Yalong Bay, often dubbed the “Oriental Hawaii,” is a stunning 7.5-kilometer crescent-shaped beach located in Sanya, Hainan Province, China. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and lush tropical surroundings, it’s a premier destination for relaxation and adventure. As a national resort area, Yalong Bay boasts world-class hotels, water sports, and natural attractions like the Tropical Paradise Forest Park. This guide will help you plan a perfect trip to this tropical paradise.
A Travel Guide to Yalong Bay
Why Visit Yalong Bay?
Yalong Bay is celebrated for its pristine environment, with sea visibility up to 8–10 meters, making it ideal for diving and snorkeling. The bay’s warm climate (average 25.5°C year-round) and scenic beauty—featuring rolling hills, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life—earned it a spot among China’s Eight Most Beautiful Coasts. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious beach getaway, thrilling water sports, or a nature escape, Yalong Bay offers something for everyone. Its proximity to Sanya and abundance of upscale resorts make it a top choice for both domestic and international travelers.
How to Get There
Yalong Bay is located 25 km southeast of Sanya City and 35 km from Sanya Phoenix International Airport. Here are the main ways to reach it:
By Air: Fly to Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX), serviced by domestic flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and international routes from Southeast Asia. From the airport, take a taxi (¥100–150, 30–40 minutes) or a shuttle bus (Number 27, ¥10–15) to Yalong Bay. Some resorts offer airport transfers—check with your hotel.
By High-Speed Train: The Hainan Eastern Ring High-Speed Railway connects Sanya to Haikou, with a stop at Yalongwan Station. From Sanya Station, the train takes ~10 minutes (¥10–20). From Haikou, it’s ~1.5–2 hours (¥90). From Yalongwan Station, take a short taxi ride (¥20–30) to the beach or resorts.
By Bus: Public buses (Routes 15, 24, 25, or 27) run from downtown Sanya to Yalong Bay, costing ¥5–10 and taking ~40 minutes. Board at stops like Sanya City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Routes 25 and 16 also connect Yalong Bay to Nanshan Temple and Dadonghai, passing through downtown.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing: A taxi from downtown Sanya costs ¥50–70 (20–30 minutes). Bargain with drivers or use ride-hailing apps like Didi for convenience. From Dadonghai, expect to pay ¥60–70.
Tip: The beach is free to access, but attractions like the Central Square or Shell Museum have separate fees (¥18–38).
Best Time to Visit
Year-Round Appeal: Yalong Bay’s tropical climate makes it a viable destination any time, with temperatures rarely dipping below 20°C.
Optimal Season (October–March): Mild weather (22–28°C), low humidity, and minimal rainfall make this the best time for beach activities and outdoor exploration. Book early, as this is peak season.
Off-Season (April–September): Warmer (28–35°C) and more humid, with occasional rain. Fewer crowds and lower hotel rates make it budget-friendly, but avoid typhoon season (July–September) for water sports.
Events: Chinese New Year (January/February) brings festive vibes but larger crowds. Spring (March–April) is ideal for diving due to calm seas.
Weather Tip: Bring sunscreen, hats, and hydration essentials, as the sun is strong year-round.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Beach Access: Free, open 24/7.
Key Attractions: Yalong Bay Central Square: ¥30, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; Shell Museum: ¥38, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; Butterfly Valley: ¥18 (currently closed, check for reopening); Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park: ¥175 (entrance), ¥20 (Dragon Rope Bridge), ¥98 (Glass Platform), 7:30 AM–6:00 PM; Underwater World/Dive Resorts: ¥288, 8:00 AM–5:30 PM.
Booking: Purchase tickets on-site or via platforms like Trip.com or Ctrip for discounts. Combo tickets for the Forest Park (including buses and bridges) cost ¥288–388.
What to See and Do
Yalong Bay offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with attractions for all interests:
Yalong Bay Beach: Lounge on the 7.5-km white sand beach, swim in crystal waters, or relax under coconut tree umbrellas. The beach is less crowded than Sanya Bay or Dadonghai, offering a serene escape. Private beach areas at resorts (e.g., Ritz-Carlton, Marriott) provide exclusive amenities like chairs and umbrellas for guests.
