Dadonghai Beach

大东海

The closest free public beach to downtown Sanya, with convenient food and lodging, swimming, sunbathing and a strong Russian visitor scene.

Dadonghai lies southeast of downtown Sanya, between Luhuitou Peninsula and Yulin Port. It is the earliest developed bay in Sanya. The crescent-shaped beach stretches about 2.3 kilometres, and hills on both sides shelter it from strong waves, keeping the water clear. It is the only free public beach in the city centre with an official swimming zone and lifeguards.

Highlights and activities: swim in the designated zone, or relax on the sand with a sun lounger (around RMB 50 to rent). Speedboats, parasailing, banana boats and snorkelling are available from licensed operators on the beach. In the evening, stroll the sand promenade to enjoy the lights, and in the night, the beachside bar street and restaurants with Russian signs give the area an exotic feel. Dadonghai is the place in Sanya where Russian and Eastern European visitors gather most. Nearby you will find Dadonghai Square, seafood stalls and budget hotels, offering good value for travellers on a budget or those who want to stay downtown.

Getting there: buses 2, 4, 8 and 15 stop at 'Dadonghai'. From Sanya Railway Station it is about 25 minutes by taxi, and from the airport about 35 minutes. Yalong Bay is about 30 minutes away by car.

Tips: follow the flag markings in the water and avoid areas without lifeguards; the eastern side of the beach near the rocks has bigger waves; vendors on the sand offer photo-taking, fruit and other services, so ask the price before you buy.

Dadonghai Beach

Opening hours

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Places to eat nearby