Tianya Haijiao (End of the World) Sanya: Complete Visitor Guide (2025)

Tianya Haijiao (天涯海角) is Sanya's most famous coastal landmark. The name means "Sky's Edge, Sea's Corner," and for centuries it has symbolized the idea of going to the ends of the earth. The actual site is a seaside park with giant boulders carved with poetic inscriptions, tropical scenery, and a long history in Chinese literature.

If you are planning a Sanya trip, Tianya Haijiao is a classic stop. It is not the island's best beach, but it is the place most Chinese travelers recognize by name. This guide covers what to see, how to get there, costs, and whether it is worth your limited time.

Quick Facts

Info	Details
Location	Sanya Bay, Hainan Island
Chinese name	天涯海角 (Tianya Haijiao)
Time needed	2-3 hours
Ticket price	¥81 (~$11) adult
Best time	Nov-Apr, late afternoon for light
Main highlights	Tianya Stone, Haijiao Stone, coastal views

What Is Tianya Haijiao (天涯海角)

Tianya Haijiao is a coastal scenic area on the western end of Sanya Bay. The park is known for two giant granite boulders etched with the characters "天涯" (Tianya, Sky's Edge) and "海角" (Haijiao, Sea's Corner). These inscriptions were added during the Qing Dynasty and turned the rocks into a national symbol.

The phrase "tianya haijiao" shows up in poems, songs, and idioms about love, exile, and distance. It represents the farthest point a traveler might reach. In modern times, the park became a must-see stop for domestic tourists, newlyweds, and travelers chasing the classic Sanya photo.

The scenery is tropical and pleasant: palm trees, wide sky, and a rocky shoreline. But it is important to know what it is and what it is not. This is a cultural landmark more than a beach destination. The swimming areas are limited, and the best beaches in Sanya are elsewhere.

The History and Cultural Significance

Tianya Haijiao gained fame long before Sanya became a resort city. In imperial times, Hainan was a remote outpost. Officials who were exiled there called it the end of the world. The phrase "tianya haijiao" became a way to express separation and longing.

Literary References

You will find references to Tianya Haijiao across Chinese culture:

• Classical poems use the phrase to describe faraway lovers or distant lands.
• Traditional travel writing describes Hainan as a remote, wild frontier.
• Modern songs and TV dramas use the term as a romantic symbol.

When you visit, you will see the phrase carved on stone tablets and used in souvenir art. For many Chinese visitors, taking a photo here is about the symbolism as much as the scenery.

The Famous Rocks and Their Meanings

The park is centered on three main boulders. Each one has a name and a story:

• Tianya Stone (天涯石): The larger boulder with "天涯" carved on it. This is the main symbol and the most photographed spot.
• Haijiao Stone (海角石): The smaller stone nearby with "海角" carved on it, completing the phrase.
• Nantianyizhu (南天一柱): "A Pillar of the Southern Sky." This tall, narrow rock stands apart from the others and has its own inscription.

These stones are not ancient in the geological sense, but the inscriptions made them culturally significant. They are what most visitors come to see.

Why It Became a Love Symbol

In Chinese, people often say they will go "to the ends of the earth" for someone they love. Tianya Haijiao is the literal version of that phrase. That is why the park is popular with couples, wedding photo shoots, and honeymooners. Many visitors are not just sightseeing; they are taking photos with the rocks as a symbol of commitment.

You will notice:

• Wedding photography teams with props
• Matching couple outfits and signs
• Souvenir shops selling romance-themed items

If you are not interested in this scene, it can feel a little staged. But if you enjoy people-watching, it is part of the atmosphere and explains why the site stays popular year after year.

What to See at Tianya Haijiao

The park is a long coastal walk with multiple stops. You can cover it in two to three hours at a relaxed pace.

Tianya Stone (天涯石)

This is the core landmark. The stone is massive and sits near the waterline. The characters are large and easy to read from several angles. If you want the classic photo, arrive early or late to avoid crowds and stand slightly to the side so the ocean is visible behind you.

