Dadonghai Plaza

大东海广场

Dadonghai is located between Yulin Port and Luhuitou in Sanya. Rated a 4A-level scenic spot, it is Sanya's first free, open-air scenic area. Dadonghai Square is the gateway to Dadonghai. With its large, free area, lush green grass, and swaying coconut trees, it's a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Attractions Location: 157 meters southeast of the intersection of Donghai Road and Yuya Road, Jiyang District, Sanya City, Hainan Province

Tickets:
free

Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)

Time reference: 1-3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Dadonghai Plaza tours

1-Day Itinerary

Spend a relaxing day exploring Dadonghai Beach and its surroundings. Perfect for those with limited time, focusing on beach fun and local food.

  • Morning: Walk from Dadonghai Plaza to Dadonghai Beach (5–10 min by foot). Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or water sports.
  • Afternoon: Stroll along the Dadonghai Coastal Promenade and visit nearby shops and cafés.
  • Evening: Enjoy sunset at the beach and then have dinner at a local seafood restaurant near Dadonghai Plaza.

Accommodation/Food: Stay at a hotel near Dadonghai Plaza. Try fresh seafood at Chunji Seafood or local Hainan dishes like Wenchang chicken.

Souvenirs: Seashell crafts, Hainan coconut candy, beach accessories from nearby stalls.


2-Day Itinerary

Combine beach relaxation with a cultural experience in Sanya city.

  • Day 1: Same as 1-Day itinerary (Dadonghai Beach + promenade + seafood dinner).
  • Day 2 Morning: Take bus 25 or taxi (15 min) to Luhuitou Park. Hike to the top for panoramic views of Sanya.
  • Day 2 Afternoon: Take bus 2 (20 min) or taxi to Sanya First Market for street food and shopping.
  • Day 2 Evening: Return to Dadonghai (10–15 min by taxi or bus) for dinner.

Accommodation/Food: Stay at Dadonghai Plaza hotels. Try tropical fruit smoothies and BBQ skewers at First Market.

Souvenirs: Luhuitou Park – love-themed ornaments; First Market – dried seafood, tropical fruits, pearls.


3-Day Itinerary

Blend seaside leisure with nature exploration at Yalong Bay.

  • Day 1: Dadonghai Beach exploration.
  • Day 2: Luhuitou Park + First Market.
  • Day 3 Morning: Take bus 25 or taxi (30 min) to Yalong Bay for snorkeling and beach relaxation.
  • Day 3 Afternoon: Visit Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park (shuttle buses available from Yalong Bay, ~10 min). Explore canopy bridges and rainforest trails.
  • Day 3 Evening: Return to Dadonghai (~40 min taxi/bus). Dinner near the plaza.

Accommodation/Food: Base in Dadonghai. Eat local tropical fruit desserts or try beachside restaurants at Yalong Bay.

Souvenirs: Yalong Bay – coral jewelry, seashell decorations; Forest Park – eco-friendly crafts, coconut wood carvings.


4-Day Itinerary

Extend the trip with history and local culture at Nanshan Temple.

  • Day 1: Dadonghai Beach leisure.
  • Day 2: Luhuitou Park + First Market.
  • Day 3: Yalong Bay + Forest Park.
  • Day 4 Morning: Taxi (50 min) or tourist bus to Nanshan Temple to see the Guanyin statue and Buddhist gardens.
  • Day 4 Afternoon: Explore Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone.
  • Day 4 Evening: Return (~1 hr by taxi/bus). Dinner at Dadonghai seafood restaurants.

Accommodation/Food: Stay near Dadonghai for consistency. Try vegetarian food at Nanshan Temple or seafood hotpot in Sanya city.

Souvenirs: Nanshan Temple – Buddhist charms, incense, jade crafts.


5-Day Itinerary

Include adventure and nature at Wuzhizhou Island.

  • Day 1–4: Same as above (Dadonghai + Luhuitou Park + First Market + Yalong Bay + Nanshan Temple).
  • Day 5 Morning: Taxi (40 min) to Wuzhizhou Wharf, then ferry to Wuzhizhou Island. Enjoy diving, water sports, and island exploration.
  • Day 5 Evening: Return to Dadonghai (~1 hr taxi/ferry) for rest.

