"After Quitting My Job, I Became an Islander in Sanya: A Healing Diary of Surfing in Houhai Village"

The charm of Sanya lies in the perfect blend of turquoise sea and blue sky, tropical rainforests, and vibrant local cuisine. This guide covers 7 must-visit highlights, 3 types of accommodation areas, 4 food routes, and super practical tips to help you plan a trip without regrets. 1. Must-Visit Attractions (New additions: Xidao Island, Luhuitou, etc.) 1. Wuzhizhou Island Address: Houhai Village, Linwang Community, Haitang Bay Town How to enjoy: Take the first boat at 8 AM to avoid crowds, experience transparent glass sea diving (recommended "Coral Diving" project), shoot movie-style photos in a custom private pool, and stroll on Lover’s Bridge at sunset. Tips: Buy the "Entrance + Island Electric Car" combo ticket online in advance (about 250 RMB), wear water shoes to prevent coral cuts. 2. Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park Address: Yalong Bay National Tourism Resort Don’t miss: The all-sea-view glass walkway overlooking "The First Bay Under Heaven," cross the Dragon Bridge featured in "If You Are the One," and watch the clouds roll at Yanbo Pavilion. Tips: Wear lightweight non-slip shoes, bring a portable fan, and prepare your own water as the mountaintop café prices are high. 3. Xidao Fishing Village Address: Xiaoqigang Wharf, Tianya District Unique experience: Take a 15-minute boat ride to a pristine island, rent an electric scooter to circle the island and explore century-old coral houses, and hunt for shells at Niuwangling Reef Beach. Reminder: The fishing village snacks are cheaper than the scenic area; shrimp cakes (5 RMB each) are recommended. The last boat leaves at 6 PM! 4. Nanshan Sea Guanyin Address: Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, Yazhou District Highlights: Pray by hugging the 108-meter Guanyin Buddha’s foot, enjoy a bowl of vegetarian meal at Nanshan Temple (buffet 88 RMB/person), and admire the Tang-style architecture of the Thirty-Three Guanyin Hall. Note: The park is huge, so taking the sightseeing bus (30 RMB/person) is recommended. Dress modestly with clothes covering past the knees. 5. Yalong Bay Coconut Dream Corridor Address: Sanya Bay Coastal Road Best time: Capture the golden sunset from 5 to 7 PM, walk on fine white sand to catch little crabs, and shoot silhouette photos. Avoid: Stay away from vendors selling fruit and taking photos! 6. Luhuitou Scenic Area Address: Luling Road, Xiaodonghai Highlights: Climb to the free viewing platform for a 270° panoramic view of Sanya Bay at night, encounter wild macaques (do not feed), and listen to the Li ethnic love legend. Suggestion: Go up in the evening to avoid sun exposure; sightseeing bus one-way costs 10 RMB to save energy. 7. Fenjiezhou Island (Optional) Address: Highway entrance, Lingshui County (1-hour drive from Sanya) Recommended for: Fewer people and clear water, ideal for family trips, touch manta rays, explore underwater shipwrecks, and take Greek-style photos at Moonlight Castle. 2. Accommodation Area Details Convenience seekers → Stay at Sanya Bay Pros: Walking distance to the beach, close to downtown for dining and shopping, affordable prices (e.g., Kangnian Hotel with infinity pool from 200+ RMB) Cons: Average beach quality, more tourists Diving/Duty-free lovers → Stay at Haitang Bay High-end choice: Atlantis (unlimited access to Water World) Artistic youth: Houhai Village surfing homestays (e.g., "Yinian Seaview Surfing," just open the door to the beach) Nightlife enthusiasts → Stay at Dadonghai Recommended hotels: Autograph Collection (popular infinity pool), InterContinental Half Mountain Peninsula (private reef beach) Late-night food spot: Big Pineapple Mall Night Market Family vacation → Yalong Bay Established five-star: Tianyu Resort Hotel (excellent children’s facilities) Money-saving tip: Choose second-tier hotels like "Golden Palm" sharing the beach 3. Eat Authentic Local Food with Locals 📍 Seafood First Market (No. 139 Xinmin Street) Lin Sister’s Flavorful Seafood: Salt and pepper mantis shrimp, spicy mango whelk stir-fry Anti-overcharge tip: Seafood is freshest at 3 PM; after bargaining, drain water before weighing! 📍 Specialty Snacks Qunzhong Street Morning Market: Hainan noodles (sour bamboo shoot soup base), shrimp buns (3 RMB each), Job’s tears Shangpin Street Night Market: 15 RMB Qingbuliang with double scoops of ice cream, Grandma’s salt-baked chicken (65 RMB each) 📍 Main Meals Recommended Didi’s Coconut Chicken (multiple city branches): Cook Wenchang chicken with 3 young coconuts, bamboo fungus is a must-add Qiongxiang Pavilion Hainan Cuisine (Airport Road branch): Mango sticky rice rolls, Dongshan goat hotpot 4. Transportation Pitfall Guide ✈️ Airport → City: Ride-hailing to Sanya Bay about 35 RMB; Bus No. 24 direct to Dadonghai (10 RMB) 🛵 City commuting: Rent electric scooters (50 RMB/day) to explore downtown and Coconut Dream Corridor For long distances, use Gaode Map to book "Discount Express," 30% cheaper than taxis 🚗 Cross-bay transport: Rent a car at Haitang Bay/Yalong Bay (Trip.com 150 RMB/day) to avoid 2-hour bumpy bus rides Duty-free shuttle buses require booking one day in advance ⚠️ Avoid: Don’t take illegal roadside taxis! Check car body scratches and record video when renting 5. Smart Traveler’s Private Tips ✅ Best season: November to March (avoid summer heat and typhoon season) ✅ Sunscreen essentials: SPF50+ waterproof sunscreen + sunglasses + straw hat; aloe vera gel for sunburn relief ✅ Duty-free deals: Download "CDF Island Duty-Free" app for coupons, 30% off on 3 fragrance and cosmetic items ✅ Off-the-beaten-path experiences: Learn to make Li ethnic fish tea at Xidao Fishing Village Shoot "pretend in Europe" photos at Half Mountain Peninsula Sailing Harbor Self-drive on Sun Bay Road (7-minute parking limit) 💡 Ultimate advice: Trip planning formula = 1 day island (Wuzhizhou/Xidao) + 1 day rainforest (Forest Park) + 1 day culture (Nanshan) + 1 day hotel/duty-free shopping, mix and match for an easier trip!