Haijiao Stone (海角石)

This stone is slightly smaller and sometimes overlooked because most people focus on Tianya Stone. It is still a required stop if you want the full phrase. The two stones are close enough to visit in five minutes, but the best photos are taken from the path farther back so both the boulder and the coast appear.

Nantianyizhu (南天一柱)

This tall rock is sometimes described as a "southern sky pillar." It is a little farther along the path and can be less crowded. The setting is good for photos because the rock is isolated and the sea is open behind it.

Beach Areas

There are sandy stretches and rocky coves. The sand here is not as soft as Yalong Bay or Haitang Bay, and the water is not as clear. Many travelers still enjoy walking the shoreline or taking photos with the palm trees. Swimming is not the main activity.

Coastal Walk and Viewpoints

The shoreline path has a few small viewing platforms, benches, and a lighthouse area. The view across the bay is best on clear afternoons. If you can time it for sunset, the light can be strong and warm, especially in winter.

Walking Route and Suggested Loop

The park is essentially a long coastal path with side spurs. There is no complicated navigation, but the walk feels longer in the midday heat. A simple plan helps you manage time and energy:

1. Entrance to Tianya Stone: 15-20 minutes of easy walking. This is the most crowded stretch.
2. Tianya Stone to Haijiao Stone: 5 minutes on the same shoreline path.
3. Haijiao Stone to Nantianyizhu: 15-25 minutes depending on stops.
4. Return along the coastal path: 20-30 minutes, or take the shuttle if you are tired.

If you only have an hour, go straight to Tianya Stone and Haijiao Stone, then return. If you have two to three hours, do the full loop with time for photos and a short break.

Tickets and Opening Hours

Prices change slightly by season, but the typical adult ticket is in the ¥70-90 range. As of 2025, the most common posted price is ¥81 (~$11).

Ticket Type	Price	Notes
Adult	¥81 (~$11)	Standard ticket
Child (1.2-1.5 m)	¥41 (~$6)	Height based
Seniors (60+)	¥41 (~$6)	Passport or ID required
Child under 1.2 m	Free	Must be with adult

Optional add-ons: Some visitors use the small electric shuttle inside the park. It is not required, but it can save time if you want to skip the long walk back. Expect ¥15-25 (~$2-4) depending on the segment.

Opening Hours

Typical operating hours are:

• 08:00-18:00 in peak season
• 08:00-17:30 in the quieter months

The park sometimes adjusts hours for holidays. If you want sunset photos, check the closing time and arrive at least two hours before it gets dark.

Cost Breakdown and Budget Planning

Tianya Haijiao is not expensive, but small fees add up. Here is a simple budget for one person for a half-day visit:

Item	Typical Cost	Notes
Entrance ticket	¥81 (~$11)	Adult price
Bus or taxi (round trip)	¥4-120 (~$0.60-17)	Depends on transport
Shuttle inside park	¥15-25 (~$2-4)	Optional
Water/snacks	¥15-30 (~$2-4)	Prices higher inside

Budget range: ¥120-250 (~$17-35) depending on how you get there and whether you use the shuttle.

If you are staying in a beach resort with a shuttle, ask your hotel if they include discounted tickets or group transport. Some hotels sell bundles that are cheaper than buying on site.

Planning your China trip? Check out our currency converter for real-time exchange rates.

How to Get There

Tianya Haijiao is west of downtown Sanya along Sanya Bay. It is easy to reach by bus or taxi.

From Sanya City (Dadonghai or Sanya Bay)

Public bus:

• Bus routes 16 and 25 commonly stop at Tianya Haijiao.
• Fare is usually ¥2-4 (~$0.30-0.60).
• Travel time is 30-50 minutes depending on traffic.

Taxi or ride-hailing:

• From Sanya Bay: ¥40-60 (~$6-9)
• From Dadonghai: ¥60-90 (~$9-13)
• Travel time: 25-45 minutes

From Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX)

The airport is closer than downtown and you can often reach the park in 20-30 minutes.

• Taxi: ¥30-50 (~$4-7)
• Bus: airport shuttle routes sometimes connect to Sanya Bay, then transfer to a local bus

Tour Buses

Many hotels sell half-day tours that include Tianya Haijiao. These can be convenient if you prefer not to arrange transport, but they often include short stops at souvenir shops.

