Sanya Hainan, China Travel Guide
Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) acts as the main entry point to Sanya and southern Hainan Island. It handles many domestic flights and a growing number of international connections.
Direct international flights to Sanya are limited. Most international travelers connect via major Chinese cities or regional hubs.
High season (Nov-Feb), especially Chinese New Year, means higher flight prices. Low season (May-Sep) sees lower prices due to weather. Shoulder season (Mar-Apr, Oct) offers moderate fares.
Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) has dining, duty-free shopping, financial services (currency exchange, ATMs), luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi.
Options include taxis (metered), Didi Chuxing (ride-sharing), Airport Express Bus (affordable), and hotel shuttles (for high-end resorts).
Hainan Island has no direct land borders. All entry/exit is via air or sea.
A modern loop connects Sanya to Haikou and other coastal cities. Fast and comfortable for island travel.
Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Port mainly handles international cruise ships. No regular passenger ferry services to mainland China from Sanya directly.
Hainan has a modern and efficient high-speed rail loop covering the entire island. Sanya Railway Station serves as the main train hub. This option is popular for travel within Hainan.
Sanya has a long-distance bus station (三亚汽车总站 Sanya Qiche Zongzhan) in the city center. It offers routes to other parts of Hainan Island. High-speed rail is generally preferred for inter-city travel.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not valid in mainland China. Foreigners need a temporary Chinese driver's license to legally drive. Obtaining this license for a short visit is difficult and time-consuming.
Road conditions in Sanya and on Hainan Island are generally good, especially major highways connecting tourist areas. However, traffic can be heavy and chaotic in Sanya city center and during peak times.
Sanya's public bus network forms the backbone of its transit. It offers an affordable and widespread way to move around. The network covers city center, major tourist bays (Dadonghai, Sanya Bay, Yalong Bay, Haitang Bay), and major attractions like Nanshan Temple.
Payment on buses can be done with cash, requiring exact change, or through mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay by scanning a QR code. Public transport cards are mainly for locals.
Licensed taxis are blue or green, feature a "TAXI" sign, and use meters. Fares start around CNY 10-12 daytime. They accept cash and increasingly WeChat Pay/Alipay.
Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is the dominant ride-sharing app. It offers English interface, upfront fare estimates, and various services (Express, Premier, Taxi).
Sanya Bay Promenade is excellent for walking. Bicycle rentals are available at hotels and shops. Bicycle lanes are not common on busy roads; exercise caution.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not valid in mainland China. Foreigners need a temporary Chinese driver's license to legally drive, which is difficult to obtain for short visits.
Rental is possible in some areas (Dadonghai, Houhai) but discouraged for tourists due to licensing issues and significant safety concerns. Traffic can be chaotic.
Ofo and Mobike (Meituan Bike) operate, but usually need a Chinese phone number and ID. Challenging for short-term visitors.
Many hotels and guesthouses offer rentals. Small shops in tourist areas also rent bikes by the hour or day (CNY 20-50/day).
No traditional tuk-tuks or jeepneys. Some areas near beaches may have electric scooter rentals.
Road conditions on major routes are generally good. Traffic can be heavy. Drive on the right side. Speed limits are enforced. China has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving. Parking is available but can be crowded in city centers.
