Sanya — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Sanya.
Tropical island with a separate 30-day visa-free policy — beaches, duty-free shopping.
🍜 Signature dishes in Sanya
- 文昌鸡Wenchang Chicken
- 海南粉Hainan Noodles
- 清补凉Qing Bu Liang
- 椰子饭Coconut Rice
- 加积鸭Jiaji Duck
- 东山羊Dongshan Goat
- 和乐蟹Hele Crab
- 抱罗粉Baoluo Fen
- 椰子鸡Coconut Chicken Hotpot
- 芒果螺Mango Snail
🎟️ Top things to do
- Yalong Bay
Free beach.
- Wuzhizhou Island
Ferry + island ticket; bookable online.
- Beachfront seafood
Fresh catch by the sea
- Sanya Bay
Free beach for sunsets.
- Nanshan Temple
Sea-side Buddhist park
- Dadonghai Beach
Free, no booking.
- Sanya Romance Park
Show & culture
- Haikou Volcano Park
Duty-free malls
- Qilou Old Town
Arcade-style old street with colonnaded shophouses; shaded walkways, photos and street snacks
- Coastal drive
East coast scenic route
- Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone
Entry ticket required.
- Tianya Haijiao
Entry ticket required.
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Sanya?
Take the metro or a taxi from SYX (Sanya) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Sanya on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Sanya. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Sanya visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (SYX (Sanya)) · verify with official sources before travel.