Follow the Sea, Find the Flavours: A 3-Day, 2-Night Foodie Escape in Sanya

Morning: Start with authentic Gangmen rice noodles served with fish cakes and crisp peanut sweets, alongside tangy, refreshing Yacheng sour rice noodles. Let the time-honoured flavours of the old port awaken your appetite. After breakfast, stroll along the stone-paved streets of Yazhou Ancient City, passing weathered arcaded buildings that bear the traces of sea breezes and years gone by.

Lunch: Visit Yazhou Central Fishing Port, a national-level fishing harbour. Choose freshly landed seafood and enjoy steamed grouper, gently poached shrimp and salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp at a local seafood stall—a delicious introduction to the port’s culinary traditions.

Afternoon: Scan to unlock a shared bicycle and follow the coastline along the Coconut Dream Corridor. Coconut groves stretch along one side, with the blue sea on the other. Towards evening, stop by the beach to watch the sunset turn Sanya Bay shades of orange and gold.

Evening: Head to First Market to choose live seafood and have it cooked nearby. After dinner, browse the night-market stalls for pearl jewellery, dried tropical produce and local snacks, soaking up Sanya’s lively nightlife.

Morning: Visit Houhai Village, known as “China’s No. 1 Surfing Village”, for a beginner surfing lesson in its naturally sheltered bay with gentle waves. Afterwards, cool down with an iced drink at a creative seaside café or surf bar.

Lunch: Sample Hainan’s four signature dishes—Wenchang chicken, Jiaji duck, Hele crab and Dongshan goat—alongside a delicately sweet coconut chicken soup. Together, they offer a taste of the island’s landscapes and culinary heritage.

Afternoon: Wander around a sailing marina lined with white masts, then find a waterfront café for tea, a little daydreaming, some reading or a few photographs. Enjoy the quiet, elegant atmosphere.

Evening — Dinner: At Linwang Seafood Market, choose flower crabs, mantis shrimp and grouper. Try typhoon-shelter-style fried crab and other freshly prepared seafood dishes.

Evening — After Dark: Stroll through the blue-and-white streets of Tianya Town. Sit on the seawall, feel the evening breeze, listen to the waves and watch fishing lights twinkle in the distance.

Morning — Sleep In and Shop: Wake naturally, then travel by car to Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex. Browse duty-free offers and choose beauty products, drinks or bags as gifts from your trip.

Lunch — Local Seafood at Tengqiao Market: Explore Tengqiao Seafood Market, a favourite among Haitang Bay locals. Enjoy a fresh, authentic seafood feast at one of its cooking stalls, with excellent value for money.

Afternoon — Spa and Poolside Relaxation: Return to your hotel for a seaside spa treatment with essential oils. Alternatively, unwind beside the infinity pool or walk barefoot along a private beach, bringing your trip to a leisurely close.