Live Your Best Lives
Explore the diverse shell collections, learn about marine life, and participate in interactive exhibits. Don’t miss the beautiful shell art and sculptures, and take some time to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the museum.
The Shell Museum, located in the central square of Yalong Bay, is a comprehensive exhibition hall integrating shell education, exhibitions, and sales. The shells here are exquisite and unique, some of which are rare to find. The museum's natural and warm colors reflect the endless charm of the underwater world.
The exhibition hall, divided into five major sea areas, showcases over 300 representative shell species from around the world. A dazzling array of rare and colorful shells and corals, from the precious nautilus to the common small conch, is on display. Among them are the Angel Wing Seagull Clam, a symbol of purity, the vibrantly colored Australian Scallop Clam, and renowned living fossils such as the Red Wing Conch and the Nautilus. You can also admire the Earthworm Snail, which resembles an elderly man carrying a heavy load, the Atlantic Angel Wing Conch, and the Giant Snake Conch from the southern part of the South China Sea. After enjoying the scenery, purchasing shell products here as souvenirs or gifts is a great option.
Tropical maritime monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for 1 to 2 hours
Yalong Bay Central Square Ticket (including Shell Museum): 56 yuan/person;
Yalong Bay package price: 69 yuan/person (including Central Square, Shell Museum, Butterfly Valley)
7:30-18:00
The Yalong Bay Shell Museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich biodiversity of marine life found in the waters surrounding Hainan. The museum highlights the ecological importance of seashells and marine conservation while offering a fun educational experience for all ages.
The Yalong Bay Shell Museum is located in the Yalong Bay area of Sanya, Hainan. It is best accessed by taxi or private car. Public transportation options are limited, but taxis are a convenient way to get there from the city center.
The museum is typically open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended to avoid peak crowds, especially during weekends and holidays.
The entrance fee is around 50 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the museum or online through the museum's official website or various travel platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or holidays. Tickets can be booked a few days in advance through the museum's website or through travel agencies.
Typically, it will take about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the museum fully, depending on your interest in the exhibits and your pace.
The main highlights are the extensive shell collection, interactive displays on marine ecosystems, and the beautiful shell art exhibits. The museum also features unique sculptures made from seashells.
Guided tours are available in both Chinese and English, offering in-depth explanations of the exhibits and the role of shells in marine ecology. Audio guides can also be rented in multiple languages.
The best photography spots are the large shell sculptures, especially the ones placed in front of the museum’s large glass windows, which provide a scenic backdrop of the ocean.
Start by exploring the main shell exhibit hall, then move to the interactive displays to learn more about marine life. Finish your visit by admiring the shell art and sculptures displayed in the outdoor areas.
The museum does not offer night visits or light shows. However, special events or temporary exhibits may be hosted periodically, which can be checked on their official website.
The museum can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. Weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday, are less crowded, making them the best time to visit for a quieter experience.
The museum has clean restrooms, a small café for snacks and beverages, and a gift shop offering shell-related souvenirs and educational materials about marine life.
The museum is wheelchair accessible, and there are facilities for elderly and disabled visitors. There are also family-friendly exhibits that children will enjoy, including hands-on displays.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted at the museum, so cash is not necessary for most transactions.
The museum has a small café, but nearby Yalong Bay offers a variety of restaurants and seafood eateries. Options range from casual beachside cafés to upscale dining with ocean views.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at many of the nearby restaurants. Halal food is less common but can be found in Sanya’s main areas.
Several high-end resorts and hotels are located nearby, including the Yalong Bay Resort and Sanya Marriott Resort. These offer luxury accommodations and easy access to the museum.
Nearby attractions include Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, Tianya Haijiao, and Sanya Bay. These can be easily combined in a day trip for a full experience of the area.
The museum has a gift shop offering shells, shell art, marine-themed gifts, and educational materials about marine life. Local Hainanese crafts and jewelry are also available nearby.
Taxis and private cars are the most convenient ways to continue your trip. Alternatively, ride-hailing apps like Didi are widely used in Sanya for easy transport.
