and community.
From Fiber to Fabric
Visit a traditional workshop and see how Li women transform natural fibers into finely woven textiles using techniques passed down through generations. Try simple weaving or pattern-making yourself and gain a closer understanding of the skill and patience behind the craft.
Homes Shaped by Island Life
Visit a traditional Li village and explore houses designed around the island's tropical climate and local way of life. Walk through the village with a local guide, discover traditional building techniques and learn how architecture reflects the relationship between people and their environment.
Sanya's Famous Beach
Known for its clear waters, white sand and tropical surroundings, Yalong Bay is one of Sanya's most popular beach destinations. Spend the day swimming, relaxing by the sea or enjoying water activities along the coast.
A Tropical Island Escape
Surrounded by clear blue water, Wuzhizhou Island offers some of the best opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and other water activities around Sanya. Explore the coastline or simply slow down on the beach and enjoy the tropical scenery.
Mountains, Sea & Spiritual Tradition
Set between tropical mountains and the South China Sea, Nanshan is known for its Buddhist cultural landmarks and peaceful coastal landscape. Explore the temples, gardens and surrounding scenery while experiencing a quieter side of Sanya.
Where the Mountains Meet the Sea
Located along Sanya's western coastline, Tianya Haijiao is known for its dramatic coastal rocks and views across the South China Sea. Walk along the shore and experience one of Hainan's most famous seaside landscapes.
Sunset by the South China Sea
Stretching along the city's western coastline, Sanya Bay is a relaxed place to enjoy the sea and watch the sunset. Walk along the waterfront, explore nearby local neighborhoods or simply enjoy the changing colors of the sky.
Into Hainan's Tropical Forest
Travel inland to explore one of Hainan's lush tropical rainforest landscapes. Walk through dense vegetation, waterfalls and mountain scenery to discover a very different side of the island beyond its beaches.
Hainan's food culture is shaped by its tropical climate, coastal location and diverse communities. Fresh seafood, coconut, tropical fruits and simple cooking techniques come together to create flavors that are light, fresh and distinctly island-inspired.
Wenchang chicken is one of Hainan's most famous dishes, known for its tender meat and delicate flavor. It is traditionally served with fragrant rice and dipping sauces, allowing you to combine the chicken and sauce according to your taste.
Tender chicken is cooked in a broth made with fresh coconut, creating a naturally sweet and fragrant flavor. Enjoy the soup first, then add the chicken and other ingredients gradually as you share the pot around the table.
Fresh fish, prawns, crab and shellfish are central to Hainan's coastal food culture. Choose your seafood at a local market or restaurant, then have it steamed, grilled or lightly cooked to preserve its natural flavor.
Soft rice noodles are served with shredded meat, peanuts, pickled vegetables, herbs and a savory local sauce. Mix everything together before eating so the different textures and flavors come together in every bite.
Hainan's warm climate produces a wide variety of tropical fruits, including mangoes, pineapples, coconuts and dragon fruit. Visit a local market and try seasonal fruit fresh, chilled or prepared as a simple dessert.
➢ Yalong Bay — Ideal for travelers seeking a high-end beach holiday, with beautiful beaches, resort facilities, restaurants and a quieter atmosphere away from central Sanya.
➢ Dadonghai — A convenient choice for travelers who want easy access to restaurants, shopping, beaches and nightlife, with a more lively atmosphere than the major resort areas.
➢ Sanya Bay — A good option for travelers who value long beaches, sunset views and convenient access to the airport and central Sanya.
➢ Haitang Bay — Best suited to travelers looking for a more secluded luxury experience, with large resort properties, wellness facilities and a quieter coastal setting.
➢ Luxury Beach Resorts — Full-service properties with private beaches or direct beach access, pools, spas, restaurants and extensive leisure facilities.
➢ Contemporary Tropical Resorts — Modern properties combining natural materials, open spaces, tropical landscaping and understated Chinese design.
➢ Wellness & Spa Retreats — Peaceful resorts focused on relaxation, incorporating spa treatments, wellness programs, gardens and private outdoor spaces.
➢ Boutique Coastal Hotels — Smaller properties with a more intimate atmosphere, often featuring minimalist interiors, sea views and relaxed tropical aesthetics.
Navigating Sanya: Coastal, Relaxed & Easy to Explore
Sanya is relatively easy to navigate, with major attractions spread along the coastline and into the surrounding mountains. Combining private transportation with short taxi or ride-hailing journeys is often the most comfortable way to explore at your own pace.
Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX)
Sanya Phoenix International Airport is the city's main gateway, with connections to major cities across China and selected international destinations. Private airport transfers can be arranged directly to your hotel.
Sanya Railway Station
Sanya Railway Station connects the city with other parts of Hainan through the island's high-speed rail network. It is particularly useful when combining Sanya with destinations such as Haikou or other coastal areas of the island.
Private transportation is particularly useful when combining beaches, rainforest attractions, cultural sites and local villages in a single day. A private driver also allows more flexibility for travelers staying in the larger resort areas.
Public buses connect many of Sanya's major neighborhoods and attractions, making them useful for independent travelers. Tourist and sightseeing routes can also be convenient for reaching popular coastal areas.
Beyond
the Landmark
Living Heritage
Experiences
Tailored
Journeys
Local Stories,
Real Connections
Thoughtful
Travel Support
We will use it as the first thread in a journey designed around you.