Facilities and On-Site Services

The park is built for short visits and group tours, so you will find basic visitor services near the entrance and along the main path.

• Toilets: Available near the entrance and at the main viewing areas. Carry tissues just in case.\n- Food and drinks: Small snack stalls and kiosks sell water, coconut drinks, and simple snacks. Prices are higher than outside.\n- Souvenir shops: The main shops are near the entrance. Expect standard tourist items rather than unique crafts.\n- Rest areas: Benches and shaded areas are scattered along the coastal path, but shade is limited in the middle sections.\n- Lockers: Not common. Travel light and keep valuables with you.\n\nIf you need a full meal, it is better to eat in Sanya Bay or your hotel area before visiting.
• Toilets: Available near the entrance and at the main viewing areas. Carry tissues just in case.
• Food and drinks: Small snack stalls and kiosks sell water, coconut drinks, and simple snacks. Prices are higher than outside.
• Souvenir shops: The main shops are near the entrance. Expect standard tourist items rather than unique crafts.
• Rest areas: Benches and shaded areas are scattered along the coastal path, but shade is limited in the middle sections.
• Lockers: Not common. Travel light and keep valuables with you.

If you need a full meal, it is better to eat in Sanya Bay or your hotel area before visiting.

Best Time to Visit

Sanya has a tropical climate, so you can visit year-round, but the experience changes by season.

Best Season

• November to April: Cooler, drier, and more comfortable for walking. This is the best time overall.
• May to October: Hot and humid with higher rainfall. Afternoon storms are common.

Best Time of Day

• Late afternoon (3:30-5:30 PM): Best light for photos, softer heat, good chance of golden hour.
• Early morning (8:00-10:00 AM): Cooler and less crowded, but light is harsh for photos.

When to Avoid

• Chinese national holidays (May 1-5, Oct 1-7) for crowd control and high prices.
• Typhoon days in late summer or early autumn. If a storm is forecast, skip coastal sites entirely.

Sea Conditions and Wind

The shoreline here is exposed. On windy days the waves can kick up and spray the rocks. This is good for dramatic photos but not great for a relaxed walk. After heavy rain, the rocks can be slick and the water can turn cloudy. If the forecast shows strong wind or a storm system, move this visit to another day.

Photography Spots and Angles

Tianya Haijiao is a photo-heavy destination. Here is where to focus your time:

• Classic Tianya Stone photo: Stand slightly to the right of the main stone so the ocean fills the background.
• Haijiao Stone paired shot: Walk back 20-30 meters and frame both stones together.
• Nantianyizhu silhouette: Late afternoon light makes the tall rock stand out against the sky.
• Palm tree corridor: The path near the entrance has palm trees that frame portraits well.
• Sunset bay view: Find a clear viewing platform and shoot westward. The sky turns orange quickly in winter.

Bring a microfiber cloth if your lens fogs in the humidity.

If you are shooting on a phone, tap to expose for the sky so the sea does not blow out. If you have a camera, a small ND filter helps during midday when the light is harsh.

Nearby Attractions (Combine into a Sanya Itinerary)

Tianya Haijiao is easiest to visit as part of a west Sanya day. Here are nearby stops that pair well:

• Nanshan Temple (南山寺): A large Buddhist complex with a famous sea-facing Guanyin statue. About 20-30 minutes away by taxi.
• Sanya Bay Coconut Corridor: A long coastal road lined with coconut palms. Good for evening walks.
• West Island (西岛): Boat-access island with snorkeling and beach time.
• Luhuitou Park (鹿回头公园): Hilltop viewpoint over Sanya city and the bay.

If you are planning a multi-day trip, use Tianya Haijiao as a short afternoon activity and save your full beach day for Yalong Bay or Haitang Bay.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Short answer: It depends on what you want from Sanya.

Tianya Haijiao is worth visiting if:

• You want the iconic Sanya photo and the cultural symbolism.
• You enjoy coastal walks and scenic viewpoints.
• You have limited time and want a classic highlight.

