Yalong Bay

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Yalong Bay is a crescent-shaped bay in Sanya known for its white, fine sand and clear water. The public beach is free and open all day, making it a straightforward spot for swimming and family time. The bay faces east, so it is good for sunrise but not sunset.

Beach and swimming

The beach stretches about 7.5 kilometers in a crescent shape. The sand is fine and white, and the water visibility can reach 7–9 meters, making it suitable for viewing and water activities.

The public beach is free to enter and open all day; no ticket or reservation is needed. Note that Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park inside the area is a separate paid attraction with opening hours around 8:00–18:00, subject to seasonal changes and official announcements.

For families with elderly or children, Yalong Bay is a good choice for swimming because the waves are small and the beach is gently sloping. Haitang Bay, by contrast, tends to have larger waves and is less suitable for casual family swimming.

Mornings are calmer: afternoon winds and waves often pick up, so water activities like paddleboarding are better in the morning. After 5 pm, water temperature drops and feels cooler.

Arrive before 9 am for fewer crowds and cleaner sand; it is also the best time for photos. The parking lot is a bit far from the sand—about a ten-minute walk if pushing a stroller—so allow extra time and energy.

Sunrise and views

Yalong Bay is suitable for sunrise, not sunset. In the evening, the sun is blocked by the mountains of Yalong Bay Forest Park, so sunset views are poor. For sunset, consider other open beaches such as Sanya Bay or Dadonghai.

For elevated sea views, head to high spots like Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, where mountain and sea views overlap and the field of view is wide.

Coral reef protection

The coral reef in Yalong Bay is ecologically sensitive. When swimming or snorkeling, do not step on coral. Avoid chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone; use physical sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead. Take all your trash with you to help protect the marine environment.

Getting there

By public bus: the New National Line bus “Yalong Bay–Daxiaodongtian” connects Yalong Bay and the Daxiaodongtian scenic area, with a small fare and departures about every 20 minutes. Buses 27 and 15 also go directly to Yalong Bay; routes and schedules may change, so check a map or bus app before you go.

By taxi: from Sanya Phoenix International Airport to Yalong Bay is about 45 kilometers, with a reference fare; from Sanya city center about 25 kilometers; from Dadonghai about 25 kilometers. Fares are for reference only and may vary with traffic, time, and meter type. Use licensed taxis and confirm the fare method. From Sanya Railway Station, a taxi takes about 40 minutes.

To Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park: about 30 minutes by taxi from Sanya city center, Dadonghai, or Haitang Bay; about 10 minutes from Yalong Bay itself.

By train: from Lingao South Station, train C7841 goes directly to Yalong Bay Station, taking about 2 hours 33 minutes (example: departs 07:55, arrives 10:28), with fares starting at a small amount. Schedules and prices may change; confirm via 12306 or ticketing platforms.

For budget travelers, you can take a bus to Dadonghai Square, Xiari Department Store, or Luling Road intersection, then a taxi to the Yalong Bay scenic area entrance for a small fare. Fares and bus routes may change; check a map app before departure.

There is a free shuttle to Yanoda Scenic Area; one pickup point is in the Yalong Bay hotel area, with departure at 09:30–10:00 and return at 16:00.

By car: from Yalong Bay to Lingshui takes about 40–50 minutes under normal traffic; actual time may vary with starting point, road conditions, and destination. Use navigation to confirm the route and real-time traffic.

Activities and itinerary ideas

A one-day itinerary: in the daytime, visit Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, walk the Orchid Valley and the Jianglong rope bridge, then go to the summit park for sea views; in the late afternoon, move to the Yalong Bay public beach for water play and sunset. The forest park is a separate scenic area with opening hours around 8:00–18:00; plan your time accordingly.

The Yalong Bay–Dongdao route links the Yalong Bay coastline with the waters around Dongdao and is a classic route for yacht sea fishing in Sanya. The waters around Dongdao have good water quality and rich fish resources, suitable for fishing, and you can also see coral reefs up close.

Yalong Bay International Rose Valley offers flower viewing and photo opportunities, plus experience activities such as rose essential oil making and flower cake baking, suitable for families or couples. Specific activities and whether there is an extra charge are subject to on-site arrangements.

Sanya Nantian Hot Spring is not far from Yalong Bay and Haitang Bay beaches, making it a classic pairing for a evening soak after a day at the sea.

Yalong Bay Golf Club is an 18-hole course designed by golf course architect Robert Trent Jones and has been rated one of China's top ten courses. The club offers free practice range service with 26 bays for children aged 16 and under, suitable for families with children experiencing golf.

For the public beach, walk to the right to find fewer people and a patch of fallen dead trees on the sand that gives a deserted-island feel, good for photos. Before 9 am the beach is relatively clean, suitable for empty shots.

Frequently asked questions

Is Yalong Bay good for sunset?

No. Yalong Bay is blocked by the mountains of Yalong Bay Forest Park in the evening, so sunset views are poor. It is better for sunrise. For sunset, consider Sanya Bay or Dadonghai.

Is Yalong Bay suitable for families with children?

Yes. The waves are small and the beach is gently sloping, making it suitable for family water play. Haitang Bay, by contrast, tends to have larger waves and is less suitable for casual family swimming.

Is there an entrance fee for Yalong Bay beach?

The public beach is free and open all day; no ticket or reservation is needed. Note that Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park is a separate paid attraction with opening hours around 8:00–18:00.

How do I get to Yalong Bay from Sanya?

You can take buses 27 or 15, or the New National Line bus “Yalong Bay–Daxiaodongtian” with a small fare and departures about every 20 minutes. Taxis are also available; from Sanya city center it is about 25 kilometers, and from Phoenix Airport about 45 kilometers. Fares vary; use licensed taxis and confirm the meter.

What should I keep in mind for snorkeling or swimming?

The coral reef is sensitive. Do not step on coral, avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone, and use physical sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Take all trash with you.

Nearby things to do