Sanya, at the southern tip of Hainan Island, is famous for blue skies, white beaches, and tropical charm. If you’re visiting, it helps to know How to Book Sanya Attraction Tickets in advance.
This quick guide covers everything: which spots need early booking, where to buy tickets online, and which places you can visit for free. We’ll also share the best platforms and payment tips to make planning easy.
Get ready to explore Sanya’s top sights without the stress. Let’s go!
🎫 Basic Tips on How to Book Tickets for Top Attractions in Sanya
First time in Sanya? Here are a few essentials to know before booking your tickets.
To start, many top attractions like Wuzhizhou Island and Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone get very crowded. So, it’s best to book tickets online 1–3 days in advance. You’ll not only skip the long lines, but often get a better price.
👉 All Sanya Tours & Excursions
Secondly, most places in Sanya now use e-tickets. After booking, you’ll get a QR code. Just scan it at the entrance—no need to pick up a paper ticket.
However, keep in mind that ticket prices often change by season. From May to September (low season), prices are lower. But from October to April (peak season), prices can jump by 20–30%.
For ID, most attractions accept passports. Yet, a few spots, like Nanshan, require foreign visitors to buy tickets in person.
💳 Good news: Major sites and apps support Visa, Mastercard, and Alipay International. Some also accept WeChat Pay.
📍 One more tip: Sanya’s attractions are spread out. Travel times range from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, so plan around your hotel location. Also, check for combo tickets that include entrance, transport, and activities—they’re often a better deal.
☀️ Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Sanya’s sunshine is strong year-round!
📌 Must-Reserve Attractions in Sanya
Some of Sanya’s top attractions require advance online booking, especially during holidays and weekends. Here are four popular spots you should reserve early to avoid missing out.
1. Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area (天涯海角游览区)
One of Sanya’s most iconic landmarks, famous for the giant seaside stones carved with “Tianya” and “Haijiao,” symbolizing eternal love. The coastal path features tropical beaches and unique rock formations. As of June 2024, entry is free, but you must reserve a ¥0 ticket in advance.
🔗 How to Book: Search “天涯海角” on WeChat, Meituan, or Alipay and reserve a ¥0 ticket in advance
🕒 Hours: 7:30–18:00
📍 Location: Tianya Town, Tianya District, Sanya
🚇 Transport: Bus No. 16, 25, 26, or 55 to Tianya Haijiao Station
📞 Phone: 0898-88910131
🌐 Website: www.tianyahaijiao.com
🎟️ Tickets: Free (reservation required)
2. Wuzhizhou Island (蜈支洲岛)
Often called “China’s Maldives,” this island boasts Sanya’s clearest waters and vibrant marine life. It’s ideal for diving, snorkeling, and water sports. You can explore underwater sculptures, relax on white beaches, or ride an electric cart around the island.
👉 Wuzhizhou Island Tours and Tickets
🔗 How to Book: Book 1–3 days in advance via WeChat, Ctrip, Qunar, or international platforms like Klook, Trip.com, GetYourGuide, and Viator.
🕒 Opening Hours: 8:00–18:30 (last ferry at 16:00)
📍 Address: Houhai Village, Linwang Town, Haitang District, Sanya
🚇 Getting There: Bus No. 28 or taxi (about 1 hour from downtown)
📞 Phone: 0898-88751258
🌐 Website: www.wuzhizhou.com
🎫 Ticket Prices: Island + Ferry: ¥168; Round-trip Ferry Only: ¥150; Electric Cart Tour: ¥138
3. Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone (南山文化旅游区)
Home to the 108-meter Guan Yin statue, Nanshan blends Buddhism, gardens, and sea views. You’ll find peaceful temples, including Nanshan Temple and the 33 Guanyin Hall. Don’t miss the famous vegetarian restaurant!
👉 Nanshan Temple (Nanshan Si) Tours and Tickets
🔗 How to Book: Must reserve in advance via official WeChat or or international platforms like Klook, Trip.com, GetYourGuide, and Viator. (Note: Foreigners must buy tickets on-site.)