You might skip it if:

• You are focused on beach quality and swimming.
• You have already seen many coastal parks in China and want something different.
• You prefer quieter, less commercial attractions.

It is a well-known site, but it can feel touristy. If you go with the right expectations, it is still a pleasant half-day stop.

If You Are Short on Time

Sanya is spread out, and travel times between bays can eat up a half day. If you only have one full day, decide what type of experience you want most:

• For culture and the iconic photo: Keep Tianya Haijiao on your list, but pair it with another west Sanya stop like Nanshan Temple.
• For swimming and beach time: Skip Tianya Haijiao and spend the day at Yalong Bay or Haitang Bay.
• For city views: Go to Luhuitou Park near downtown for a quick viewpoint without a long drive.

Tianya Haijiao is best as a light afternoon activity, not the centerpiece of your trip. Build your schedule around the beach or resort time first, then slot this in when you want a calmer walk and photos.

Practical Tips

• Buy tickets online if you visit during holidays. On-site queues can be long.
• Bring sun protection. The coastal path has little shade in the middle sections.
• Watch for photo services. Some vendors push paid photos or props. If you are not interested, decline politely and keep walking.
• Carry water. Prices inside are higher than outside.
• Check tide and weather. Rough seas make the shoreline less accessible.
• Keep small cash. Some vendors accept only cash or a Chinese mobile payment app.

Where to Stay for Easy Access

If Tianya Haijiao is a priority, choose accommodation along Sanya Bay (三亚湾). It is the closest beach strip and makes the taxi or bus ride short. Here is a simple breakdown:

• Sanya Bay hotels: Best for easy access, moderate prices, and long evening walks. The beach here is decent but not the clearest.
• Dadonghai area: More restaurants and nightlife, but farther from Tianya Haijiao. Expect longer rides.
• Yalong Bay or Haitang Bay: Better beaches and higher-end resorts, but the farthest distance. Plan a half-day trip if you stay here.

If you are staying in Yalong Bay or Haitang Bay, consider visiting Tianya Haijiao on a day when you are already in western Sanya, such as a visit to Nanshan Temple.

Family and Accessibility Notes

The main coastal path is paved and relatively flat, which makes it easier than many scenic areas in China. That said, it is still an outdoor coastal walk with uneven stones in places.

• Strollers: Light strollers are fine on the main path. Expect to lift them on a few steps near the rocks.
• Older travelers: The path is manageable, but there is limited shade. Midday heat can be tiring.
• Wheelchairs: There are flat sections, but the park is not fully wheelchair friendly near the shoreline.
• Kids: Keep children away from the waterline on windy days because waves can splash onto the rocks.

If you need a shorter visit, take the shuttle for one direction and walk the other way.

Mini Chinese Cheat Sheet

If you want to show a taxi driver or ask for directions, these phrases help:

• Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area: 天涯海角景区
• Tianya Stone: 天涯石
• Haijiao Stone: 海角石
• Nantianyizhu: 南天一柱
• Ticket: 门票 (menpiao)

Most drivers recognize the name Tianya Haijiao, but showing the characters avoids confusion.

Sample Half-Day Itinerary

14:30 - Arrive and enter the park

14:45-15:30 - Walk to Tianya Stone and Haijiao Stone, take photos

15:30-16:10 - Continue to Nantianyizhu and shoreline views

16:10-17:00 - Relax along the coastal path, snacks and photos

17:00-17:30 - Return to entrance or take shuttle

17:30 - Leave for Sanya Bay dinner or sunset on the beach

This timing keeps the heat manageable and gives you good light for photos.

Related Resources

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• Best Time to Visit China - Weather tips and seasonal planning
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• China Survival Kit - Essential tools and travel prep

Final Thoughts

Tianya Haijiao is less about a perfect beach and more about the idea of reaching the far edge of the world. If you want a light coastal walk, a bit of cultural symbolism, and the classic Sanya photo, it is worth a visit. Go late in the day, bring water, and keep your expectations realistic. Treat it as a short scenic stop, not a full beach day. If you time it for sunset, the view across Sanya Bay is the best part of the visit. Crowds thin out.

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Last updated: December 2025