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Sanya Travel Tips

Visa Policy

1. Passengers holding citizenship of the countries which have foreign relations or official trades with PRC can enjoy the facility of a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Haikou International Airport.
2. Hainan 30-day visa-free access with a validity of 30 days is available for travel groups or individual from 59 countries, i.e. USA, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Italy, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, UK, France, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine and Kazakhstan and so on.

Fast Facts

Area: 1919.58 square kilometers (about 741 square miles)
Population: 685,400
Area Code: 0898
Zip Code: 572000

Banks:
Sanya Branch of Bank of China offers currency exchange services.
Address: No.35, Jiefang Road 4th

Post Offices:
Xinjian Road Branch: No.3, Xinjian Road
Jiefang Road Branch: No.16, Jiefang Road 3rd
Jianshe Street Branch: No.65, Jiefang Road 2nd

Emergency Numbers:
Fire: 119
Police: 110
Ambulance: 120
Traffic: 122

Useful Numbers:
Tourist Complaints:
Consumption: 12315
Prices: 12358
Services: 0898-88268454
Transportation: 0898-88272336
Food sanitation: 0898-88281474

Hospitals:
Hainan Nongken Sanya Hospital
Address: No.146, Jiefang Road 4th

People's Hospital of Sanya City
Address: No12, Jiefang Road 3rd

Festivals

Sanya hosts a range of festivals each year. Perhaps the most interesting of these festivals is the Tianya Haijiao International Wedding Festival. This festival, held on July 7th of traditional Chinese calendar, is a huge, collective wedding celebration. Couples from around the world come here for the festival eager to say their vows together in this elaborate ceremony.

Given its natural beauty and comfortable climate, it is not surprising that Sanya has become an increasingly popular host city for a variety of international events. The final round of the Miss World Competition was held there three times between 2003 and 2005. Additionally, the annual China's New Silk Road Model Look competition has been held in this beautiful city six times since 2001. It is reported that in 2006, 18 international events will be held successively in this city, including the Tianya Haijiao International Wedding Festival, China's New Silk Road Model Look, World's Strongest Man, Sanya International Concert, and TCL Classic Tournament 2005.

Getting to know more tips for travel in China, please visit China Travel Advice.

- Last updated on Nov. 30, 2023 -

Questions & Answers on Sanya Travel Tips

Asked by Julie from UK | Aug. 15, 2017 06:28

train/ferry from Guangzhou to Sanya

I'm looking at the overnight train. How does it work exactly? Do passengers have to get off the train for the ferry and then back on again? thank you!

Answers (1)

Answered by Mike from NEW ZEALAND | Aug. 16, 2017 02:01

Well, as I know, the train will be divided into sections and then transferred to a ship to cross the water, after that, it will be landed and recombined. And passengers cannot get off the train when it is on ship and the toilet cannot be used during that time, either.

Asked by ms gurung from HONGKONG | Jul. 18, 2017 16:04

I am coming to sanya this next week july 24 to july 27.

How's the weather there is it good month to visit the city ?Do they speak in english ?

Answers (1)

Answered by Danny from USA | Jul. 18, 2017 20:49

1. According to the forecast, there may be some rainy days. The temperature may range from 25C to 39C. You are suggested to take your T-shirts, thin coat and sandals.
2. Generally, it’s lots of sun in July, making it a little hot. But there may be rainy days, so it’s a nice chance to enjoy there without being sunburned. Have a nice trip!
3. Don’t worry, there are many foreigners visiting there every year. And some locals can also speak English.

Asked by robert from AUSTRALIA | Oct. 24, 2016 00:31

Being australian and cruising to Sanya on royal caribbean line, do i need a visa to visit the city?

Answers (1)

Answered by Natalie from NEW ZEALAND | Oct. 24, 2016 02:12

If your layover is within 24 hours, you are eligible for the 24h visa-free transit. Just apply for a stay permit at the immigration and you will be allowed to visit the city. If longer, you have to apply for a transit visa in advance.

Asked by Asun from INDONESIA | Aug. 02, 2015 21:55

We (Indonesian) are visiting Sanya for one day stop by via Hong Kong Cruise ship.

Do need to apply visa? Thanks.

Answers (1)

Answered by Anna from POLAND | Aug. 03, 2015 02:43

As long as the stopover is within 24 hours, no visa is needed. At the customs, you can get a stay permit, with which you can have fun in the city for a day. But I have to remind you that the cruise company may forbid you to disembark for having no visa, because they may not know the policy. Just consult them in advance in case.