Shanghai to Sanya Flights

Brief intro about Sanya:

China’s southernmost city, Sanya, is a popular vacation destination for travelers from around the world. Sanya is located on Hainan island, a tropical destination in the South China Sea with pristine beaches and clear waters.

The city has a developed tourism industry and is home to all sorts of accommodations ranging from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts. When visiting Sanya, there’s a large selection of outdoor attractions to choose from, including the Tianyahaijiao Scenic Spot, Wuzhizhou Island, and the Yalong Bay Tropical Rainforest Park. The city is also home to a variety of shopping malls, museums, and arenas.

Airport & Terminal Information

Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) is located around 11 km northwest of the city center at Sanya Railway Station, and around 40 km west of the resorts and attractions at Haitang Bay.

The airport has two terminals. Flights from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Sanya Phoenix International Airport generally arrive at the Domestic Terminal.

There are many daily flights from Shanghai to Sanya. Airlines including China Eastern Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, Spring Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Shanghai Airlines operate flights from departing at different times throughout the day, ensuring that you’ll be able to find a flight regardless of what time you want to leave. The earliest flight from Shanghai to Sanya departs from Hongqiao International Airport at 6:40, while the latest flight between the two cities leaves Pudong International Airport at 21:20. The total flight time is around three and a half hours.

Getting Downtown from the Airport

After arriving at Sanya Phoenix International Airport, you might wonder the best way to reach your hotel or make your way into the city. Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from.

By Taxi

Taking a taxi from the airport is arguably the fastest way to reach your destination. Taxis can be found on level 1 in the Domestic Terminal. In Sanya, there’s no single set color for taxis, though many are blue, orange, yellow, or green. Official taxis are metered and have driver and license plate information within the vehicle itself.

At peak times, you might have to wait in line for a taxi to be arranged. If you’re worried about finding a taxi or simply want a more convenient option, consider booking airport pick-up on Trip.com.

By Airport Bus

Two airport buses heading to Yalong Bay and Dadonghai operate from 9:00 to midnight, with prices ranging from CNY15 to CNY25 at the time of writing. Airport buses leave every hour on the hour or whenever they become full.

By Public Bus

For an even more economical option, public bus 8 leaves from Phoenix International Airport at different intervals throughout the day. But before hopping on this bus, make sure it’s going where you’re headed. Sanya bus 8 stops makes 23 stops within the city, passing through Sanya Bay, Haiyue Square and the Sanya Bus Station before reaching the terminal station of Luhuitou Square.

Payment

If you’re flying from Shanghai, you’re probably familiar with WeChat and Alipay, popular multifunctional apps used all across China. Both apps can be used to pay for most types of public transportation in Sanya.

Alternative Transport Options

Flying from Shanghai to Haikou is often a bit cheaper than flying to Sanya from Shanghai. If you’d like to save a bit of money, consider flying to Haikou and then taking the high speed train directly from Haikou Meilan International Airport to Sanya.

Recommended Attractions

Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park

This national park encompasses an area of around 15 km. Here, visitors can walk along footpaths and marvel views of the sea and lush greenery. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to take a stroll along a glass walkway and suspended bridges. Tickets are required for admission.

Wuzhizhou Island

Popular due to its white beaches, Wuzhizhou Island is located a short distance from Sanya. If you’re looking from an escape from the beaches in the city, Wuzhizhou is an excellent choice. The ocean around the island is protected which has allowed the coral in the waters to flourish. Here, water sports like snorkeling and diving are a great option and available for a separate fee. If you’re looking to relax, hanging out on the beach isn’t a bad choice either.

Wuzhizhou Island can be reached by ferry from Wuzhizhou Island Port in Haitang Bay. Tickets are required for admission.

Dadonghai

Located near the downtown area, Dadonghai is home to one of Sanya’s most frequented beaches. With activities like scuba diving, sailing, sunbathing, and beach volleyball, it’s easy to spend an entire day here. Many resorts and hotels are located within walking distance from Dadonghai Beach, making it a convenient place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.

Shopping

For those looking for a break from the sun, shopping in Sanya is an excellent pastime. Luxury brands famous worldwide can be found in the Sanya Haitang Bay International Duty Free Shopping Complex, while clothes, gifts, and much more can be found at various malls including the Summer Mall in Dadonghai and the Dadonghai International Shopping Mall. For snacks, souvenirs, or local knickknacks, consider making a trip to the Walking Street at Jiefang Road.

About Your Visit

Weather

Sanya experiences warm weather throughout the year. Highs reach 90°F (32°C) in the summer months of July and August, while temperatures during the winter season average in at around 72°F to 75°F (22°C to 24°C). The humidity level in the summer is quite high, which is something to take note of when packing—clothes hung outside won’t dry quickly. Rainfall occurs for 14–17 days each month during the period from June to October, but luckily, skies tend to clear up quickly after the showers end. Sanya is prone to typhoons during the rainy season, which have the potential to bring heavy rain and ground flights.

Language

Like most areas in mainland China, Mandarin Chinese is the lingua franca in Sanya. Rich with diversity the city is also home to a significant number of the Hlai-speaking Li people and the Hmong-speaking Miao people. As the city has received an influx of international tourists over the recent years, English isn’t a problem for staff at international hotel chains as well as some shops and restaurants.

Safety

Traveling to Sanya is generally safe, but there are a few things to look out for. As the city sees an increase in tourists, there may be an increased chance of running into petty crimes such as pickpocketing and overcharging. Keep an eye on any important belongings and don’t be afraid to haggle at markets if the price seems a bit too high. When eating at restaurants in Sanya, be sure to check the prices before ordering.

The streets of downtown Sanya are often bustling with cars and motorcycles, so be sure to take note of any incoming traffic before crossing the street.

Tipping

In Sanya and the rest of China, tipping is not required or encouraged. Some higher end restaurants in Sanya restaurants may include a service charge on the bill.

Dress

As a beach city, locals in Sanya dress relatively casually. With that said, however, keep in mind that China is still a bit more conservative than North American and European countries when it comes to dress. For those attending business meetings in Sanya, a suit or more formal attire is generally recommended.

Drinking Water

Water directly from the tap is not potable in China. While drinking boiled water is an option, bottled water is available at nearly every corner and is an affordable option.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information above is for reference only and may be subject to change. We advise all visitors check the latest entry requirements and visa information from the destination country’s official website. Please also refer to official websites for airport and transportation information.