Updated · 3 min read · Mango Tour editorial, Sanya
In short: if your guests have one day for sightseeing, send them to Nanshan and its 108-metre sea-facing Guanyin statue. For rainforest and suspension bridges, it is Yanoda; for clear water and snorkelling, Wuzhizhou Island; for a view over the whole city, Luhuitou at sunset. Below are the main sights, how long each takes, and the days and prices of our group departures in yuan per person, with hotel transfer, tickets and a guide.
The short list
- Nanshan and the Guanyin statue — 4–6 hours; group on Mondays, ¥450, private ¥800.
- Yanoda rainforest — 4–6 hours; group on Wednesdays, ¥520 with lunch, private ¥750.
- Wuzhizhou Island — a full beach and snorkelling day from Haitang Bay; ferry 10–15 minutes.
- Monkey Island — half a day; group on Tuesdays, ¥330, with hot springs ¥500.
- Romance of Sanya show — an evening; group on Tuesdays, ¥420.
- Atlantis Sanya water park and aquarium — a full day; group on Thursdays, ¥450 or ¥580 with the aquarium.
- Luhuitou Park — half a day, ideally at sunset; private only, ¥700.
- Li and Miao cultural village — 4–6 hours; group on Thursdays, ¥350.
Nanshan
A large Buddhist park on the west side of Sanya. The centrepiece is the 108-metre statue of Guanyin standing on an artificial island in the sea, reached by a bridge; around it are temples, gardens and viewpoints. It is a lot of walking, so plan on 4–6 hours and comfortable shoes. The coastal Tianya Haijiao park, with its famous carved boulders, lies on the same road and can be added to a private day.
Nanshan excursion →Yanoda rainforest
A tropical rainforest park in the hills north of the city: suspension bridges, glass-floored viewpoints, waterfalls and shaded trails. It is a strong contrast to a beach week and a good choice on an overcast day. Guests who dislike heights can skip the glass sections.
Yanoda excursion →Wuzhizhou Island
A small island off Haitang Bay with clear water, a long beach, snorkelling and diving. Boats leave from the Haitang Bay pier and take 10–15 minutes. According to the island ticket office in October 2026, an adult ticket with the return ferry starts from ¥144, with reduced fares for children aged 6–18. Go early in the day, and avoid Chinese public holidays, when queues at the pier are long.
Monkey Island, hot springs and the evening show
Monkey Island is a reserve for macaques in Lingshui, reached by cable car over the bay; guests should not hold food or shiny objects. It combines well with a hot-spring afternoon. Hot springs: use caution with high blood pressure, heart conditions and pregnancy.
The Romance of Sanya park has an old-town street and a large evening show of about an hour, built on acrobatics and stage effects, so no Chinese is needed.
Monkey Island and hot springs →Atlantis, Luhuitou and the city
Atlantis Sanya in Haitang Bay has the Aquaventure water park and an indoor aquarium with underwater tunnels, useful on a rainy day. Luhuitou is a hill park inside the city with a view over the bays and Phoenix Island; come at sunset. In the evening, the Sanya Bay promenade and the seafood markets in the city centre are worth a walk.
Luhuitou Park →How to plan the week
- One big sight per day: distances between bays and parks are 30 minutes to two hours.
- Do not put two long day trips back to back; alternate with beach days.
- Families: Atlantis, Monkey Island and the evening show; Yanoda for older children.
- In summer and early autumn, plan a spare day for weather.
