Top 10 things you should do in Sanya
1. Find a stretch of sandy beach, lie down, enjoy the sunshine, seawater and blue sky…
2. Find a beach pub at the sunset, get a drink. Stay alone or hold to your beloved or colleague for a party…
3. Experience at least one water sport to get intimate with the sea…
4. Pay homage to the highest 108m sea-based Kuwan-yin Buddha in the world at Nanshan Temple, be blessed…
5. Go and find out where the end of the earth is, pledge a true vow of love…
6. Gulp some fresh seafood at Chuanyuan or Hongsha Jetty like the locals do…
7. Relive yourself by taking a boat to a nearby island…
8. Spare one day for a tour to a vicinal tropical rainforest, and if you are a real adventurer, join an exciting outdoor activity…
9. Fully enjoy the tropical night life, roam to the 24-hour-service night markets or indulge into a beach bar…
10. Go to the market and bargain for some tropical-inspired gifts for your friends, relatives and families.
Useful Chinese Phrase
Conversation:
Hello/Hi. Ni hao 你好！
Good morning. Zao Shang hao 早上好
Good afternoon. Xia wu hao 下午好
Good evening. Wan shang hao 晚上好
Good night. Wan an 晚安
How are you? Ni hao ma? 你好吗？
I'm fine. Wo hen hao 我很好
And you? Ni ne? 你呢？
Nice to meet you. Hen gao xing jian dao ni. 很高兴见到你
Thank you. Xie xie 谢谢
You're welcome. Bu ke qi 不客气
Sorry. Dui bu qi 对不起
Good bye. Zai jian 再见
What's your name? Ni jiao shen me ming zi? 你叫什么名字？
My name is... Wo jiao 我叫
Where are you from? Ni cong na li lai? 你从那里来？
I'm from… Wo lai zi…… 我来自 ……
Can you speak English? Ni hui jiang ying yu ma? 你会讲英语吗？
What do you call this in Chinese? Zhe ge yong zhong wen zen me jiang? 这个用中文怎么说？
How much? Duo shao qian? 多少钱？
Taxi Chu zu che 出租车
Numbers:
1 Yi
2 er
3 San
4 Si
5 Wu
6 Liu
7 Qi
8 Ba
9 Jiu
10 Shi
11 Shi yi
12 Shi'er
20 Er shi
30 San shi
100 Yi bai
200 Er bai
300 San bai
1,000 Yi qian
10,000 Yi wan
100,000 Shi wan
Places:
Sanya, Sanya 三亚
The Ritz-Carlton Sanya, Li Si Ka’er dun jiu dian 丽思卡尔顿酒店
Yalong Bay, Yalong wan 亚龙湾
Big east Sea Bay, Da dong hai 大东海
Sanya Bay, Sanya wan 三亚湾
Downtown, Shi qu 市区
Supermarket, Chao shi 超市
Shopping Mall, shang chang 商场
Airport, ji chang 机场
Bus Station, Che zhan 车站
Beach, Sha tan 沙滩
Sea, Da Hai 大海
Rainforest, Yu lin 雨林
Mountain, Shan 山
Hotel, Jiu dian 酒店
Restaurant, Can ting 餐厅
Bar, Jiu ba 酒吧
Bank, Yin hang 银行
Hospital, Yi yuan 医院
Toilet, Ce suo 厕所
Telecommunication
You can request the hotel with open the international direct dial service.
If you have any mobile telecommunication tools with you, buying a local SIM card is strongly recommend. The card cost RMB 50-100, can be recharged with value any time. Domestic dials are available anytime anywhere, but for international dials RMB2000 is required for deposit. If you just need the IDD service for a short while, IP card may be the resolution. What you need to do is just to insert the card number, passwords and telephone numbers as instructed (Can be used for Local Mobile Phone and Telephone). IP cards are available at all mobile phone operational outlets and roadside periodical stands during regular business hours (8:00 – 21:00), with face value of RMB 50 and 100 .
Country Code:86 City Code: 898
International calls are made by first dialing 00 followed by the numbers. Calls to other states in China are made by dialing the area code before the number
Internet
Hotel offers internet access service in guest rooms and wireless internet service in public area. If you go to the Sanya city side, also there are more and more restaurants and coffee shops, offer wireless internet service, contact shop staff for a help if any problem.
Currency
Currency Exchange
In China private exchange of currencies is not allowed. The bank is the only legal entity to offer exchange service, mostly with the Bank of China. When making exchanges, you need to present your passport and photocopy of the passport, and fill out an exchange form. A maximum of 5,000 US dollars are allowed for exchange in one single day.
