SouthChinaSeaCHINAMALAYSIATHAILANDSanya
PORT EXPLORER

Sanya, Hainan

CHINA

GENERAL INFORMATION Rising up like an emerald 
out of the South China Sea, 18 miles off the coast of the 
mainland…unique among all the provinces that conjure 
up our mental image of the ancient Middle Kingdom...the 
island of Hainan…China’s only tropical jewel. In 1988 
the island became China’s 31st province. With its capital 
of Haikou, this “Gate of South China”, sets strategically 
along the busy sea lanes that link the nation with many of 
its trading partners throughout the world.

One of the earliest ethnic groups to come to the island 
were called the Li. Their descendents still live on Hainan 
today. Now, after almost 2 thousand years of immigration, 
the Li have been joined by other groups such as the 
Miao, the Hui and the Han. Altogether, over 20 separate 
ethnic groups now make up the island’s 8 million inhabitants. 
Centuries ago ending up on Hainan was not always 
by choice. It was not unusual for an intellectual, political 
rival or member of the Emperor’s court who had fallen 
from grace to find themselves and their families banished 
to this remote island. To be ordered into exile, to an island 
we now regard as a tropical paradise, was not at that time 
seen as an act of kindness or mercy on the part of the Emperor. 
Life on Hainan at that time was very difficult and far 
from the pleasures and opulence of the Emperor’s palace. 
In fact the island was called “The End of the World”.

Today the situation on Hainan is quite different. In the 
late 80’s China’s central government established the entire 
island as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), one of only 
a few throughout the country. This designation has given 
Chinese businessmen, together with foreign joint-venture 
investment partners, the incentive they need to build and 
grow and stimulate the economy. Status as a SEZ has had 
a positive effect on the island. Sanya, a city that was once 
little more than a fishing village, has now matured into 
an important international seaport and resort destination. 
And Hainan, an island that was once castigated as the end 
of the earth, has now become a warm and welcoming destination 
for tourists from around the world.

HISTORY Hainan was virtually unknown to Americans until 2001 when a 
US Navy recognizance aircraft flying over the South China Sea was forced to 
make an unauthorized emergency landing after colliding with a Chinese jet 
interceptor. 

The ancient Chinese, however, have known about, been influencing, tolerating, 
ignoring, defending, conquering, exiling to or opening up the island of 
Hainan…for the past 3,000 years. As far back as 100 BC, during the Han 
dynasty, the island of Hainan first enters the history books. But the island was 
inhabited long before then. Historians seem to feel that the island was first 
settled by Austroneasian people who, over 5,000 years ago, spread throughout 
the islands of the central and south Pacific as far as Hawaii to the east and 
Madagascar to the west.

Archeologists believe the Li people from central and southern China crossed 
over to Hainan from the mainland during the Shang Dynasty around 1,000 BC. 
It was some time before the beginning of the 1st millennia that the Han people, 
again from mainland China, began to make their way to the island where, as 
those who had come before them, they fished the surrounding seas and farmed 
the fertile soil. The influx of new immigrants resulted in the Li people moving 
into the central and southern mountains of the island. This was followed in the 
1700’s by the arrival of the Miao people from China’s central plains. 

Rice was introduced during the Song Dynasty around 1,000 AD. Due the warm 
climate, abundant rain and good farming practices multiple crops were produced 
yearly. It was also during this period that beautiful hand-woven fabric, 
produced by the Li, was first exported to mainland China. With the quality of 
the craftsmanship and intricacy of design the cloth became popular and highly 
sought after. Though some distinct ethnic groups came to the island voluntarily, 

LOCAL CURRENCY The currency in China is the Renminbi 
(RMB). It means “The People’s Money”. The RMB is commonly referred 
to as the “yuan”. Paper currency is issued in denominations of 
1 mao (like 10 cents or 1/10 of a yuan), 2 mao, 5 mao; and 1, 2, 5, 10, 
20, 50 and 100 yuan. Coins are issued in denominations of 1 mao, 2 
mao, 5 mao and 1 yuan. Tourists can change their national currency 
and traveler’s checks in banks. The Bank of China is most commonly 
used for exchange. Keep in mind, however, banks will not accept 
foreign currency that is worn, torn or defaced in any manner. Major 
credit cards are widely accepted in most tourist destinations. ATMs 
can often be found, but not always, in those same locations. If you 
see a Bank of China, there is usually an ATM nearby.

TELEPHONE FACILITIES Dial the following access numbers to 
use a personal calling card:

AT&T: 108.11

MCI: 108.12 or 108712

TRANSPORTATION If you are not on a guided bus tour, the best 
way to get around the area is by taxi. Try to come to a set price before 
heading to your destination. Do not accept their first offer. You 
may have to speak with more than one driver before you reach an 
agreement. Do not be surprised if the driver tries to raise the fare just 
before you reach your location. Don’t be intimated and fall for the 
ploy. Remain firm on the agreed to price. 

For car rental, generally, all you will need is a valid driver’s license 
and RMB 5,000 as a deposit.