Accommodation/Food: Dadonghai Plaza hotels. Try island snacks and beach BBQ on Wuzhizhou.

Souvenirs: Wuzhizhou Island – diving photos, sea shells, island-themed trinkets.


6-Day Itinerary

Experience Sanya’s local culture with a visit to Binglang Valley.

  • Day 1–5: Same as above (Dadonghai + Luhuitou + First Market + Yalong Bay + Nanshan Temple + Wuzhizhou).
  • Day 6 Morning: Taxi (1 hr) or group tour to Binglang Valley (Betel Nut Valley). Explore Li and Miao minority cultural performances, museum, and village setting.
  • Day 6 Evening: Return to Dadonghai (~1 hr). Dinner in a local Li-style restaurant if available.

Accommodation/Food: Stay near Dadonghai. Try Li/Miao style roasted pork and bamboo rice.

Souvenirs: Binglang Valley – ethnic handicrafts, embroidered cloth, betel nut souvenirs.


7-Day Itinerary

A full week in Sanya mixing relaxation, culture, and exploration, ending with Tianya Haijiao.

  • Day 1–6: Same as above itineraries.
  • Day 7 Morning: Taxi (50 min) to Tianya Haijiao (“End of the Earth”). Walk along the coast, enjoy stone inscriptions and romantic seaside views.
  • Day 7 Afternoon: Relax at nearby Tianya Scenic Area, then return to Dadonghai (~1 hr).
  • Day 7 Evening: Final dinner at a luxury seafood restaurant near Dadonghai Plaza, enjoy night stroll on the beach.

Accommodation/Food: Dadonghai Plaza area hotels. For the farewell meal, try abalone or lobster dishes.

Souvenirs: Tianya Haijiao – romantic “End of Earth” souvenirs, stone carvings, conch shells.


User Reviews

By China-TravelNote users |

It's very good. It's very convenient to get here by bus. There are food and drinks everywhere. There are all kinds of delicious and fun things in the Big Pineapple, and the Summer Department Store is also very crowded.

There are so many beauties on the beach, especially Russian girls! They are really invincible white girls! Of course, there are also many Russian aunts... I met a lot of live-streaming influencers in the square, singing and dancing, which was quite interesting. I accidentally recorded them. Hmm, it's interesting, the sea water is also good, but the beach is not very clean. There are poker cards and other things. It really needs to be fixed.

By pufferfish |

Sanya Dadonghai Plaza, conveniently located near the city center, is a must-see open-air beachfront destination. Its 800-meter crescent-shaped bay boasts fine, white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Shaded by coconut trees, the plaza offers free water-drying areas and relaxing seating, perfect for enjoying stunning sunsets. The surrounding area is well-equipped with dining and shopping options, and the beach bar scene is lively at night. With a wide variety of recreational activities, including jet skiing and parasailing, it's recommended to bring your own beach mat for sunbathing. The plaza is free and open all day, with no admission required. Visiting early in the morning or evening to avoid peak crowds is recommended.

By blue |

Dadonghai Square is crowded and lively at night.

By Big Vivi eating watermelon |

A bustling tourist destination year-round, offering everything from food and drink to entertainment.

By Big Bad Wolf |

Dadonghai is located between Yulin Port and Luhuitou in Sanya City. The square has a large free area and is a good place for citizens and tourists.

By Hao Lang |

It's a bustling beach with convenient transportation and everything you need. The water quality is not very good.

By King Vegetable Root |

The water quality is average, there are many Russians, as long as it is close to the city, it is very convenient and you can hang out at any time

By Zhou |

Maybe I've been to Wuzhizhou Island before, so I feel this place is just average. After all, it's a free scenic spot and the scenery is okay.

By Woodworm intercourse |

The Babang dance at Dadonghai Square was bustling with activity, the music playing one after another. The dancers performed with skillful steps and graceful postures—one of the highest-quality square dances I've ever seen. A closer look revealed several foreigners among the dancers; I was surprised how quickly they adapted to the local customs! The next morning, a Tai Chi group replaced the evening's Babang exercises. The leader performed Tai Chi with impressive skill.

