Seven Sanya travel routes can cover your year-round adventures

The Sanya-themed event for China Tourism Day on May 19 and the fifth Sanya city tourism season launched that day rolled out seven new travel routes for the tropical island resort metropolis — located in China's southernmost Hainan province.

These routes offer a great range of experiences — connecting nature, culture and wellness to help you explore Sanya in exciting new ways!

1. Wellness retreat

Lofty perch: Visitors take in gorgeous scenery from the jungle rope bridge at Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park. [Photo/VCG]

Set between the azure ocean and lush tropical rainforests, this journey combines natural healing with traditional Chinese medicine — offering the chance to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate your mind and body in one go.

Recommended route: Sanya Haitang Bay Nantian Hot Spring Resort (natural hot spring therapy) → China Life Caregarden (all-in-one wellness resort) → Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park (natural oxygen bar) → Sanya International Friendship Sanatorium of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Chinese medicine treatments + medicinal cuisine)

2. Family learning adventure

Beach lovers enjoy precious family time on the beach at Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya. [Photo/VCG]

Mix fun with education — letting kids connect with nature and culture through play, turning family trips into a moving classroom.

Recommended route: Wuzhizhou Island (glass sea + family diving) → Atlantis Sanya (The Lost Chambers Aquarium + Aquaventure Waterpark) → Haitang River Ecopark (Li Ethnic Culture Park) → Sanya Datang Intangible Cultural Heritage Creative Base (watch and try Hainan coconut carving, rattan/bamboo weaving, etc.) → Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City (tech exhibition visit)

3. Ocean adventure

Surfers ride it out at Houhai in Sanya. [Photo/VCG]

Dive right into the blue, ride the waves and discover Sanya's unique charm as the city of a thousand boats with a comprehensive ocean experience.

Recommended route: Wuzhizhou Island (scuba diving) → Houhai (surfing) → Atlantis Sanya Aquaventure Waterpark (water fun) → Sanya Hongzhou Times Coastal Marina Waterfront (sailing) → West Island (paddleboarding and kayaking)

4. Island coastal drive

Transfixed: Folks linger to watch the enchanting sunset at Coconut Dream Corridor in Sanya. [Photo/VCG]

Hit the road along this most beautiful coastline, following a 131.5-kilometer scenic route to explore the unique charm of six major bays.

Recommended route: Haitang district (Sanya International Duty-free Shopping Complex + Houhai) → Jiyang district (Sunny Bay + Luhuitou Park) → Tianya district (Coconut Dream Corridor at Sanya Bay + Tianya town + West Island) → Yazhou district (Meilian village + Yazhou Ancient City)

5. Countryside tour

Inspiring view at Bohou village in Sanya with blooming bougainvilleas. [Photo/VCG]

Immerse yourself completely in the picturesque countryside surrounded by coconut groves and experience the simple, heartfelt charm of Hainan's rural life.

Recommended route: Bohou village (cluster of guesthouses + Rose Valley + Aijia Lake camping) → Zhongliao village (Li and Miao cultural experience) → Damao Ocean Eco-Village (eco-nature education) → beautiful fishing village on West Island (fishing village scenery + seaside library) → Shuijiao village (hot spring streams + farming experience)

6. Cultural and historical tour

Always impressive: Wenming Gate Tower at Yazhou Ancient City in Sanya. [Photo/VCG]

Step back in time to explore ancient city ruins and cultural heritage, uncovering the deep-rooted history of Sanya.

Recommended route: Yazhou Ancient City (Wenming Gate + Yazhou Confucian Temple + historical stele inscriptions) → Baoping village, Shuainan village (historic cultural villages) → Sanya Romance of the Ages (large-scale song and dance performances) → Sanya Red Detachment of Women Performance Park

7. Outdoor sports adventure

Chinese and international tourists gaze in awe at the city from the Luhuitou Scenic Area in Sanya. [Photo/VCG]

Push your limits and embrace the thrills with an action-packed journey through mountains to the sea.

Recommended route: Wuzhizhou Island (water sports) → Ye Wang UTV Trendy Play Base (off-road adventure) → Sunny Bay (biking) → Luhuitou Scenic Area (hiking) → Coconut Dream Corridor at Sanya Bay (cycling) → Zhongliao village, Damao village (cycling)

Now, why not bring your family and friends to Sanya and discover the full beauty of the city? You can simply follow these official routes and embark on an exciting journey through majestic mountains and sparkling seas.