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 携程 (Ctrip) or 飞猪 (Fliggy) up to 3 days in advance.
Transportation
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.