By SHARON⛄️ |

The most lively one is Dadonghai! It is more down-to-earth, but the food is not cheap, but it is more fun.

By China-TravelNote users |

The scenery is beautiful, you can listen to music, enjoy the sea breeze and eat seafood. It is a good place for gatherings and meals.

By Amybaby |

Walking to the left of the Dadonghai Tourist Area, facing the sea, I saw a seafood processing plaza with a dining area right by the sea. I checked the prices and found them quite affordable. I picked out my favorite crab and shrimp, chose a seat near the band, and ate seafood and drank beer while listening to the music. It was awesome!

By Wu Haibo |

The water at Dadonghai Beach is very clear and the sand is very fine! It's perfect for swimming and sunbathing!

By Ajin |

This old tourist attraction is located in the city center and is the prime location for Sanya beach tourism.

By Sunny sail |

It is free to enter, the sea water is yellow, mixed with sand, and there are many people.

By Red Tin Man |

Close to the city park and transportation hub on the Dadonghai coast.

By Amo, born in the 1980s |

Food, accommodation, transportation and other aspects are very convenient. There is a long row of outdoor teahouses on the beach, which is quite charming.

By WE |

It's just an ordinary beach, free, and there are not many 5-star hotels nearby.

By Got a nickname |

It's similar to Sanya Bay, and it's okay to go and see the people.

By Hairu*Jixiang Photography |

There are many tourists here, and it is a paradise for dancers at night.

By Everything is the best |

Because my daytime schedule was tight, I went there in the morning and evening. I had a very pleasant experience. Dadonghai Plaza is a great place for leisure, with comprehensive amenities, including food, accommodation, and entertainment. It's especially comfortable, perfect for sitting, chatting, watching the sea, playing in the water, and drinking tea. It's a very romantic place. There were a lot of foreigners there. I didn't eat, so I'm not sure if it was expensive or what the food was like. Overall, it was good. Better than I expected.

By Aquarius Liu Shushu |

There are various bars and restaurants on the beach. Sit down and enjoy the food slowly. You can relax and daydream.

By The Practicing Taurus |

I love you so much, I will take you far away.

By The Earth is Not Alone |

The time I spent with my mother passed by so quickly. The happy scene seemed to be right in front of me.

By 🍊Cheng Xiaoxuan |

I'm afraid I can't give a completely objective review. It was raining when I went, and when it subsided, I braved the rain and went snorkeling. The water was a bit murky and cold, and I couldn't see the fish clearly. As for the square, I didn't find it particularly beautiful or tourist-like; it felt like an ordinary park. Perhaps my review is biased. If it were me, I wouldn't go again.

By wild geese |

Cycling around the island to Sanya, the first stop is Dadonghai.

By Fish in water (male) |

The sea water is very good. Because it is close to the city, there are more people in Yalong Bay and Haitang Bay.

By Drunk Singing |

It's very old and not crowded. It should have been a more glorious place in the past. Now Sanya has become bigger and less important.

By Happy |

Dadonghai Square in Sanya City, Hainan Province is worth a visit.

By He Xiaoai |

Dadonghai is located between Yulin Port and Luhuitou in Sanya. The Sanya Dadonghai Scenic Area has been designated a 4A-level scenic spot, making it Sanya's first free, open-air scenic area. Dadonghai is a symbol of Sanya and has been recognized by the National Tourism Administration as one of China's 40 Best Scenic Spots.

By Liu Wentao |

This is where Russians gather. They like to bask in the sun.

By ★Xinyu★ |

There are some amusement facilities, but the main activity is playing on the beach. There is a row of music stalls on Lin Beach, the environment is pretty good, and it is even more lively at night.

By 🎈Anne |

It's okay, it's just a square, but I forgot to take a photo

By Free flight |

I took the kids to play in Dadonghai for an afternoon. They were in high spirits. There was beach volleyball and the sand was pretty clean.

