From Chengdu to Sanya: Encounter a Dream Trip to the Tropical Coast

Tired of the changing seasons inland, longing to embrace the warm tropical coast? Depart from Chengdu, crossing mountains and rivers, to embark on a date with the sea in Sanya. This is a carefully compiled travel guide to help you unlock Sanya's stunning scenery and unique cuisine.

Itinerary

Three Days, Two Nights

•Day 1: Depart from Chengdu. If traveling by plane, you can fly directly to Sanya Phoenix International Airport, with a flight time of about 3 hours; you can also choose to take a high-speed train to Zhanjiang first, then transfer to a ferry to cross the Qiongzhou Strait. Upon arrival, head to your booked hotel for check-in and a short rest. In the afternoon, visit Coconut Dream Corridor, one of Sanya's most beautiful coastal avenues, stretching 20 kilometers. Enjoy the stunning sunset here, stroll along the coastline, and feel the gentle sea breeze. In the evening, savor local delicacies at the nearby Yiheng Night Market. Hainan Rice Noodles have a smooth texture, paired with delicious gravy and various side dishes, making every bite super satisfying; Qingbuliang, made from red beans, mung beans, Job's tears, vermicelli, and other ingredients, with coconut milk or syrup, is refreshing and grease-cutting.

•Day 2: In the morning, head to Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, home to the world's tallest Sea Guanyin Statue, standing 108 meters tall, solemn and majestic. Pray for blessings at Nanshan Temple and experience the profound Buddhist culture. For lunch, dine at Yuanqi Lou Vegetarian Restaurant within the scenic area, tasting exquisite vegetarian meals. In the afternoon, visit Tianya Haijiao (End of the Earth and Corner of the Sea), check in at the iconic "Tianya" and "Haijiao" stone carvings, play on the beach, and admire the endless sea. In the evening, you can enjoy a seafood feast at a seaside restaurant in Tianya Town. Steamed grouper has tender meat and original flavor; spicy Hele crab is spicy and satisfying, with plump crab meat.

•Day 3: In the morning, visit Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park. Stroll across the Cross-River Dragon Cable Bridge, shuttle through the primeval rainforest, and feel the charm of nature. You can also ascend to the observation deck to overlook the stunning sea view of Yalong Bay. For lunch, taste Hainan's characteristic farm dishes at Liuyunxuan Restaurant within the scenic area. In the afternoon, return at an appropriate time. If you have ample time, you can also visit the First Market before returning. This is Sanya's largest seafood market, where you can select fresh seafood and have the vendors prepare it. Salt and pepper mantis shrimp have a crispy shell and tender meat; steamed scallops with garlic and vermicelli are rich in garlic flavor, with the vermicelli absorbing the fresh taste of the scallops. Then, buy some tropical fruits like mangoes and jackfruit, and return with a full harvest.

Four Days, Three Nights

•Day 1: Same as Day 1 of the Three Days, Two Nights itinerary.

•Day 2: In the morning, head to Wuzhizhou Island. After taking a boat to the island, admire the white and delicate sand and crystal clear water. You can choose to go diving to observe the colorful underwater world up close; or take an island sightseeing electric car to enjoy the island's stunning scenery. For lunch, dine at the Coral Hotel Restaurant on the island, enjoying delicious food while admiring the sea view. In the afternoon, continue exploring the island, checking in at attractions like Lover's Bridge and Sun-Viewing Rock. Return to Sanya city for accommodation in the evening.

•Day 3: In the morning, visit Yalong Bay Beach, known as the "First Bay under Heaven," with fine sand and clear blue water. You can sunbathe and play in the sand, or participate in water sports such as surfing and sailing. For lunch, dine at Baihuagu Commercial Street near Yalong Bay, with various food options available. In the afternoon, head to Luhuitou Scenic Area. Ascend to the mountaintop to overlook the panoramic view of Sanya city and Sanya Bay, and learn about the beautiful legend. In the evening, shop at Haitour Duty Free City nearby and enjoy duty-free discounts.

•Day 4: If you haven't experienced Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark in the previous days, you can go early in the morning. It has 36 water slides and more than ten water attractions, allowing you to fully enjoy excitement and fun. When you're tired, visit The Lost Chambers Aquarium to observe 280 kinds of marine life. For lunch, dine at the Atlantis Hotel, then arrange your itinerary according to your return time and prepare for your journey back.

