Excursions in Sanya

A large Buddhist complex on the shore of the South China Sea. Its symbol is a 108-metre statue of the goddess Guanyin: its three faces look out over the island and the sea. Among the gardens, pavilions and ponds, you can feel time slow down. For anyone who wants to see the spiritual heart of Hainan and take photographs that stay with you.

A theme park in the spirit of an ancient town, with dozens of stages and interactive scenes by day. Its centrepiece is the grand evening show "Romance of Sanya": a large production of about an hour, with acrobatics, special effects and the island’s legends from ancient Yazhou to the Maritime Silk Road. Spectacular, musical and clear without words. A wonderful evening for couples and for the whole family.

A chance to meet Hainan’s indigenous peoples — the Li and the Miao — at the Binglanggu (Areca Valley) cultural park. Living crafts are kept alive here: Li weaving and embroidery, inscribed on the UNESCO heritage list, fire-making by friction, and pottery. Open-air museums, traditional music and a lively folk performance. A warm, heartfelt excursion for anyone drawn to people and traditions.

An easy half-day excursion with lunch: viewpoints with panoramas of the city, the sea and Phoenix Island, the city’s defining symbol and a romantic Li legend of a maiden and a deer. It is especially beautiful at sunset — perfect for a first look at the city.

The sea as it should be seen — from the deck of a yacht along the Sanya coast. Along the way: a swim in the open water, views of the bays and the Sanya skyline, and, if you wish, fishing and drinks on board. You can arrange a private outing for your party or just the two of you and watch the sunset at sea. Calm, beautiful and a touch of resort luxury.

Wuzhizhou is called the "Chinese Maldives" — one of the best-known diving spots in the country. Underwater visibility reaches 27 metres, and more than 300 species of fish live among the corals. It is comfortable for beginners with an instructor and rewarding for experienced divers; for those who do not dive, there is snorkelling and clean beaches. The sea is warm almost all year round.

A nature reserve for macaques on the Nanwan peninsula. You reach it by an over-sea cable car about 2.1 km long, above a bay dotted with fishing farms, and the ride alone is an experience. Hundreds of free-roaming monkeys live on the island, with shows and viewpoints over the sea. Children are thrilled — one of our favourite family excursions.

A wildlife park on a tropical island: some animals live in spacious enclosures, others in a drive-through zone where you watch them up close. Tropical birds, monkeys, hoofed animals and predators, themed shows and shaded avenues. Children get a full day of wonder, while adults enjoy a stroll in the shade of the trees. A fine choice for a family day off the beach.

The island’s flagship resort complex: a panoramic aquarium with underwater tunnels and the Aquaventure water park with its slides and lazy river. Three options — the aquarium, the water park, or both in a single day. A full day out for families, whatever the weather.