TOURIST INFORMATION The Hainan Tourism Administration is 
located at 6 Haifu Road, Haikou. English speaking staff are available 
24 hours a day to help with any problems or emergencies.

USEFUL WORDS AND PHRASES 

Hello - ni hao. 

Good bye. - zai jian.

How much? – duo shao qian? 

Thank-you – xie xie 

You’re welcome – huan ying guang ling 

I’m sorry/excuse me – dui bu qi 

I don’t understand – wo bu dong 

Where is the toilet? – ce suo zai na li? 

NOTES


This information has been compiled for the convenience of our guests and is intended solely for that purpose. 

While we work to ensure that the information contained herein is correct, 

we cannot accept responsibility for any changes that may have taken place since printing. 

© RCCL 2010. All rights reserved.



many Chinese rulers down through the centuries thought of Hainan as 
little more than a place of exile for those who fell from the emperor’s 
favor ...including a nationally beloved poet and a once and future emperor. 
By the 1800’s merchants from Hainan were sailing their ships 
throughout the South China Sea. They were often welcomed to trade 
in foreign ports that sailors from the Chinese mainland were denied. 
Having been designated a province in 1988, China’s smallest, and a 
Special Economic Zone, China’s largest, today the island is home to 
over 39 distinct ethnic groups totaling 8 million people.

SANYA PLACES OF INTEREST

1 Dadonghai Beach is a beautiful white sand beach very close to 
downtown Sanya. There are plenty of water sports available and 
lots of palm trees if you just want to relax in the shade. Near the beach 
are a number of good bars and small restaurants. Being so close to the 
city this beach can get a bit crowded at times.

2 Yalong Bay is about 12 miles out of the city. In a word…stunning. 
Nearly 4 miles of clean white sand curve around clear blue 
water surrounded by lush green mountains. The bay is a protected marine 
reserve that offers great snorkeling and diving. There are plenty of 
tourist shops and small restaurants close by.

3 The Nanshan Buddhist Cultural Tourism Zone is actually three 
separate parks in one area all based upon the theme of Buddhism 
and Chinese culture. Nanshan, meaning South Mountain, overlooks 
the sea and is home to the parks. There are Buddhist temples, giant 
statues, cultural exhibits, lush gardens and ponds, all set in the mountain’s 
tranquil tropical forest.

4 Jian Feng Ling National Park is a quiet and amazingly beautiful 
respite from more crowded tourist sites. Walking-paths wind 
their way along mountain sides covered by the only primeval rainforest 
in China. Bubbling streams tumble down the mountains on their 
way to the sea. The area is home to more than 40 species of birds. One 
bird in particular, a Warbler, was not discovered until the early 90’s. 
There has been little serious scientific research in this ancient forest, 
consequently, a number of botanists and ornithologists believe there 
are unknown species yet to be discovered.

5 Tianya Haijiao is an interesting site on the ocean about 15 miles 
from Sanya. Huge boulders along the water’s edge mark the area 
where it is said that many of those who had been banished from the 
mainland empire would come, with their broken hearts, and cast forth 
their hopes and dreams of returning someday. On one of the giant 
boulders is carved the Chinese characters meaning “Edge of the Sky” 
and “Corner of the Sea”.

6 West Island is just a few minutes by boat from Sanya Harbor. 
This is a great spot to enjoy all you favorite water activities. The 
island has everything from jet skis, parasailing, and banana-boat rides 
to 4-wheel beach ATVs and an archery range. When you need a break 
there are plenty of shady palm trees and small restaurants that serve 
the freshest seafood. The island is also a popular snorkeling and diving 
location with rental equipment available.

7 The Jingrun Pearl Museum is a “must see” if you appreciate the 
natural beauty of saltwater pearls. The museum is nothing short 
of amazing. A visitor walks through the history of Chinese pearls…
discovers how they are formed and cultivated, evaluated and categorized…
and finally how a master craftsman uses them to create stunning 
pieces of jewelry. The museum is located in Phoenix Town, near 
the airport.

8 Luhuitou Park covers much of the peninsula south of Sanya. 
There are nice walking-paths near the sea with the mountains in 
the background. The park is named after an ancient Li folktale of a 
young hunter who cornered a deer on the peninsula. Before he could 
shoot it with his bow and arrow the frightened deer turned into a maiden 
with whom the young hunter fell deeply in love.

9 The Li and Miao Minority Village sits at the bottom of Five 
Finger Mountain in the town of Tong Zha in central Hainan. The 
village provides guests the opportunity to discover the rich cultural 
heritage of the indigenous people of the island. The buildings in the 
village represent the design, architecture and construction methods of 
many of the different local tribes. There are authentic presentations of 
tribal cuisine, costumes, music, song and dance that have been passed 
down by countless generations.

SHORE EXCURSIONS To make the most of your visit to Sanya and 
surrounding areas we suggest you take one of our organized Shore Excursions. 
For information concerning tour content and pricing, consult 
your Shore Excursion Brochure or contact the Shore Excursion Desk. 
When going ashore, guests are advised to take with them only the 
items they need and to secure any valuables.