🕒 Opening Hours: 8:00–17:30
📍 Address: Nanshan District, Yazhou, Sanya
🚇 Getting There: Bus No. 16, 25, or 57 (around 1.5 hours)
📞 Phone: 0898-88837888
🌐 Website: www.nanshan.com
🎫 Ticket Prices: Adult: ¥150; Electric Cart: ¥30
4. Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park (亚龙湾热带天堂森林公园)
Famous from If You Are the One 2, this park offers rainforest views, a glass bridge, and zip lines. You can walk across a rope bridge, visit Orchid Valley, or snap photos at the cliffside “Infinity Glass Platform.”
👉 Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park Tours and Tickets
🔗 How to Book: Reserve in advance via WeChat, Trip.com, Viator, or GetYourGuide.
🕒 Opening Hours: 7:30–18:00
📍 Address: Yalong Bay National Resort, Jiyang District, Sanya
🚇 Getting There: Bus No. 15 or 25 to Yalong Bay, then take the shuttle bus
📞 Phone: 0898-38238888
🌐 Website: www.ylwpark.com
🎫 Ticket Prices: Entry: ¥150; Glass Bridge: ¥98; Rope Bridge: ¥20
5. Sanya Romance Park (Sanya Qianguqing) (三亚千古情景区)
Centered around the “Sanya Romance Show,” this park tells the city’s story through dazzling performances. It also has a minority culture village, snow world, mini zoo, and night shows full of local flair.
🔗 How to Book: Pre-book through the park’s WeChat or platforms like Klook, Viator, and Trip.com.
🕒 Opening Hours: 12:00–21:30; shows at 14:00, 17:00, and 20:00
📍 Address: No. 333 Yingbin Road, Jiyang District, Sanya
🚇 Getting There: Bus No. 1, 6, 7, 9, or 23 to Qianguqing Station
📞 Phone: 0898-88658333
🌐 Website: www.songcn.com
🎫 Ticket Prices: Adult (with show): ¥260; Child: ¥150
Pro Tip: During peak seasons or Chinese holidays, these attractions sell out fast. So, knowing how to book tickets for top attractions in Sanya ahead of time can save you time, money, and stress.
🛎️ Recommended for Advance Online Purchase (But On-site Also Available)
Some attractions in Sanya allow walk-in ticket purchases. However, booking online in advance is still the better option—especially in peak season. It saves time, avoids long lines, and often comes with discounts.
1. Xidao Island (西岛)
Just off the coast, Xidao is the closest island to downtown Sanya. It’s perfect for snorkeling, fishing, or exploring a peaceful fishing village. Fewer tourists come here, making it quieter than Wuzhizhou Island. You can also visit the marine culture center and coral reef reserve.
🔗 How to Book: Buy 1 day in advance via WeChat, Meituan, Ctrip, or platforms like Klook, Viator, and Trip.com. On-site purchase is also available.
🕒 Hours: 8:00–17:30 (last ferry at 16:30)
📍 Location: Xiaoqi Port, Tianya District
🚇 Transport: Bus No. 16, 25, or 55 to Xidao Pier Station
📞 Phone: 0898-88910888
🌐 Website: www.syxidao.com
🎟️ Tickets: Island + Ferry: ¥120；Ferry Only: ¥100
2. Atlantis Waterpark Sanya (三亚亚特兰蒂斯水世界)
This massive waterpark brings the myth of Atlantis to life. You’ll find thrilling slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and the famous “Leap of Faith” drop. It’s a hit with both adrenaline lovers and families.
🔗 How to Book: Use the official website, WeChat, hotel front desk, or platforms like Klook, Trip.com, GetYourGuide, and Viator.
🕒 Hours: 10:00–18:00 (until 20:00 in peak season)
📍 Location: No. 36, Haitang North Road, Haitang Bay
🚇 Transport: Bus No. 33, 34, or 35 to Atlantis Station
📞 Phone: 0898-88986666
🌐 Website: www.atlantissanya.com
🎟️ Tickets: Adult: ¥358； Child: ¥258
3. Luhuitou Scenic Area (鹿回头风景区)
This hilltop park offers the best panoramic views of Sanya Bay, especially at sunset. The park centers around a local legend, marked by the famous “Deer Looking Back” statue. At night, the hillside lights up with a stunning show.
