Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area in Sanya City is located 23 kilometers southwest of Sanya City, Hainan Province, on a cape between Sanya Bay and Hongtang Bay. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction.
The scenic area covers 16.4 hectares of land and 25 square kilometers of sea. It is known far and wide for its beautiful and charming tropical seaside scenery and its long, distinctive history and culture. There are many reef rocks of various shapes, among which giant rocks such as “Tianya Stone,” “Haijiao Stone,” and “Nan Tian Yi Zhu” have long become landmark sights of Tianya Haijiao. The scenic area also has some distinctive buildings, such as the Imperial Edict Museum, which covers about 4,000 square meters and houses and displays a large number of cultural relics, including imperial edicts from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Historical Culture
The name Tianya Haijiao appeared as early as the Tang and Song dynasties. Yang Yan, a chancellor of the Tang Dynasty, was exiled to Yazhou (present-day Sanya area). In his poem “Written on the Way to Yazhou at the Ghost Gate Pass,” he wrote: “Once gone, ten thousand li; a thousand times gone, never to return. Where is Yazhou? I must pass the Ghost Gate Pass alive.” This expressed his lament over a place at the edge of the world.
Hu Quan, a writer of the Song Dynasty, was once exiled to Jiyang Jun (present-day Sanya), and he also mentioned in his poems a concept similar to “Tianya Haijiao.” It was during the Qing Dynasty that “Tianya Haijiao” truly became famous. During the Yongzheng reign, Cheng Zhe, the magistrate of Yazhou, inscribed the two characters “Tianya” on a huge rock. During the Republic of China period, someone else carved “Haijiao” on another huge rock. From then on, “Tianya Haijiao” became a landmark attraction and symbol of Sanya.
“Nan Tian Yi Zhu” was named after the inscription “Nan Tian Yi Zhu” written by Fan Yunti, magistrate of Yazhou, in the first year of Xuantong in the Qing Dynasty (1909). It symbolizes a pillar supporting the southern sky and also implies an unyielding spirit.
Major Attractions
Tianya Stone
Tianya Stone is about 10 meters high, 6 meters long, and 4 meters wide, standing against the mountain and facing the sea within the scenic area. It is one of the core landscapes of the scenic area. The two characters “Tianya” are vigorous and forceful, simple and elegant, witnessing the vicissitudes of history and attracting countless tourists to take photos and experience the unique charm of Tianya Haijiao.
Haijiao Stone
Haijiao Stone is located to the right of Tianya Stone. It rises abruptly by the seaside, about 6 meters high and about 10 meters in circumference at its base. The two characters “Haijiao” are carved on one side of the huge rock in strong, forceful calligraphy. Standing beside Haijiao Stone, listening to the waves beating against the reef and looking out at the vast sea, one feels as if standing at the end of heaven and earth.
Nan Tian Yi Zhu
Nan Tian Yi Zhu is about 7 meters high. Seen from the side, it looks like a “double-masted sail” rising from an ancient ship. It stands alone by the sea, narrower at the bottom and slightly wider at the top. Legend says it is the sky-mending stone left by Nüwa when she repaired the sky after Gonggong smashed Mount Buzhou, causing the sky to tilt northwest and the earth to sink southeast. It is full of mystery.
Imperial Edict Museum
The Imperial Edict Museum covers an area of about 4,000 square meters. It houses a large collection of cultural relics from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including imperial edicts, imperial examination papers, and plaques. Through these precious relics, visitors can learn about ancient China’s politics, culture, imperial examination system, and other aspects, and feel the weight of history.
Love Square
Love Square covers an area of about 3,000 square meters and is a love-themed area in the scenic spot. In the square there is a huge Love Stone sculpture, surrounded by various tropical flowers. This is a must-visit photo spot for couples. Many people make vows of love here and leave beautiful memories.
Recommended Route：
Recommended route: After entering through the main gate, first go to Love Square to enjoy the romantic atmosphere and take photos. Then follow the seaside boardwalk to Tianya Stone and Haijiao Stone to see the landmark sights, enjoying the beautiful sea views and reef scenery along the way. Then go to Nan Tian Yi Zhu to learn about its legend and cultural connotations. Finally, visit the Imperial Edict Museum to see precious cultural relics and learn about history and culture. If time permits, you can also rest on the beach in the scenic area and enjoy the sun and sand.
Travel Tips：
It is recommended to arrive early in the morning to avoid the tourist peak, so you can visit the attractions more easily and take photos without waiting in long lines.
Because the scenic area is coastal, the ultraviolet rays are strong. Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and other sun protection items to prevent sunburn.
When dining at restaurants in the scenic area, you can try local specialties, but check the prices to avoid unnecessary consumption disputes.
If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture behind the attractions, you can hire a tour guide in the scenic area or use the audio guide service provided by the scenic area.
When participating in sea activities, follow the instructions of the staff and wear a life jacket properly to ensure safety.
Precautions：
Do not climb the reefs at will in the scenic area to avoid accidents.
Protect the scenic environment, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean.
Take care of personal belongings, especially in crowded places, to prevent loss.
If bringing children or elderly people, always pay attention to their safety to avoid getting lost or accidents.
When taking a bus to the scenic area, pay attention to the last bus time and arrange your return trip reasonably.
Transportation：
Bus: You can take buses such as No. 14, 16, 25, 26, and 55 to Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area Station. The first and last bus times are roughly from 06:30 to 20:00, and fares vary from 2 to 10 yuan depending on the route.
Taxi/ride-hailing: Taking a taxi or ride-hailing car from downtown Sanya to Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area costs about 50-80 yuan, and the ride takes about 30-40 minutes.
Self-driving: From downtown Sanya, you can reach the scenic area via roads such as Fenghuang Road and Shuijiao Road. There is a parking lot at the scenic area, and the parking fee is about 5-10 yuan.
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open all year round from 07:30 to 18:20. Visitors need to enter within the opening hours and arrange their time reasonably.
Tickets：
Admission is free, but a ticket is still required; advance reservation is required.