Sanya Road Trip: Cruising Along the Coastline
Ready to start the engine and explore Sanya in the freest way? The Sanya Tourism Highway (Sanya Section of Hainan Island Tourist Highway) has officially opened a new chapter in road-tripping. This is not just a road—it’s a 131-kilometer-long flowing coastal gallery.
Like a string of pearls, it perfectly connects the modern flair of Haitang Bay, the classic romance of Yalong Bay, and the ancient soul of Yazhou Bay—bringing together the essence of Sanya’s six iconic bays. It is a moving feast for the senses, embracing the sea, sky, city skyline, and serene rural charm. Under the theme “Follow Your Heart, Every Mile a Thrill,” the route invites every driver to set their own pace and discover a journey that is uniquely their own.
Every Mile a Thrill: Four Zones, Four Themes
This 131-kilometer journey is divided into four distinct chapters. Aligned with the four administrative districts it passes through, the Sanya Tourism Highway unfolds in four unique themes, giving your drive clear layers and endless exploratory delight.
Haitang District: The International Fashion Route
Your journey begins in the east, in Haitang District, where the spirit is “style.” This is where global luxury meets the South China Sea. The highway weaves through rows of international luxury hotels, each an architectural masterpiece.
Here, fashion is tangible—it’s the shimmering glass facade of the Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping City, the play of light and shadow in top-brand boutiques, and the maritime gateway to Wuzhizhou Island, hailed as “China’s Premier Diving Destination.” Here, cutting-edge cosmopolitan style blends seamlessly with tropical relaxation.
Highlights: International Duty-Free City, Wuzhizhou Island, luxury hotel cluster.
Jiyang District: The Romantic Resort Route
Entering Jiyang District, you arrive at the heart of Sanya’s classic romantic getaways, where the spirit is “leisure.” The rhythm of the road slows here, winding along the perfect curve of Yalong Bay, “The Best Bay Under Heaven,” and passing the lively waves of Dadonghai. Make a stop at Luhuitou Park along the way, where from the quiet hilltop you can watch Fenghuang Island and the city skyline gradually light up at dusk.
Highlights: Yalong Bay, Dadonghai, Luhuitou Park, Fenghuang Island.
Tianya District: The Beautiful Bay Route
Tianya District showcases Sanya’s most representative coastal scenery, where the spirit is “a living painting.” Here, the road clings closely to the sea, with the long, graceful Coconut Dream Corridor of Sanya Bay on one side and the endless blue waves on the other.
This is the golden stretch for breathtaking sunsets. Heading west, you’ll reach the legendary Tianya Haijiao (Ends of the Earth) Scenic Area, and at the ferry terminal for Xidao Island (West Turtle Island), you’ll feel how natural wonders and vibrant local life intertwine.
Highlights: Coconut Dream Corridor of Sanya Bay, Tianya Haijiao, Xidao Island Marine Culture Tourism Zone.
Yazhou District: The Heritage & Technology Route
The final stretch of the journey, Yazhou District, is a land where past and future converge—its spirit is “time.” Driving here feels like traveling through eras: on one side lies Yazhou Ancient Town, whispering tales from 600 years of history, and the majestic Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone.
On the other side, this is also a window to the future. The Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City you’ll pass through represents the forefront of China’s deep-sea technology, presenting a strikingly modern landscape. Ancient heritage and advanced science stand side by side along the same coastline.
Highlights: Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, Nanshan (Small & Large Caves), Yazhou Ancient Town, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City.
Your Personal Road Trip Blueprint
To help self-drive tourists better experience the charm of this highway, the Sanya Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports Bureau has officially released the Sanya Tourism Highway Self-Drive Guide (Version 1.0). (Print copies are available free of charge at tourist information centers.)
This guide is the perfect companion for your journey. Combining realistic photos with concise descriptions, it vividly showcases the scenery along the way. Covering all essential travel elements—“dining, accommodation, transport, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment”. Gather your family and friends, grip the steering wheel, and begin your own thrilling journey on Sanya’s most beautiful road.