Next Stop: Summer in Haitang!

A sea breeze drifts through the coconut palms, surfboards skim the waves at Houhai, and sunlight dances beneath the water. In Haitang Bay, there is no single way to enjoy summer. Spend the morning swimming among fish, the afternoon shaping a coconut-shell keepsake in a traditional craft workshop, then catch the evening breeze on a skateboard or enjoy a ride at an equestrian centre. Leave room for spontaneity and follow this guide to a tropical escape filled with discovery, movement and moments of pure relaxation.

🌊 01 | Waves, Diving and Island Walks

Discover diving: Even first-timers can discover the underwater world through a guided introductory experience. Watch light shimmer through the water and immerse yourself in a world that feels both peaceful and extraordinary—a refreshing change from the summer heat.

Surf at Houhai: With its sandy beach and waves that can suit beginners when conditions allow, Houhai is an inviting place to try surfing. Learn to catch a wave and feel the thrill of moving with the sea, then slow down at a beachfront café or browse the village’s creative little shops.

Explore the island on foot: Clear blue water meets white sand in a landscape made for lingering. Head to Sunrise Rock for sweeping sea views and discover the romance of Lovers’ Island, leaving the city’s bustle behind.

Places to explore: Sanya Thetis Diving Centre, Houhai (Tenghai Village), Wuzhizhou Island

🎨 02 | Living Heritage and Local Craft

Try coconut-shell carving: Go beyond sightseeing and discover what skilled hands can create from a simple coconut shell. A hands-on workshop brings traditional craftsmanship and island culture together, giving you the chance to learn a new skill and make a keepsake of your own.

Discover local traditions: Explore a range of traditional crafts and folk customs at cultural learning centres. Bring the family, put away your screens and spend time discovering the stories, skills and knowledge passed down through generations.

Places to explore: Haitang Coconut-Shell Carving Learning Centre, Akage Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre

🛹 03 | Skateboarding and Horse Riding

Find your flow on a skateboard: Purpose-built ramps and open spaces create an energetic setting for an active afternoon. Glide through the tropical evening breeze, practise your moves and enjoy the simple pleasure of being in motion.

Take to the saddle: You do not need to travel to the grasslands for a memorable horse-riding experience. At Haitang Bay, trained horses and professional instructors offer an introduction to the elegance and exhilaration of riding. Saddle up and enjoy the arena at a pace suited to your experience, from a gentle walk to more advanced riding under instruction.

Places to explore: ASP Skatepark, Haitang Equestrian Centre

Surfing, crafts, sport, relaxation and unexpected discoveries: a holiday in Haitang Bay is more than a checklist. It is a chance to move between excitement and stillness, following whatever catches your imagination. Whether you are exploring beneath the water or enjoying the sunshine on land, each experience reveals another side of Sanya’s summer. Choose a bright day, head towards the coast and make some island memories of your own.