Yalong Bay (亚龙湾), located in the eastern suburbs of Sanya, is a premier tropical seaside resort known for its stunning natural beauty. Stretching over 7 kilometers, the beach boasts fine white sand and a shallow coastal area that reaches widths of 50 to 60 meters. The waters of the South China Sea here remain pristine and unpolluted, allowing for crystal-clear visibility of coral reefs and a mesmerizing display of various shades of blue.
The bay offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. You can embark on luxury yacht excursions to spot sea lions and seals, try your hand at sailing, snorkeling, or fishing, and even take to the skies with paragliding adventures. With winter temperatures averaging around 27°C and water temperatures at about 20°C, Yalong Bay provides ideal swimming conditions year-round.
The area is also home to a collection of five-star luxury hotels, including renowned brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, and Ritz-Carlton. Due to its breathtaking scenery and excellent amenities, Yalong Bay is often referred to as the “Oriental Hawaii,” making it a perfect winter retreat for travelers seeking relaxation and sunshine. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a tranquil getaway, Yalong Bay offers a little something for everyone, making it an ideal vacation destination.
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Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0898-88568899 |
Location and Transportation
Yalong Bay is situated in the Jiyang District of Sanya City, Hainan Province, approximately 10 kilometers from the city center. It is known for its crescent-shaped coastline, with Yalong Bay serving as the southernmost point of Hainan Island. To get there, you can take bus 30, 115, 124, 127, 349, or 350 and get off at Yalong Bay Bus Terminal Stop (亚龙湾公交枢纽站).
Highlights of Yalong Bay
Yalong Bay Shell Museum
Located in the central square of Yalong Bay National Tourist Resort, the Yalong Bay Shell Museum spans 3,000 square meters and is the first comprehensive exhibition hall in China dedicated to shells. This unique venue combines education, exhibition, and sales, showcasing over 300 representative shell species from five major marine regions around the world. Visitors can marvel at shells such as the angel-winged sea gull clam, the famous “living fossil” red worm mollusk, and the stunning nautilus. As guests wander through the elegant and serene exhibition halls, they feel immersed in an oceanic wonderland, inspiring a love for nature and a commitment to ocean conservation.
Underwater World
Yalong Bay’s Underwater World offers an array of attractions, including underwater tours, scuba diving at Meiren Reef, sea walking, deep-sea diving on scooters, banana boat rides, parasailing, free diving, glass-bottom boat tours, speedboat excursions, jet skiing, and surfing. The accompanying Underwater World Beach Hotel allows visitors to fully enjoy the delights of marine tourism. Nestled between mountains and the sea, the hotel is surrounded by a tropical garden and features a unique courtyard-style architectural design. It offers a relaxing and comfortable environment, with 68 luxurious rooms, including standard rooms, suites, and presidential suites, all designed to four-star standards. The on-site ocean-view restaurant can accommodate 200 guests, providing a perfect dining experience with stunning views of the blue sky and sea—a true escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley is situated behind the Xiaolongtan Lake in Yalong Bay, not far from the central square. Surrounded by mountains, this picturesque valley features a stream running through its bottom and covers an area of 1.5 hectares. Within the valley, there is a large ecological butterfly garden and a museum housing over 2,000 precious butterfly and insect specimens. The specimen exhibition hall displays more than 500 exquisite butterfly and insect specimens, including rare species such as the golden-spotted swallowtail, the three-tailed swallowtail, and various others. The specimen-making studio focuses on creating butterfly specimens and crafts, contributing to resource recycling by processing naturally deceased butterflies.
