Sanya Hainan, China Travel Guide
China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom serve as the main mobile providers, all with good Sanya coverage. Purchase a local SIM upon airport arrival or at city stores. Your passport is necessary for registration.
Wi-Fi is widely available in Sanya, found in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and many public spaces. Many public networks ask for a Chinese phone number for login, which your local SIM card addresses.
China Post (中国邮政) offices in Sanya handle postcards or parcels. Branches are in the city center. Stamps for postcards are inexpensive.
Mandarin Chinese is Sanya's official language. Local Hainanese dialect is also spoken. English proficiency is limited, especially outside major hotels and international resorts. Patience and translation resources bridge communication gaps.
Learning a few local phrases deepens your journey. Locals often appreciate the effort.
Sanya's businesses follow typical operating hours. Public holidays significantly change schedules and crowd levels.
Shops usually open from 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. Shopping malls often stay open later.
Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 AM. Lunch: 11:30 AM-2:00 PM. Dinner: 5:30 PM-9:00 PM. Some street food operates earlier and later.
Attractions are generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM. Verify specific site times, as hours vary seasonally or on holidays.
Banks generally operate 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Some major branches open limited hours on weekends. ATMs are widely available, accepting international cards.
China observes several major public holidays. These significantly impact travel, business hours, and crowd levels. Travel during these times might mean full bookings and higher prices.
Verify operating hours and holiday schedules before your visit.
Sanya's locals generally welcome visitors. A general approach of politeness and observation enhances interactions.
A simple "Ni hao" (你好 - Hello) works well. A nod or slight bow shows politeness. Handshakes are common in formal settings. Address elders with deference.
Beachwear is fine at resorts. Modest dress suits temples and religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). Casual, comfortable clothing generally fits city and shopping outings.
Tipping is not customary or expected in most local settings. Most meals are served family-style for sharing. Slurping noodles and loud conversations can indicate meal enjoyment.
Photography is generally permissible at tourist sites. Be mindful when photographing people; asking for permission is a good approach. Avoid military or sensitive areas. Some religious sites may restrict indoor photography.
Sanya's accessibility infrastructure remains under development, especially for travelers with mobility challenges.
Accessibility infrastructure is limited compared to Western standards. Newer luxury hotels and large shopping malls may feature ramps, elevators, and wider doorways.
Some major attractions, like Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, have wheelchair ramps and accessible pathways. Many newer resorts include accessibility in their design. Public buses are generally not wheelchair accessible.
Specialized services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited. Translation apps can assist with communication for hearing-impaired travelers.
No specific Sanya-based organizations cater to international travelers with disabilities. Research individual hotel and attraction accessibility features beforehand.
Travelers with special needs benefit from pre-trip research and communication with local establishments to ensure a smooth journey.
