This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Sanya.
Sanya, China, is not a typical Chinese city when you compare it to other big and famous cities in the country. It is located on Hainan Island, the southernmost province of China. The province is the smallest of its kind and includes various islands in the South China Sea. Just to give you an impression, subtropical Hong Kong and Hanoi are north of this unique Chinese island. In fact, Sanya is considered “China's Hawaii,” boasting long white beaches with crystal-clear water, making it a popular destination for Chinese tourists. Especially in winter, there are many retirees from elsewhere in China staying on the island for weeks and even months. Around six hundred eighty-five thousand people permanently live in Sanya, which is the second-biggest city on the island. In former times, the remote island was used as a place of exile for disgraced officials who were punished by the country's rulers.
There are signs in English throughout the city, but workers mostly speak only a little English. It is always best to double check if service employees or taxi drivers have understood what you are asking or saying, as communication problems can occur if you want to book a Sanya, China hostel or any other accommodation. Sanya is popular tourist destination, so you can find numerous hotels, guesthouses, and hostels in Sanya, China. Most places, including the Sanya, China hostels, offer free Wi-Fi and have modern facilities.
Sanya is also well known for its excellent opportunities for all sorts of water sports. Surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling are available. One of the most popular spots is Yalong Bay. It is a seven kilometres stretch of beach, which is easily accessible by train or bus services. Sanya Beach Bay stretches around twenty-five kilometres. Consider the peak seasons such as Chinese New Year when choosing when to visit, as during these periods, the beach can be really busy and even dirty. If you want to see some culture and architecture, check out Guanyin of Nanshan, a beautiful Buddhist statue located right on the waterfront. The peaceful statue is more than a hundred metres high and was completed at the beginning of the twenty-first century. It is one of the tallest statues worldwide.
Written by local enthusiast for Sanya hostels
