Cheap flights to Sanya
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Quick summary
Country
China
Continent
Asia
Airport
SYX
Currency
Chinese yuan (renminbi)
Time zone
UTC+8
Deals already spotted to Sanya
Real flight examples detected by SniperAir, with their reference price.
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Southern tip of Hainan
Sanya's beaches, at the southern tip of Hainan
Sanya sits at the southern tip of Hainan Island, on Sanya Bay. Its climate is tropical and hot all year, and several bays with different personalities share the coast, with coral reefs offshore. It works far better as a beach-and-resort stop than as a city for heavy cultural sightseeing.
A place of exile
For centuries the island was remote enough to serve as a place of exile for officials who had fallen out of favour, and the name Tianya Haijiao, the end of the sky and the ocean, still recalls it. Sanya only became a city in 1987, and today it has about 1.1 million inhabitants.
Choosing a bay
Which bay for which traveller?
| Where to stay | Who it suits |
|---|---|
| Yalong Bay | Resort lovers: a calm, sheltered bay lined with hotels and with a public beach area, at higher prices. |
| Dadonghai | The main area for foreign visitors, served by bus 8 from the airport. Swimming rules have been tightened in parts of the city, so check locally. |
| Sanya Bay | A bay about 25 km long, but one guide calls it rather polluted and short of swimmers. |
| Haitang Bay | Fewer tourists, a long way out, and home to the largest duty-free shopping centre in China. |
| Wuzhizhou Island | Snorkelling and diving, as a day trip by ferry. |
Yalong Bay
Yalong Bay, forest park and coral reserve
Yalong Bay is one of Sanya's most beautiful beaches, calm and sheltered, with many resort hotels along the sand and a public beach area for visitors who are not staying there. Nearby are the Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park and the Sanya Coral Reef National Nature Reserve.
On the programme
Beach time, a visit to the forest park and a look at the nearby coral reef reserve. Prices here are resort prices.
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Wuzhizhou
Wuzhizhou Island by ferry
Wuzhizhou is the island to pick for snorkelling and scuba diving. Entry includes the ferry, and the last boat back leaves at 17:30.
Good to know
Some guides note that the water is less clear than it used to be, and typhoons in July and August can cancel ferries, so check the weather before you commit your day to it.
South coast
Tianya Haijiao and Nanshan Temple
The end of the earth
Tianya Haijiao, whose name means the end of the sky and the ocean, is free to visit and about 30 minutes from the centre by bus. Nanshan Temple, about an hour from the city, is known for the Guanyin of the South Sea, a statue 108 m tall including its pedestal and 78 m without it. It was enshrined on 24 April 2005, has three faces, one looking inland and two towards the South China Sea, and is the thirteenth tallest statue in the world.
Seafood
Live seafood and Hainan chicken rice
The classic way to eat in Sanya is to buy live seafood at the No. 1 Agricultural Products Market and have it cooked at a restaurant nearby. Hainan chicken rice and Wenchang chicken are the island's best-known dishes, and coconuts are sold everywhere.
A word of caution
Seafood restaurants in Sanya have been criticised for overcharging, so agree on the price before you order.
Climate
When to go to Sanya
November to April
The dry season and peak season, with January the coolest month at a daily mean of about 22 °C. Chinese New Year is crowded and expensive.
May to October
The rainy season, with the heaviest rain from June to October and the highest typhoon risk in July and August. June is the hottest month, around 29.5 °C.
Getting to Sanya
An airport close to the city
Sanya Phoenix
The international airport, about 14 km west-north-west of the centre and linked to the city by bus 8. Yalong Bay is about 45 minutes away and Haitang Bay about 35 minutes.
The Hainan East Ring intercity railway links Sanya and Haikou in under two hours, and Sanya's first tram line has been fully operating since 10 October 2020. A day trip west takes you to Yazhou, about 46 km from Sanya.
In pictures
Sanya in pictures
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about flights to Sanya
Which airport serves Sanya?
Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX), about 14 km west-north-west of the centre, linked by bus 8. Yalong Bay is about 45 minutes from the airport.
Which is the best beach in Sanya?
Yalong Bay is calm, sheltered and lined with resorts, with a public beach area. Dadonghai is closer to the centre, with more restaurants and nightlife.
When is the best time to visit Sanya?
The dry season from November to April. July and August carry the highest typhoon risk, and Chinese New Year is crowded and expensive.
Where can I snorkel or dive near Sanya?
Wuzhizhou Island is the main option, reached by ferry, and Yalong Bay is near a coral reef nature reserve. Check the weather first, as typhoons can cancel ferries.
How much does a flight to Sanya usually cost?
It mostly depends on your departure city, the season and how far ahead you book. The "deals" section above shows real examples of prices already detected by SniperAir for this destination.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Sanya drops below my budget?
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