LOCAL CUSTOMS Bargaining: Most of the outdoor markets, street 
and beach peddlers will expect you to bargain. Be polite, fair and firm. 
In the larger stores, where prices are marked, bargaining is not common. 
If you negotiate a price you are willing to pay it is expected that 
you are going to buy the item. To reach an agreed upon price and then 
turn down the sale is seen as rude. If you are not interested in what the 
peddlers have to offer decline politely yet firmly.

Tipping: This is not a custom in Hainan.

Local Cuisine: The most famous dish from the island is the popular 
Hainan Chicken Rice. The chicken gets its traditional and distinctive 
flavor by being fed banyan tree seed. It is cooked in a simple fashion 
with garlic, fresh ginger, cilantro, and scallions. Islanders have 
taken the recipe with them throughout Asia and around the world. On 
Hainan you will find all the famous mainland cuisines such as Xibei, 
Dongbei, Sichuan, Hong Kong and Hunan. There are some favorite local 
dishes as well. Wenchang Chicken originates from Hainan’s Wenchang 
City. It is made from birds that have been bred and raised in the 
old traditional style. The meat is very tender and fresh. The broth from 
the dish is used to make the famous Hainan Chicken Rice. Hele Crab 
is known for its very hard shell and delicious meat. It can be baked, 
broiled or steamed and is usually served with white vinegar and fresh 
ginger. Jiaji Duck gets its name from the town where the ducks are 
bred and specially fed in order to produce their distinctive flavor. They 
can be steamed, baked or roasted. Dongshan Goat gets its fantastic flavor 
from being raised in the lush grass, fresh streams and natural surroundings 
of the Dongshan Mountains near Wanning City. The meat is 
prepared in a variety of ways such as boiled, steamed with coconut or 
roasted. 90% of China’s coconuts are grown on the island of Hainan in 
the area of Wenchang City. It is understandable that coconut has found 
its way into many of the local dishes, soups, snacks and condiments. 
If you have a sweet tooth then try any of the variety of fresh coconut 
candies, jams and cakes. Besides coconut, Hainan is famous for 
its abundant selection of exotic and locally grown tropical fruits such 
as carambola, longan (dragon eyes), jackfruit, dragon fruit, pawpaw 
and litchi. The locally grown and ever-popular pineapple, guava and 
mango are delicious and readily available.

Drink Specialties: Pearl Milk Tea is a drink that was created in the 
1980s and has swept the much of East Asia with its popularity. Sometimes 
it may go by the name of Bubble Tea. The drink mixes sweet 
iced or hot tea with milk. The pearls or bubbles referred to are little 
balls of tapioca or yam starch. Over the years countless regional variations 
of the drink have evolved. Ku ding Tea is a local health drink 
known for cooling down the body. It may seem a little bitter at first 
but it has a sweet aftertaste. Lan Gui Ren Tea means “Lady Orchid”. 
It is made by combining the tea leaves with liquorices grass and fresh 
ginseng. This tea is famous for its light floral aroma and sweet taste. 
Xinglong Coffee is served very sweet and it is quite well liked. Hainan 
is China’s best coffee growing region. The Chinese have been brewing 
some form of beer for over 3,000 years. Yanjing, Hainan and Tsingtao 
Beer are the most popular Chinese beers on the island. Bottled water 
is recommended.

SHOPPING FACILITIES Due to the effect of the tourist market on 
Hainan there are a number of stores and vendors that openly sell endangered 
coral, sea-shell and sea turtle-shell products. The government 
of China is committed to protecting the reefs and sea life around 
Hainan. The Official Government Policy forbids these products from 
being taken off the island. Anyone caught trying to remove any of 
these products is subject to a fine and forfeiture of the piece. 

Sanya is an island resort destination known for fun-in-the-sun, not for 
its major shopping bargains or opportunities. Most of the items available 
will be tourist kitsch; tropical shirts, hats, coconut carvings. There 
are, however, two items available on Hainan that are special to the 
island in terms of their well deserved reputation for quality, selection 
and affordability. The first is Saltwater Pearl Products. Larger, more 
colorful and rare than farm raised freshwater pearls, the Hainan saltwater 
pearls are used in the design and creation of a stunning variety 
of rings, necklaces and earrings. For centuries Chinese women have 
also used pearl powder as a beauty secret. Careful shopping and serious 
bargaining will be rewarded. The second local item for which the 
island is justifiably famous and proud is Hainan Silk. The handmade 
fabrics and clothes are produced by the Li. The well deserved reputation 
that the Li people earned for the quality and beauty of their work 
dates back as early as 700 BC. Many feel that Hainan Silk is the best 
in all of China. Hainan’s capital city Haikou has a number of good 
department stores. Most of them are located on Haixiu Boulevard, 
downtown. Some of the local street and beach peddlers might seem 
a bit persistent. If you are interested in something they have to sell be 
prepared to put your “bargaining hat” on. 

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