Yalong Bay
Yalong Bay, China's tropical paradise on Hainan Island, is a 7.5-kilometer crescent of turquoise waters and powdery sands dubbed the "Oriental Hawaii." Renowned for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and year-round sunshine, it serves as Hainan's premier coastal escape. Designated a National Tourism Resort Zone in 1992, the bay blends natural splendor with high-end hospitality, offering everything from snorkeling to golf and spa retreats.
Historical Overview
Originally inhabited by the Li and Miao ethnic groups, Yalong Bay gained international attention in the 1990s as Hainan transformed into a special economic zone. The construction of the Asia-Pacific Conference Center in 1996 and its designation as a UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve in 2007 cemented its global status. Today, it hosts over 50 five-star hotels, including properties by Ritz-Carlton and Rosewood, while preserving 40% of its coastline as public beach.
Structural Layout
The bay is divided into three zones:
Beach Core: A 25-meter-wide public beach with lifeguard stations, showers, and volleyball courts.
Central Resort Area: High-end hotels, a 27-hole golf course, and the Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park.
Marine Zone: A protected coral reef ecosystem accessible via glass-bottom boats and dive centers.
Key landmarks include the Century Plaza (a coastal observation deck), the Underwater World aquarium, and the Rosewood Hotel’s Sky Bar (offering sunset views).
Major Attractions
Yalong Bay Beach: Award-winning sands with calm waters ideal for swimming (November–April).
Coral Reef diving: Explore 200+ species via PADI-certified centers like Yalong Bay Diving Club.
Tropical Paradise Forest Park: A 1,500-acre rainforest with canopy walkways and ziplines.
Butterfly Valley: A butterfly conservatory with 400+ indigenous species.
Yalong Bay Arts Center: Outdoor sculptures and rotating exhibitions by Chinese contemporary artists.
Sun Bay Night Market: Seafood stalls, coconut vendors, and live music (6–10 PM daily).
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (4–5 Hours):
Beach Access → Coral Reef Tour → Century Plaza → Sun Bay Night Market.
Highlights: Swimming, reef snorkeling, and local cuisine.
- Extended Route (6–7 Hours):
Forest Park Canopy Walk → Butterfly Valley → Golf Driving Range → Arts Center → Beach Sunset.
Highlights: Adventure, culture, and leisure.
- Luxury Route (Full Day):
Morning: Spa treatment at Rosewood Hotel.
Afternoon: Private yacht cruise to Fishing Village Island.
Evening: Beachfront seafood banquet and Sky Bar cocktails.
Highlights: Exclusive resort experiences.
Ticket Purchase
Free Entry: Public beaches and most parks.
Paid Activities:
Coral Reef Tour: ¥380 (includes equipment).
Forest Park Canopy Walk: ¥150.
Arts Center: ¥80 (free on Wednesdays).
Online: Book tours via Ctrip or Fliggy up to 3 days in advance.
Air: Fly to Sanya Phoenix International Airport (30 km), then taxi (¥80, 40 minutes).
Bus: Routes 15, 24, or 27 to Yalong Bay Station (¥5, 1 hour from downtown Sanya).
Shuttle: Free resort buses from Sanya’s Dadonghai and Sanya Bay areas.
Car Rental: ¥200–400/day (electric vehicles recommended for eco-zones).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Seasons: November–March (dry season); avoid Chinese New Year (crowded).
Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends draw 30,000+ visitors.
- Essentials:
Reef-safe sunscreen (to protect marine life).
Aqua shoes (for rocky shorelines).
Cash for night market vendors (some stalls lack card readers).
Prohibited: Littering, coral collection, and drone flights without permits.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
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