Sanya is a tropical resort in China on the coast of Hainan Island, which became a popular tourist area in the late 90s. True, the resort is mostly popular with the Chinese and, in my opinion, is not at all tailored for foreigners. It was surprising to me that even at the airport they don't speak English, let alone hotels, shops and other establishments. The same inscriptions - all in Chinese. So the resort is not for everybody. However, there are in Sanya Dadonghai, chosen by Russians in recent years, and so there are inscriptions in Russian and Russian-speaking Chinese. But not massively, of course.
We lived for 3 months in the city Lingshue, and drove from it to Sanya (stayed in this hotel), there is not far, only 25 minutes by train.
The content of the article
- one Nanshan Buddhist Temple Complex
- 2 The ancient city of Yachen
- 3 Taoist Park Heavenly Grottoes
- 4 Jade Belt Beach
- five Great Barrier Reef
- 6 Sunken villages of Haikou
- 7 Monkey Island Nanwan
- eight Mount Wuzhishan
- nine Yalongwan Bay
- 10 Xinglong Botanical Garden
Nanshan Buddhist Temple Complex
It is famous all over the world for the huge statue of the goddess Guanyin (108 meters high). The statue is poured from 140 kilograms of pure gold, inlaid with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, jade and other precious stones. The entrance to the temple has a name «gate of nonduality» and symbolizes the last step before reaching enlightenment. The path to the temple lies through the Park of Merciful Liberation, where the famous Giant Jug of Purity is located, which collects rainwater.
The Park of Merciful Liberation itself is a classic Chinese garden, divided by a lake into two banks: beautiful gazebos, well-groomed vegetation. There is also an alley with photographs of long-livers of the island of Hainan (each of whom is over a hundred years old) and the famous Bell of the Pure Mind, which, according to legend, brings good luck and prosperity if you hit it three times.
The ancient city of Yachen
The city is located 45 kilometers west of Sanya and is a historical monument. It is believed that the city originated during the reign of the Xia dynasty (1765 BC) and has since been distinguished by its extraordinary architecture. Tourists come here to admire the South Gate of Wenming and visit the Yachen Academy, or Temple of Confucius. For a long time, the most famous Confucian school on the island was located here. In the western part there is a 15-meter tower built at the end of the 19th century. The tower is often compared to the Leaning Tower, as it also has a characteristic slope..
Taoist Park Heavenly Grottoes
The park was built in the 12th century, located at the foot of the South Mountain and is a national treasure of China. The park also houses the Museum of Natural History and Natural History, the exposition of which reproduces the nature of these places 140 million years BC. The museum is protected by UNESCO and includes a huge collection of ancient artifacts (pterosaur, dinosaur, ichthyosaurus, chrysmatite from Wuzhishan mountain, etc.).
The unique tropical nature of the park is complemented by numerous grottoes. Lovers of vivid impressions go through small grottoes - go inside and go out from the back.
Jade Belt Beach
Listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the shortest strip of land separating the river and the sea. Located on the east coast near Boao town. The beach separates the sea from three rivers at once: Wanquan, Juqu and Longong. The jade belt is famous for the purity of the sand, the clarity of the water and the beauty of the landscape..
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is another attraction in Sanya. It rises at an altitude of 380 meters above sea level. The entrance to the reef is paid. An extraordinary view of the sea opens from here. At the foot of the reef there is a small restaurant serving a variety of national dishes.
Sunken villages of Haikou
Sunken villages near Haikou are a magnet for tourists. In 1605, a strong earthquake struck Hanyang Island, as a result of which more than 70 villages sank in the Dongzhai Bay area. Now this place has become a popular attraction. The water here is so clean and transparent that sunken ruins can be seen 4 kilometers from the port. Diving enthusiasts can take a close look at the remains of houses, an archway, stone bridges and temples.
Monkey Island Nanwan
Nanwan Monkey Island is a tropical reserve of macaques, which, by the way, are protected by law in China. Here, on an area of 1000 hectares, more than 2000 monkeys live in natural conditions, as well as a monkey circus. In addition, the longest transoceanic cable road in China (2138 m long) is located here. You can get to the island by ferry or cable car (by this very cable).
Mount Wuzhishan
Mount Wuzhishan (Five Fingers). The highest mountain on the island (1876 meters above sea level). In addition, the mountain is unusually picturesque: more than 150 species of orchids grow here. Two «finger» this mountain (peaks) are connected by a bridge. The locals call him «fairy bridge» - fogs, drizzle and clouds always reign here. And the three-level Taipingshan Waterfall, falling from a mountain lake, is especially beautiful..
Yalongwan Bay
Yaluwan Bay is located 25 kilometers east of Sanya. It is called tourist «mecca» Hanyana. There are beaches, palm trees, five-star hotels, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues for every taste, yacht clubs, golf courses, all kinds of sea sports and entertainment. The coastline of the bay stretches for 7 km. Lovers of a calm, civilized rest come here. The main attractions of the bay are the Tropical Seas Shell Museum and the Valley of the Butterflies.
Xinglong Botanical Garden
Xinglong Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful and largest botanical gardens in China. It is located near the radon sources of the same name between the cities of Haikou and Sanya. This is a very well-maintained 38 hectare, authentic botanical garden with abundant local tropical flora and fauna. There is a lake in the garden where you can swim by boat, and diving equipment is available for rent. In addition, there are cafes and shops in Xinglong, where you can taste many varieties of tea and coffee, including exclusive «Xinglong Coffee» and «Vanilla green tea».