By Yuebandudu who loves traveling |

The so-called square is actually a place for grilled skewers, beer and fried chicken. The night market is very good, there are still many people, and there are some amusement facilities for children to play. Both transportation and shopping are very convenient. The things in the supermarket are generally expensive!

By China-TravelNote users |

The seaside scenery is beautiful. The accommodation environment is also very good. It is worth a visit

By Heavy rain causes flooding |

Sanya, Dadonghai Square.

I visited here twice - the first time was in 2006, when I stayed nearby, ate in the square and took a dip in the sea; the second time, I spent over an hour at the beach and had dinner in the square.

By Jian Ge |

This attraction is very popular, with a lot of people, but the beach is okay.

By Light and Shadow Swordsman |

It has a great location, free bathing beaches and is crowded with tourists, making it worth a visit.

By Just love to play |

After visiting Wuzhizhou Island, I went to Dadonghai. The water quality was much worse, but it was still much better than Beidaihe and other places. Dadonghai was crowded and had a lot of fun. The beach was especially nice. It's close to the Summer Department Store, so transportation and food are good. Overall, it's a good choice for casual travelers.

By Eliminate the pig mark of side dishes |

Too touristy. Don't go when it's too sunny. Too many foreigners.

By ME Youyuer |

There's a musical fountain in the square. It doesn't spray on Tuesdays, but it sprays at 8pm the rest of the year. My son loves it and drags me to see it every night. In the evenings, there are lots of people square dancing, and in the mornings, people practice Tai Chi. It's a great place to relax.

By make a sightseeing tour |

There's a square next to Dadonghai Beach. It used to have a night market, but it's now closed. Dadonghai Beach is great, close to the city. The open-air restaurants and bars along the beach are bustling at night.

By swimming fish |

The location is good, if you take the bus, just get off here.

By Little Cotton Loves Traveling |

The water is generally clear, but not as clear as at Tianya Haijiao. Public services are poor, and there is almost no place to wash your feet.

By Xiao Ou |

It is basically the first choice for tourists visiting Sanya. You can walk all the way to the beach facing the sculpture. This is the most representative seaside square in China, with entertainment, catering, sports and leisure facilities. There is nothing wrong with it except that there are many people.

By yooy758-0 |

Sanya - Dadonghai Square - Yalong Bay and other places are the best places to swim in winter. The Crown of Beauty is where I work.

By People on the road |

I stayed at Dadonghai Plaza in Sanya. The transportation was very convenient and the beach was also very good.

By Stay for you |

It's free and open to the public. There are people playing beach volleyball. The scenery is nice.

By Photographing the Donkey Wind Flute |

The beach here is great, as it is located in Dadonghai.

By Afterglow |

I've been there several times. Since I can't swim, I can just walk on the beach. It's nice to walk barefoot on the beach, watch people having fun, and there are plenty of water activities to try.

By |

The quality of Dadonghai Beach is incredibly poor. Plastic bags and discarded snack bags from tourists litter the beach. Just digging in the sand is enough to bring out all the trash. It's a real letdown! Yalong Bay isn't much better. And the prices are appalling. On February 1st, a bowl of instant noodles cost 15 yuan, an ear of corn cost 20 yuan, a bunch of squid cost 15 yuan, and a fish weighing about 3 taels cost 50 yuan. Prepare to be ripped off. Overall, I'm deeply disappointed with my trip to Sanya. Tourists are treated like broilers here. The seafood processing fee is even more expensive than the actual food itself. It's a downer. Five-cent ice cream sells for 10 yuan at Nanshan Temple (right before the Buddha's eyes). At Monkey Island in Nanwan, the fruit vendors tell you their scales are 8 taels, as if a pound is 8 taels, just like it's natural. You'll understand once you come. Hopefully, you'll find a good mood in this filthy, messy, and overcrowded city.

By Home Dog |

The best bathing beach in Sanya, and also one of the best bathing beaches in China! I went there in winter, and it was just right after 3pm. It wasn't too sunny, nor was it too cold. The water was clean, the sand was good, and the waves were very comfortable.