Water Sports: Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Explore coral reefs and tropical fish with visibility up to 8–10 meters. Operators like Yalong Bay Aegean Dive Resort offer guided dives (¥300–500). Jet Skiing, Parasailing, and Sailing: Available through resorts or Sun Bay Ocean Sports (¥200–600 per activity). Note: Snorkeling may be less vibrant compared to dedicated dive sites, so check conditions with operators.
Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park: A 15-sq-km park with jungle trails, rope bridges, and a glass-bottomed platform offering panoramic views of Yalong Bay. The 3-km water slide (¥388 combo ticket) is a unique thrill. Ideal for hiking, photography, and nature lovers. Buses within the park make navigation easy (included in combo tickets).
Yalong Bay Central Square: Features a 27-meter totem pole with carvings of Chinese mythical figures, symbolizing 5,000 years of culture. The square’s four white-tented structures resemble sails, adding a modern touch. A great spot for photos and cultural exploration.
Shell Museum and Butterfly Valley: The Shell Museum showcases over 300 seashell species, blending natural beauty with educational exhibits (¥38). The Butterfly Valley (currently closed) displays rare species like the Golden Kaiserihind, ideal for nature enthusiasts when open.
Yalong Bay International Rose Park: Asia’s largest rose garden, spanning 2,755 mu, with vibrant blooms and scenic farmland. Perfect for leisurely walks (¥45 by taxi from downtown).
Cultural and Nearby Attractions: Visit Nanshan Temple (40 km away, ¥150 entry) to see the world’s largest Avalokitesvara statue. Explore Tianya Haijiao (24 km north), a romantic scenic spot featured on China’s 2 RMB note.
Where to Stay
Yalong Bay is home to numerous luxury and mid-range resorts, many with private beaches:
Luxury (¥800–2,000/night): The Ritz-Carlton Sanya Yalong Bay: Known for its private beach and top-tier amenities. St. Regis Yalong Bay Resort: Offers villas and a yacht club. Sanya Marriott Yalong Bay Resort & Spa: Family-friendly with a renovated Kids Club and multiple pools. Pullman Yalong Bay or Hilton Yalong Bay: Popular for relaxation, with spas and golf access.
Mid-Range (¥300–800/night): Huayu Resort & Spa Yalong Bay: Beautiful grounds with tropical vegetation, though some rooms are dated. Horizon Resort and Spa or Cactus Resort: Affordable with decent facilities.
Budget: Limited budget options exist; consider staying in downtown Sanya (20 minutes away) for hostels (¥100–200/night) and commute to Yalong Bay.
Booking Tip: Use Agoda, Booking.com, or Ctrip for deals, and book early for peak season (October–March).
Where to Eat
Resort Dining: Sanya Marriott Yalong Bay: Offers all-day dining at its East-West fusion restaurant or Cantonese specialties at Edogin (¥100–300/person). Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis: Feature gourmet seafood and international cuisine (¥150–500/person). Huayu Resort: Breakfast buffets cater to Chinese tastes, with limited Western options.
Local Options: Yalong Bay Central Square has restaurants serving Hainan specialties like Wenchang chicken and seafood (¥50–150/person). For variety, head to downtown Sanya (20 minutes) for markets or restaurants offering local and international dishes.
Tip: Bring snacks for beach days, as on-site dining can be pricey. Try fresh coconut water from vendors (¥10–20).
Tips for a Great Visit
Pack Essentials: Swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes for beach and forest park visits. Bargain Wisely: Negotiate taxi fares and souvenir prices, as tourist areas may charge higher rates.
Respect the Environment: Avoid littering and follow guidelines to protect coral reefs and marine life. Language: English is limited outside resorts; carry a translation app or the hotel name in Chinese (亚龙湾).
Combine Your Trip: Pair Yalong Bay with nearby Yanoda Rainforest Park or Wuzhizhou Island for a diverse Hainan experience. Health Precautions: Stay hydrated and avoid midday sun exposure. Check for jellyfish warnings before swimming.
Final Thoughts
Yalong Bay is a tropical haven that blends luxury, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you’re diving into its clear waters, trekking through the Tropical Paradise Forest Park, or unwinding at a five-star resort, this iconic beach destination delivers an unforgettable escape. Plan around the October–March season for ideal weather, book accommodations early, and immerse yourself in the serene charm of China’s most beautiful coast. Yalong Bay is your gateway to a perfect Hainan holiday.
Happy travels!