Hotels offer currency exchange service, and for details you can consult the hotel front desk.
Exchange Rate: 1.00 US dollar = RMB 6.9
Bank Business Hours: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Weekends 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cash
Cash is the most swift and convenient method of transaction in travel, especially when consuming at small shops in Sanya. Foreign currency, mostly US dollar and Hong Kong dollar are accepted at such places as high-star hotels and golf clubs. Except for these locations, Reminbi is the common currency.
1 Yuan = 10 Jiao= 100 fen
Credit Card
Major credit cards are accepted by large hotels and consuming outlets. The locations accepting credits cards would put up a post to remind the guests. Due to their business nature, some outlets can only accept Chinese credit cards. Therefore, before addressing your bills, you should verify if they accept international credit cards so as to avoid difficulty.
Traveler’s Check
Generally speaking, traveler’s check is not popular in Sanya. It is only accepted by some branded international hotels. If you want to exchange, please go to the Bank of China.
Useful Phone Numbers
Tourism Information
Tourism Information Center: 86-898-88292666
Multi-language Official Tourism Inquiry Line：86-898-88880000
Tourists Comment Service:12315
Price Comment Service:12358
Emergency Calls
110 Police
119 Fire
120 First-aid
122 Traffic accident
12395 Marine Rescue
88272063 Sea Affairs Emergency
Visas
Sanya is one of the 18 port cities authorized by the Public Security Ministry of China to issue visas. Foreign tourists who have not applied for for visas in a timely manner before departure or temporarily decide to fly to Sanya can apply for the visas with the Office of Landing Visa at the waiting hall of Sanya Phoenix International Airport . Each landing visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days.
Visas are free for tourist groups comprising at least five people holding passports issued by 21 countries namely: Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Philippines, Indonesia, Germany, England, France, Austria, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The following are procedures when applying for visas:
- Provide a valid passport or certificate that replaces the passport
- Complete the application form and submit a 2-inch photograph of your face without hats or other items that may cover your appearance
- Pay the visa fee. (charges may vary in different countries, minimum 160 RMB and US dollars are accepted.)
Please keep in mind that the application of entry visa does not necessarily mean the visa will be issued.
Entry and Exit Division of Sanya Public Security Bureau
Address: Jiaojing Building , Er'huan Road , Sanya City
Telephone: 86-898 – 8869150
Phoenix Airport Frontier Inspection:
Address: Sanya Phoenix Airport
Telephone: 86-898--- 88289559
Visa Division of Phoenix Airport
Address: Sanya Phoenix Airport
Telephone: 86-898-88289566
Clothing
Cotton or lightweight clothing is suitable for daywear
Proper evening attire is recommended when dining in restaurants
Light cotton, viscose or silk clothes are most comfortable to wear in the this warm climate
Swimming attire and beachwear (shorts, tops and sandals) are suitable in beachside and resort area.
Geography
Sanya is the southernmost and only tropical seaside city of China, it lies between 18°09′34″--18°37′27″north latitude and 108°56′30″--109°48′28″east longitude， which is as same as Hawaii. Sanya enjoys very unique advantage in terms of its location. If reaching out from Sanya towards east via Philippines to West Atlantic, or towards south via Australia to South Pacific, or towards southwest via Indo-China Peninsula to Indian Ocean and Atlantic, nearly 900 km can be saved from starting off from Guangzhou. Thus, Sanya is the true gateway of south China. Sanya incorporates three dominant natural scenes namely mountains, sea and rivers into one unit, which fall into 4 districts as per their positions: Yalong Bay, Dadonghai, Sanya Bay and downtown. The regions nearby Sanya like Xinglong or Qionghai can as well be reached by 1 or 2 hours’ drive.
Language
Sanya's public language is Putonghua or Mandarin, and the local language is Hainan dialect. As Hainan in history was once a county of Guangdong Province, some locals can speak Cantonese also. Sanya's minorities have their own ethnic languages, such as Jun, Mai, Li, Huihui, Danzhou and Danjia.
As a tourist destination, English is widely spoken at such occasions as star hotels, high-profile locations and scenic spots. Signs in Chinese and English are put up on in such locations. Due to various sources of guests, Sanya also provide such language service as Russian, Japanese, Korean, and others.