By lovemwn |

There is also a fountain under construction, which feels just average.

By West |

The middle section of Dadonghai Beach has a wide view. There are a few shops charging fees on the road leading down to the beach. They are very shady and specialize in ripping off tourists.

By Boss, give me a bottle of Nutri-Express. |

Cycling along the Sanya Bay for a day was fantastic, free, and the scenery was much better than at other places that charge a fee. I came to Sanya just to see the sea.

By Olaf's Treasure |

Because I live relatively close, I can go to the beach every night when I have time, sit there, listen to the waves, and feel the sea breeze. It is very comfortable. I remind my friends to remember to bring a coat, because it will be a bit cold if you stay there for a long time.

By Inkstone and tea |

There are a lot of people at the beach, and there are many aunties and grandmas dancing square dance at night.

By The restless little lion |

Noisy, enthusiastic, but with a bit of garbage left on the beach.

By Antarctic tropical fish |

Very good, rent a lounge chair for 100 yuan and play for a whole day.

By lins |

Walking here, you feel like you've truly entered Sanya. Everywhere you look, you're surrounded by aunties dancing in the square. Children gather around a pond, clamoring for money to feed the fish. On one side of the street, there's a large area marked "South China Sea Shuttlecock Team." Watching the shuttlecocks fly around is hilarious. I stood there with him for a long time, watching. It felt like I was truly experiencing Sanya, not just the Sanya advertised.

By Zhuomo Basang |

The beach inside the market is just okay. You can skip it.

By Ai Liuqin |

I've been there several times. If you can't swim, you can just walk on the beach. It feels great to walk barefoot on the sand, watch people having fun, and there are plenty of water activities to try! It's so relaxing to look at, and it's right in the city, so transportation is very convenient. There are many buses that go there!

By 羅仕兮 |

It's still very blue! Although not as famous as Yalong Bay, I think the sea view of Dadonghai is better than Yalong Bay

By Yangyang |

I was lucky enough to encounter a party when I went to Dadonghai Square. It was very lively.

By Buda |

The waves in Dadonghai are very big and not suitable for swimming, but it is very exciting.

By Snowman Sister |

There is nothing to visit, just a leisure square, and there is a beach below, where you can go to the beach to play.

By Ivy |

It has developed so fast in a few years. The surface of Dadonghai is awesome.

By Su foodie |

For independent travelers, those looking to save money, or those who enjoy being just steps away from the ocean in the mornings and evenings, this is a great option. The garden apartments are especially cost-effective, with access to the kitchen. If you're not used to the local food or want to save money, you can buy noodles and vegetables at the nearby supermarket. I even found Hainanese noodles and chili sauce there, which were perfect for me, a Sichuanese. Also, you can buy tropical fruits at the supermarket in the evenings! Fruit and bread are cheaper at night than during the day.

It is also relatively close to tourist attractions such as Yalong Bay and the First Market by bus from Dadonghai Square. What's more, the First Market is suitable for visiting at night, and you are worried about missing the bus if you visit too late, so Dadonghai is a good choice!

Of course, if you're looking for luxurious, high-end beachfront accommodations, Yalong Bay is your first choice. Budget travel is a no-brainer...

Objectively speaking, Sanya is an overly touristy city. One-third of the residents are from Northeast China, one-third are tourists, and the rest are locals. Aside from enjoying the ocean, tropical scenery, and seafood and fruit, there's nothing much special about it. After all, the world is vast, and this isn't the only place with oceans, tropical fruits, and affordable seafood (which can easily cost exorbitant prices). Spend wisely; the key is to relax and broaden your horizons!

By shan |

The water in Dadonghai is bluer and the sand is finer.

By S and L's memory trip |

Dadonghai Public Baths, there is a street along the coast with many places to eat

By Dreams are the starting point of a career |

It is also a pleasure to come here in the evening

By 勛寶貝兒說愛祢 |

Dadonghai Square often hosts many exhibitions and performances. You can also directly access the public beach area of ​​Dadonghai through the square.

By flyfishlu |

It's okay. If you pass by, you can take a look. . . . No need to go there specifically.