Yalong Bay: The Crown Jewel of Sanya
Location & Overview
Nestled in Sanya, Hainan, Yalong Bay (18.2°N, 109.4°E) spans 7.5km of pristine coastline, earning titles like "First Bay Under Heaven". Its 66km² area blends tropical forests, luxury resorts, and UNESCO-listed coral reefs.
Natural Wonders
- Beach & Sea: The powdery white sand (rated among Asia’s finest) slopes gently into turquoise waters with 8–10m visibility. Unique "glass sea" effects on sunny days rival the Maldives.
- Marine Life: Home to clownfish schools, coral gardens, and rare blacktip sharks at Taiyang Bay dive site. Protected as a national coral reserve.
Top Attractions
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Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park
- Filming site for "If You Are the One 2", featuring the Guojianglong Suspension Bridge and Canghai Tower viewpoint.
- Hidden trails lead to Li villages offering brocade weaving and bamboo rice cuisine.
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Water Sports Hub
- Must-try: Scuba diving (coral-rich Taiyang Bay), wakeboarding at Yalong Bay Yacht Club.
- Family-friendly: Private sailing (¥800/2hr) or shared boat tours.
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Luxury Resorts
- Swissôtel Sanya Yalong Bay and Grand Mercure blend eco-design with Li cultural motifs.
- Beachfront Ritz-Carlton hosts stargazing and open-air movie nights.
Cultural Gems
- Li Minority Culture: Visit Liuliacun for traditional dances and vanilla duck dishes.
- Mythology: Local legends speak of seven maidens whose tears formed the bay’s sands.
Practical Tips
- Best Time: Year-round (avg. 25.5°C), with prime diving from March–May.
- Hidden Gems:
- Sunrise photography at 6:30 AM (low crowds, soft light).
- Tide-pooling during low tide (check "Tide Table Wizard" mini-program).
Awards & Recognition
- 2008 UNESCO Clean Beach Award.
- Ranked China’s #1 coastline by National Geographic.
Yalong Bay is more than a beach—it’s a microcosm of Hainan’s tropical splendor, where luxury meets adventure and culture.