👉 Luhuitou Park Tours and Tickets
🔗 How to Book: Buy on-site or online via the park’s WeChat to enjoy a 10% discount；Or platforms like Klook, Trip.com, GetYourGuide, and Viator.
🕒 Hours: 8:00–22:30
📍 Location: Luling Road, Jiyang District
🚇 Transport: Bus No. 3 or 22 to Luhuitou Scenic Area Station
📞 Phone: 0898-88213740
🌐 Website: None
🎟️ Tickets: Adult: ¥45; Electric Cart: ¥15
💡 Insider Tip: Although these places allow walk-ins, lines can get long between November and March. Booking online helps you skip the queue and often saves 5–10% on tickets.
🌿 Free Attractions – No Booking Needed
Looking for budget-friendly things to do in Sanya? Great news—many amazing spots are completely free and don’t require reservations. Here’s where to go for a relaxing and local experience.
1. Coconut Dream Corridor at Sanya Bay (三亚湾椰梦长廊)
This 20-kilometer coastal walkway is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Lined with palm trees, it’s perfect for watching sunsets or enjoying a slow morning walk. You’ll find benches, outdoor fitness areas, and locals exercising or chatting. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit.
👉 Sanya Bay (Sanya Wan) Tours and Tickets
🕒 Hours: Open all day
📍 Location: Sanya Bay Road, Tianya District
🚇 Transport: Bus No. 8, 25, or 26 to any stop along Sanya Bay Road
📞 Phone: Not available
🌐 Website: None
2. Dadonghai Beach (大东海旅游区)
Just minutes from downtown, Dadonghai is Sanya’s most accessible beach. The sand is soft, and the water is clear—perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Surrounding the beach are cafes, bars, and restaurants, making it a fun day-to-night hangout. Water sports rentals are available at lower prices than major resorts.
🕒 Hours: Open all day (best to swim between 9:00–17:00)
📍 Location: Yuya Road, Jiyang District
🚇 Transport: Bus No. 2, 4, 8, or 15 to Dadonghai Square
📞 Phone: Not available
🌐 Website: None
3. Luhuitou Plaza (鹿回头广场)
Right in the city center, this riverside plaza offers a mix of local life and urban energy. It’s a popular spot for open-air markets, festivals, and music events. At night, the area lights up beautifully. Nearby restaurants and cafés give you a taste of Sanya’s modern vibe.
🕒 Hours: Open all day
📍 Location: Hedong Road, Jiyang District
🚇 Transport: Bus No. 3, 4, 11, or 15 to Luhuitou Plaza
📞 Phone: Not available
🌐 Website: None
4. Yazhou Ancient City (崖州古城)
Step away from the beach crowds and discover the historical heart of Sanya. This old town features ancient city walls, Confucian temples, and arcade-style buildings. The atmosphere is calm and authentic. You can explore the Yacheng Academy, once the top ancient school in Hainan.
🕒 Hours: 8:30–17:30
📍 Location: Yacheng Town, Yazhou District
🚇 Transport: Bus No. 58 to Yazhou Ancient City (about 1.5 hours)
📞 Phone: 0898-88831333
🌐 Website: None
🔍 Travel Tip: While entry is free, some spots may charge for extras. For example, water activities at Dadonghai or bike rentals along Sanya Bay. Also, Yacheng Academy may collect a small maintenance fee (~¥10). At night, lighting is limited in some areas, so avoid going alone too late.
💳 Ticket Booking Platforms & Payment Options in Sanya
🔗 Where to Book Tickets
When it comes to how to book tickets for top attractions in Sanya, you have many options. Foreign visitors can choose what suits their needs best.
First, try the official WeChat accounts of major attractions. Simply search the site’s Chinese name plus “官方” (official). For example, look up “蜈支洲岛旅游区官方.” Many now offer English options.
