After 20 hours of travelling finally I have reached Sanya and went straight to the beach!
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Sanya, often hailed as the “Hawaii of China,” is much more than just a beautiful stretch of coastline; it’s a fascinating blend of tropical allure, ancient history, and modern resort luxury. Nestled at the southernmost tip of Hainan Island, its unique geographical position has earned it the ancient moniker “Tianya Haijiao” or “the end of the sky and ocean” – a poetic nod to its once-remote status as a place of exile for disfavored officials. Today, that remoteness has transformed into an accessible paradise, drawing millions seeking an escape from bustling mainland cities.
Beyond the shimmering sands and turquoise waters, Sanya offers glimpses into a rich past. Archaeological discoveries point to human development dating back to the Old Stone Age, and ancient Persian tombs have even been unearthed along its coast, hinting at a history of cultural exchange across maritime routes. The city also hosts a small concentration of Utsul people, a Muslim group unique to Hainan, adding another layer to its diverse cultural fabric. While enjoying the contemporary comforts of its numerous high-end resorts, visitors can still connect with this deeper heritage by exploring sites like the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, home to the colossal 108-meter statue of Guanyin, a beacon of peace rising majestically from the sea.
Furthermore, Sanya’s allure extends beyond mere relaxation. Its tropical wet and dry climate ensures warm weather year-round, making it a haven for water sports enthusiasts. From snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs in Yalong Bay to jet skiing and parasailing, the opportunities for aquatic adventure are abundant. Even a simple stroll along the “Coconut Dream Corridor” in Sanya Bay, a scenic coastal road lined with swaying palms, offers a unique experience, particularly at sunset when the sky transforms into a canvas of fiery hues. This captivating mix of natural beauty, historical depth, and modern amenities truly makes Sanya an interesting and memorable destination.
Mosquitos in Sanya
While Sanya’s idyllic beaches are undoubtedly a tropical paradise, it’s prudent for visitors to be aware of the less charming, albeit common, residents: mosquitoes. Given Hainan’s tropical wet and dry climate, mosquito activity in Sanya can range from high to very high, particularly during the rainy season (roughly May to October) when standing water provides ideal breeding grounds. These tiny nuisances are more than just an annoyance; they are vectors for diseases like dengue fever. Although China, and specifically Hainan Province, achieved malaria elimination status from the WHO in recent years, imported cases remain a concern, and local authorities maintain vigilance. Therefore, travelers to Sanya should still prioritize personal protection: using EPA-registered insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and being mindful of stagnant water around accommodation. This proactive approach ensures that the only bites you experience are from Sanya’s delicious tropical fruits, not its buzzing insect population.
Swimming in Sanya Beach
Swimming in the inviting turquoise waters of Sanya Beach is a quintessential tropical experience, offering a refreshing respite from the warm sun. Whether you’re splashing in the gentle waves or taking a more serious dip, the clear, temperate ocean makes for delightful aquatic activities. It’s common to see a wide spectrum of beach attire, and among the vibrant mix of swimsuits, you’ll frequently observe women confidently enjoying the water in full-body swimming suits, a choice often made for sun protection or personal preference, adding to the diverse and inclusive atmosphere of Sanya’s shores.
The practice of women in China wearing full body swimsuits in the sea is a reflection of cultural norms and personal preferences. Several reasons contribute to this phenomenon:
- Modesty and Cultural Norms: China has a long history of valuing modesty and maintaining conservative dress codes. This cultural aspect is deeply ingrained, especially for older generations, and often extends to beaches or swimming areas. Wearing full body swimsuits reflects a desire to adhere to these cultural norms and avoid revealing too much skin in public.
- Sun protection: Chinese people also place great emphasis on protecting their skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Full body swimsuits provide more coverage, thereby offering enhanced sun protection compared to traditional swimwear.
- Body image and self-consciousness: Some women may feel self-conscious about their bodies or may not conform to standard beauty ideals. Full body swimsuits allow them to feel more comfortable and confident while enjoying their time at the beach or in the sea.
- Fashion and trend: In recent years, there has been an increasing trend in China of women wearing full body swimsuits, influenced by fashion and popular culture. Some women may choose to wear these swimsuits simply because they find them stylish, trendy, or unique.
I have just came back from the beach! So sunny and beautiful! I met free new people as well. John was from Sweden and Poly from England and another guy from England, but don’t remember his name.
It is the Chinese Hawaii in here. Beautiful place indeed as it was recommended by another traveller. It was worth to spend couple hours sitting on the floor.
I have tried local noodles that they make in the street. They put noodles and all ingredients you want and pour the boiling water or broth and ready!
Now I will head to eat some exotic fruit! So I went looking for a fruit stall and I found one. So if I paid in Shanghai 15 RMB, here it was 50 RMB for a bunch of Lychee fruits! I kind of wanted to leave my bag with purchases! I don’t know why I even didn’t bother to bargain, but it was too late. The fruits were very delicious though!
I also on my way to hotel bought another pot of that street noodle soup, which was super cheap. I even broke the sweat after that soup! So delicious!
So we decided to go scuba diving and I am going in one hour.
Missed you all my friends! Yesterday I have managed to talk to my brother through Skype a little bit. So nice to hear my native language. Maybe I will call somebody today again.
Tomorrow maybe I will explore more of Sanya and maybe will venture outside of Sanya. Also need to go that Nashar temple.