Tickets & Transportation

•Tickets: Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone ticket 108 RMB; Tianya Haijiao ticket 81 RMB; Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park ticket 158 RMB; Wuzhizhou Island boat ticket + entrance ticket 144 RMB; Luhuitou Scenic Area ticket free; Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark ticket 268 RMB; The Lost Chambers Aquarium ticket 198 RMB. Tickets can be booked on major travel apps, and some scenic spots offer discounted packages.

•External Transportation:

◦Flights: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport have multiple daily direct flights to Sanya Phoenix International Airport, with a flight time of about 3 hours. Booking tickets in advance can offer discounts; it is recommended to book 1-2 weeks in advance and pay attention to airline member days and promotional activities.

◦High-speed train + Ferry: First, take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Xuwen Port, Zhanjiang, then transfer to a ferry to cross the Qiongzhou Strait. The high-speed train journey is longer but allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way; the ferry journey is about 1.5-2 hours. This method is suitable for tourists with ample time who want a deeper experience.

•Internal Transportation:

◦Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient for travel, but during peak tourist season or traffic rush hour, you may encounter traffic jams, and the cost is relatively high. A taxi from the airport to the city center costs about 30-50 RMB.

◦Bus: Bus routes cover a wide range, you can search for "Sanya Tianya Xing Electronic Bus Card" on Alipay, but some attractions are far away and require transfers, and waiting times can be long.

◦Car Rental: Tourists traveling in groups or who want to freely arrange their itinerary can choose to rent a car for self-driving. The daily cost ranges from 200-500 RMB. Book in advance on car rental platforms. Remember to obey traffic rules and choose regular parking lots.

◦Scenic Area Shuttle Bus: Some scenic areas have shuttle buses, such as Wuzhizhou Island and Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park. You can check routes and departure times on the scenic area's official website or travel apps and book tickets in advance.

Accommodation Recommendations

•Near Sanya Bay: Convenient transportation, close to the airport and city center, with many hotels and guesthouses, prices ranging from 200-500 RMB. Some hotels offer sea views, suitable for tourists with a limited budget who want convenient travel.

•Near Yalong Bay: Mainly high-end resort hotels, with high-quality beaches and sea water, and a beautiful environment, prices starting from 500 RMB. Suitable for tourists seeking quality and enjoyment. Some hotels also offer rich water activities and parent-child programs.

•Near Haitang Bay: Features luxury hotels like Atlantis and Rosewood Sanya, as well as Haitour Duty Free City, suitable for shopping and family travel, prices starting from 800 RMB. Hotels have complete facilities and excellent service.

Food Guide

•Seafood: You can go to the First Market or Train Head Seafood Plaza to select fresh seafood and have the vendors prepare it. Steamed, blanched, spicy stir-fry, and other cooking methods are available. You can also go directly to a seafood restaurant. A Lang Seafood has been operating for many years, and Boston lobster is their signature dish; Little Dolphin Seafood Restaurant has a good environment and thoughtful service.

•Specialty Snacks: Hainan Rice Noodles, Qingbuliang, Coconut Rice, Baoluo Noodles, etc. Hainan Rice Noodles have a smooth texture and delicious gravy; Qingbuliang is refreshing and grease-cutting, an excellent summer refreshment; Coconut Rice is soft, glutinous, sweet, and full of coconut aroma; Baoluo Noodles have a chewy texture and rich broth. You can try them at Sanya Authentic Baoluo Noodle Shop, A Ju Cold Drink Shop, etc.

•Specialty Restaurants: Diadia Coconut Chicken uses three coconuts and one chicken to stew nutritious chicken soup; Taiqiong Zaopocu Seafood Hotpot is a Zaopocu restaurant exclusively interviewed by CCTV, with fresh seafood and authentic taste; Yanjiang Hainan Cuisine·Wenchang Chicken Master, founded in 1936, has won multiple awards for its signature Wenchang roasted chicken.

Travel Tips

1. Sanya has strong UV rays, so be sure to take good sun protection measures. Carry sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, hats, and sun-protective clothing. Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours.

2. Island weather is changeable, so it is recommended to carry rain gear.

3. When participating in water activities, follow the coach's guidance, wear life-saving equipment properly, and pay attention to safety.

4. When buying seafood at the seafood market, pay attention to prices and weight to avoid being ripped off. It's good to understand market conditions beforehand.

5. Check the opening hours and ticket reservation status of each attraction in advance to avoid delaying your itinerary. Some scenic spots may limit visitor flow during holidays.