Secondly, you can always buy tickets at the attraction’s ticket office. This works if you decide to go last-minute or can’t pay online. However, lines can be long and discounts aren’t guaranteed.
Third, use international platforms like Viator, Klook, Trip.com, or GetYourGuide. These are the most user-friendly for non-Chinese speakers and support international credit cards.
Additionally, top hotels in Sanya often offer concierge booking services. They may provide bundled packages, but prices can be slightly higher.
For diving or water sports, check club websites like Xibu Tianya Marine Club. Cultural experiences (like Li brocade weaving) can be booked through the Sanya Tourism Bureau site or local travel agencies.
💰 How to Pay for Tickets
Next, let’s talk about how to pay when booking tickets for Sanya attractions.
International credit cards like Visa and Mastercard work on most global platforms and some official attraction sites. However, some Chinese platforms might charge a 1–2% foreign transaction fee.
Mobile payments are popular too. Alipay International (Tour Pass) is your best bet. It links with your foreign credit card and works for small purchases.
On the other hand, WeChat Pay is harder to use unless you have a Chinese bank account.
Some venues also accept cash. But be cautious—large bills like ¥100 notes may not be accepted everywhere. Smaller notes are safer.
Lastly, currency exchange counters are available in Sanya’s city center and airport. Still, local banks usually offer better rates if you’re able to access one.
🧭 Practical Travel Tips & Final Thoughts
🌍 Smart Travel Advice for Foreign Visitors
First, always carry your passport, and keep a digital copy on your phone. Some places, like Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, only sell tickets to foreign visitors with a passport shown in person.
Next, don’t worry about the language barrier. Major attractions like Wuzhizhou Island, Nanshan, and Yalong Bay Forest Park offer English maps and audio guides. For emergencies, dial +86-898-12345—Sanya’s tourism hotline offers multilingual support.
Additionally, downloading a translation app such as Google Translate or Tencent Translator makes daily communication much easier.
🧘 Cultural Etiquette & Health Tips
When visiting Buddhist sites like Nanshan Temple, dress modestly. Avoid sleeveless tops and shorts. Also, always ask before photographing locals, especially in minority villages.
Watch for no-smoking signs in scenic areas. Ignoring them can result in fines.
Sanya’s sun is intense. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, and bring plenty of water. Also, choose licensed operators for water sports and check their insurance coverage.
Prices inside scenic areas are often 2–3 times higher, so pack essentials beforehand.
🚗 Getting Around Sanya
For convenience, use the Didi International app. It supports English and credit cards and is often better than taxis.
You can also buy a Sanya Tourist Bus Day Pass for about ¥50. This allows unlimited rides between major sights.
If you plan to rent an e-scooter, you’ll need a Chinese driver’s license or a certified translation. Rentals are limited to certain zones.
📅 Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning – Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park (book in advance)
Afternoon – Dadonghai Beach (free)
Evening – Luhuitou Scenic Area (on-site ticket OK)
Day 2:
Full Day – Wuzhizhou Island (must pre-book)
Evening – Sanya Bay Coconut Dream Corridor (free)
Day 3:
Morning – Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone (book in advance)
Afternoon – Tianya Haijiao (reserve ¥0 ticket)
Evening – First Market seafood dinner
👉 All Sanya Tours & Excursions
Sanya truly has it all—tropical beaches, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. With just a bit of planning, you can enjoy the best of it, stress-free.
Knowing How to Book Sanya Attraction Tickets makes a big difference. For busy spots, book online 1–3 days in advance. Even free attractions like Tianya Haijiao may need a quick reservation.
With this guide in hand, you’re ready to explore Sanya like a pro—on your own schedule, at your own pace. So pack your sunscreen, plan ahead, and get ready to enjoy the sun, sea, and spirit of Sanya.
Have an amazing trip!
📌 Further Reading
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Beijing
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Xi’an
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Shanghai
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Guilin
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Suzhou
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Chengdu
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Hong Kong
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Hangzhou
How to Book Tickets for the Top Attractions in Guangzhou
How to Book Sanya Attraction Tickets