Climate
Sanya is characterized with tropical oceanic monsoon climate, with yearly average temperature stays at 25.4 ℃. The highest temperature falls in July at 28.3 ℃ while the lowest temperature comes in January at 20.3 ℃. The whole year sunshine volume is 2563 hours，over 300 days. From the current October to April the following year is the peak season of Sanya, is as well the most comfortable time in Sanya with continuous arrivals of visitors. May to September is relatively low but is a time to avoid meeting the visitors tide.
Airplane
As Sanya lies in the southernmost tip of China and for its unique location, 95% passengers access by air. Flying is the fastest way, for Sanya to Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou each takes one hour only, Sanya to Shanghai takes two and a half hours, Sanya to Beijing takes three and a half hours. Therefore, whether you choose direct flight from within China, or transit from other countries, all are very convenient. To date the Sanya Phoenix International Airport has opened 60 more flight routes covering 39 domestic cities, 31 international cities, 4 regions, England, Russia, Japan and Korea, During the peak season (October - March), there will be more flights as per the market demand. With the exploitation of international market by the government of Sanya, plus the convenience ensured by the airport, there will be more European routes opened in future.
Train
Guangdong-Hianan Railway is the first trans-sea railway of China, constructed by Ministry of Railway, Hainan Province and Guangdong Province.April 2007, the whole railway is finally finished. So you have one more land transportation choice----Train trip, brand new trains with good quality offers three types of tickets: hard seat, hard sleeper and soft sleeper. Sanya to Guangzhou: 15 hours, Sanya to Beijing: 35 hours, Sanya to Shanghai: 36 hours. If you are not in rush to go anywhere, you could think about it for a fun experience.
Cruises
The routes of bus and trains actually include the ship transportation. After the bus and train arriving in Zhanjiang, the vehicles together with the passengers will be ferried across Qiongzhou Strait to Haikou, then continue their rides. Therefore, whatever means you choose, ship is always a must.
To date the Sanya Phoenix International Port has come into use. Currently a route has been opened by Costa Crociere S.P.A for Hong Kong – Sanya – Vietnam HaLong Bay – Hong Kong, which visits Sanya at least 6 times a month. In the future more boats from home and abroad will disembark in Sanya. By then you can go for a voyage by taking a boat to Sanya from abroad.
Buses
Long-distance Bus
All long-distance buses start from Sanya Bus Station, with over a hundred of runs heading for cities and counties within the province, and some other provinces. The distance of eastern expressway between Haikou and Sanya is about 250km, passing Qionghai, Wanning, Lingshui etc. along the way. Deluxe bus doesn’t stop during the tour, takes about 3 hours. The western expressway extends across 7 cities and counties namely Ledong, Dongfang, Changjiang, Lingao, Chengmai and Haikou, takes 3.5 hours in maximum. Besides, there are more than 20 runs starting from Sanya to other provinces like Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Jiangxi, etc.
City Bus
The network of city buses currently extends to every major district of Sanya. Bus rate within downtown is 1 yuan only. For out-of-town service, the rate is normally around 10-15 yuan.
The best traveling itinerary: New State Line
Beginning and final schedules: 6:00 – 20:00
Yalong Bay – Dadonghai – Fenghuang Road – Sanya Bay Road – The end of Earth (Tianya Haijiao)---Nanshan Temple---The Cave Tourism Zone
The best Shopping Itinerary: No. 202
Beginning and final schedules: 6:00 – 24:00
West Bus Station – Nongken Hospital – the 2nd Market – Pearl Plaza – Jiefanglu Pedestrian Street – Yifang Shopping Mall – the 1st Market –Time Coast Bar Street – Xiayangtian Square – Dadonghai – East Bus Station
Taxi
Taking a cab is the most convenient way of traveling. In Sanya it’s a common practice to bargain for the taxi fare for a long distance, but the fares are quite reasonable if being charged as per meters within the downtown area. The following rate may give you reference as to taking a cab in Sanya:
Airport – Yalong Bay RMB 100 – 150
Airport – Dadonghai RMB 80 – 100
Airport – downtown RMB 40 – 60
Downtown – Yalong Bay RMB 50 – 70
Dadonghai – Yalong Bay RMB 40 – 50
Rental Vehicles
Renting a vehicle can be done in two methods: one is to rent a vehicle with a driver, the other is to rent a self-drive vehicle. Of the 1st, the driver is familiar with terrain and traffic conditions of Sanya, which can largely facilitate your tour; The second is of being totally free, but the following points should be prepared by you in advance:
- Internationally recognized driving license or Chinese driving license;
- Passport or ID Card.
