From history and culture to everyday life, discover another side of Sanya through the pages of a book

For many people, Sanya brings to mind turquoise seas, warm breezes, coconut palms and sunsets. Beyond these familiar coastal scenes, however, lies a city with a rich cultural heritage.

On September 28, Reading Sanya, a new book exploring the city’s culture, will be officially launched. Developed under the guidance of the Sanya Municipal Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports, and compiled by experts and scholars brought together by the Sanya Public Cultural Center, the book traces four strands of the city’s identity: history, revolutionary heritage, maritime culture and folk traditions. Together, they offer a comprehensive account of Sanya’s stories and collective memory.

One Book, Four Dimensions of Sanya

Reading Sanya goes beyond a conventional travel guide or local gazetteer.

From the prehistoric remains of Luobi Cave dating back some 10,000 years to the thousand-year legacy of ancient Yazhou; from century-old arcaded buildings bearing the architectural influences of Southeast Asia to southern Hainan’s revolutionary history, and the living traditions of Li brocade, betel nut customs and local food, the book asks a simple question: what does Sanya offer beyond the sea?

Its pages bring together urban history, personal stories and memories of local customs. Readers will discover how residents carried bricks uphill to build Wenfeng Pagoda while enjoying theatrical performances, learn about the sacrifice of revolutionary Sun Weiqing, trace the changing names of Yalong Bay, and explore the traditional marriage custom in which accepting betel nuts signified an engagement. These details bring Sanya’s past vividly into focus.

From Coastal Scenery to Cultural Heritage

Historically known as Yazhou, Sanya is a place where a long history meets an outward-looking maritime culture.

Reading Sanya reconnects the cultural threads scattered throughout the city, inviting visitors to move beyond seeing Sanya to understanding it. From historical figures and neighbourhood life to revolutionary memories and everyday meals, the book presents a city whose richness extends well beyond a seaside holiday.

For travellers, it offers another way to explore: after discovering the mountains and sea, follow the pages into the city’s past and present.

Join the September 28 Activities for a Chance to Receive a Free Book

To bring Sanya’s cultural heritage closer to residents and visitors, the book launch on September 28 will feature an interactive giveaway.

Participants in the live question-and-answer activities will have a chance to receive a specially designed Reading Sanya gift set, containing one copy of the book and a custom bookmark. Quantities are limited, with gifts available on a first-come, first-served basis.

After the launch, visitors can also take part in the on-site check-in activity and write their hopes and wishes for Sanya’s future on a sticky note for another chance to receive a gift set.

Event Information

Event: Discovering Mountains and Seas Through Reading · Reading Sanya
Date and time: Monday, September 28, 2026, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Venue: Performance Hall, Ground Floor, Sanya Cultural Center
Giveaway: Participate in the live quiz or on-site check-in activities for a chance to receive a limited-edition Reading Sanya gift set

On September 28, open the pages of Reading Sanya and rediscover a city that feels both familiar and full of surprises. Take home a book—and a piece of Sanya’s cultural memory.