When mentioning Sanya, Yalong Bay is always crowned with the title of "the First Bay Under Heaven," yet most people only know it for its beaches and sea.
If you think of Yalong Bay as just a regular resort for lounging on the beach and sunbathing, then you've missed its soul.
The Ultimate Aesthetics of Sea and Sand
Yalong Bay boasts an 8-kilometer-long beach with sand as fine as flour, feeling like walking on clouds when barefoot. The visibility of the sea water remains at 8-10 meters throughout the year, presenting a transparent "glass sea" on sunny days that amazes even Maldivian tourists.
From 6:30-7:30 a.m., the beach is less crowded with soft lighting, perfect for silhouette shooting against the light or aerial photography of the coastline with drones, guaranteeing stunning photos.
The "Ceiling" Experience of Water Sports
This is the bay with the most comprehensive range of water sports in Sanya:
- Advanced Players Must-try
: Scuba diving at the Taiyang Bay dive site, where coral reefs are dense, and you might encounter clownfish schools. - Family Favorite
: Sailing out to sea, with a 2-hour private boat rental costing around 800 yuan, or more economical if sharing with 4-6 people. - Niche Experience
: Wakeboarding, bookable at Yalong Bay Yacht Club, with fewer people and steadier waves than Houhai.
The Secrets Behind the Bay
A Tropical Paradise Forest Adventure
The Yalong Bay Tropical Heaven Forest Park, adjacent to the beach and the filming location of "If You Are the One 2," is often explored only by the main tourist route by 99% of visitors.
- Local Route
: Hike for 20 minutes along the hidden path beside the "Guojianglong Suspension Bridge" to reach the "Canghai Tower" viewpoint, overlooking the panoramic view of Yalong Bay. The restaurant at the top of the mountain offers window seats where you can enjoy the scenery of the mountains and sea while dining (average cost per person is 150 yuan, with coconut chicken hotpot being a highlight).
A Living Museum of Li Culture
Liuliacun near Yalong Bay preserves the original Li villages:
Experience Li brocade weaving (50 yuan per hour, with the option to take your creation home). Taste Li cuisine such as "specialty vanilla duck," "bamboo rice," and "five-legged pig" (Li Jia Xiaoyuan Restaurant, average cost per person is 80 yuan).
Three Hidden Ways to Explore Yalong Bay Away from the Crowds
- Night Exploration of Yalong Bay
: Star gazing, beachcombing, and open-air movies. - Star Gazing Spot
: The eastern side of Yalong Bay Beach (near the Ritz-Carlton Hotel) has minimal light pollution, allowing for visible Milky Way during summer nights. - Beachcombing Tips
: Check the "Tide Table Wizard" mini-program for low tides, and bring a flashlight and a small bucket to collect starfish and small crabs. - Romantic Surprise
: Some luxury hotels (like the Ritz-Carlton) host weekly beach movie nights, which non-guests can attend for a fee (around 200 yuan per person, including beverages). - Check Out the "Luxurious" Views
- Yacht Club Viewpoint
: The Yalong Bay Yacht Club marina is open to the public, featuring multi-million-yuan yachts for photo ops that make you feel like you're in Monaco. - Internet-famous Highway
: Taiyang Bay Road (self-driving required), with S-shaped curves halfway up the mountain offering the most beautiful seaside views in Sanya; recommended to visit after 4 p.m. for stunning lighting. - Family-exclusive: The Magical Classroom of the Undersea World
- Interactive Experience
: A touch pool allows children to handle sea stars and sea cucumbers for free. - Educational Activities
: Marine biology lectures are held every Saturday morning (reserve in advance via the official account). - Eco-friendly Bonus
: Collecting beach trash can be exchanged for small gifts like shell bracelets. Yalong Bay Undersea World is not only a place for recreation but also a natural classroom.
Dining Without Pitfalls
- Seafood
: "Outlets Seafood Plaza" offers clear pricing, with a processing fee of 10 yuan per jin. - Cost-effective Choice
: "Xiaoshanbei Seafood" in Liuliacun, where you can enjoy a hearty meal for an average of 100 yuan per person, with spicy stir-fried mango snails being a must-try!
Tips for Saving on Transportation
Yalong Bay is a 40-minute drive from the airport. To avoid exorbitant taxi fares, book a ride-sharing service in advance (around 100 yuan) or take the airport bus (25 yuan per person) to "Yalong Bay Station" and then take a taxi (10 yuan). Renting an electric bike within the bay area is more flexible (60 yuan per day), allowing you to navigate between hotels and attractions.
Hidden Details Unknown to 90% of Tourists
- Best Swimming Time
: Before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m., avoiding the midday sun and enjoying pleasant water temperatures. - Free Shower Area
: Next to the public toilet on the east side of Yalong Bay Central Plaza (bring your own towel). - Hidden Gem
: A 5-minute walk from the back door of "Yalong Bay Resort Hotel" leads to a rocky beach where you can find sea urchins and hermit crabs during low tides.
The "Right Way" to Explore Yalong Bay
It can be synonymous with luxurious vacationing or a wild natural paradise. The key lies not in how much money you spend but in discovering its "hidden script."
Next time you visit Yalong Bay, put away the guidebook and follow the rhythm of the tides, letting the waves tell you a story of freedom.