- A certain amount of deposit.
- Some companies may have regulations on mileage per day, therefore you should confirm with the company before departing.
- Detailed map of Hainan Island
- Traffic rules of China are somewhat different from those of western countries in that driving seats are on the left and you should drive on the right. If you are not familiar with the rules, you had better not rent or practice beforehand.
- Keep the contact methods of renting company and public security bureau for emergency service.
The renting rate varies according to vehicle type and renting period, ranging from a few hundred to a thousand yuan and so on. For more details please kindly contact the concierge.
History & Culture
Historically Sanya was called Yazhou in ancient times with a recorded long-lasting history. In March 1992 archeologists discovered the 10-thousand-year human relics of Sanya at Luobi Cave, which brings forward the human history of Sanya to two to three more thousand years. The relics are the earliest known to belong to human beings, as well as the southernmost relics in the culture of China’s Old Stone Age. Along the coast ancient Persian’s grave groups were found. As early as in Qin Dynasty three counties were set under jurisdiction of the central government, Yazhou, or called Xiangjun, was one of which. Han Dynasty established Zhuya County, Sui Dynasty set Linzhen and Tang Dynasty changed it to Zhenzhou for today’s Sanya. By the Song Dynasty Sanya had become the southernmost county of China. As Sanya lies remote from the mainland and the central government, it has long been called “the end of the earth” since old times. The prime ministers Han Yuan and dignitary monk Jian Zhen of Tang Dynasty, the famous prime minister Zhao Ding, minister Hu Quan and the weaver Huang Daopo of Song Dynasty have all stepped feet in Sanya, who has made great contributions to the development of regional economy and cultural exchanges.
Population and Ethnic Culture
Sanya is home to quite a number of nationalities, Han, Li, Miao, Hui etc. By the end of 2005, the permanent population of the city was recorded 524,000. Li and Miao are the two largest ethnic groups. Li is regarded as the aborigines of Hainan Island, majority of which live in compact community in mountainous area with their own language. Li is a vigorous minority boasting brilliant arts, dance and music, unparalleled dyeing and weaving talent.
Festivals & Holidays
"Lunar February 2” Raise-Head-Dragon Festive
Date: Every lunar February 2 （March）
Hainan Li & Miao “Lunar March 3”
Date: Every lunar March 3 (April)
Labor Holiday
Date: May 1---7
Dragon Boat Festival
Date: Every lunar May 5 (June)
Tianya Haijiao Moon Festival
Date: Every Lunar August 15 (September)
National Holiday
Date: October 1---7
China Hainan Island Carnival
Date: Start from the 1st weekend of November and ends at the 4th weekend
New Year Holiday
Date: January 1---3
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)
Date: Every Lunar January 1-7 (January or February)
Tipping
- Tipping is not expected, though welcome. Leave a small change for your wait staff, if you like.
- Most restaurants and hotels include a service charge as part of your bill.
- Tipping in Golf Club to Caddies are highly deserved due to their hard work and this is their main income, normally tips is RMB 50-100
Weather
January
Average Temperature 20.8 °C
Rainfall Count 4.3 mm
Day Average Sunlight 5.1 hr
Febuary
Average Temperature 21 °C
Rainfall Count 6.2 mm
Day Average Sunlight 4.7 hr
March
Average Temperature 21.3 °C
Rainfall Count 5.9 mm
Day Average Sunlight 5.6 hr
April
Average Temperature 24.8 °C
Rainfall Count 7.8 mm
Day Average Sunlight 6 hr
May
Average Temperature 27.3 °C
Rainfall Count 12.3 mm
Day Average Sunlight 8.5 hr
June
Average Temperature 28.1 °C
Rainfall Count 12.3 mm
Day Average Sunlight 8.5 hr
July
Average Temperature 28.4 °C
Rainfall Count 10.5 mm
Day Average Sunlight 9.4 hr
August
Average Temperature 27.8 °C
Rainfall Count 11.6 mm
Day Average Sunlight 8.3 hr
September
Average Temperature 26.9 °C
Rainfall Count 11.5 mm
Day Average Sunlight 7.8 hr
October
Average Temperature 25 °C
Rainfall Count 9.8 mm
Day Average Sunlight 7.1 hr
November
Average Temperature 22 °C
Rainfall Count 6.1 mm
Day Average Sunlight 6.2 hr
December
Average Temperature 22.1 °C
Rainfall Count 4.2 mm
Day Average Sunlight 5.7 hr