Deer Turning Head

　　　Deer Turning Head is located on Sanya Bay, 5 kilometers south of Sanya City. It is a peninsula surrounded by sea on three sides, shaped like a deer standing by the sea and looking back. The legend of this scenic spot is both beautiful and moving. According to the tale, in ancient times, a hardworking, brave, and kind Li ethnic young hunter from the Five Finger Mountains went hunting in the mountains when he spotted a beautiful spotted deer and began to chase it relentlessly. After nine days and nine nights, he crossed 99 mountains and forded 99 rivers, finally chasing the deer to the coral reefs by Sanya Bay. With the vast blue sea ahead and the hunter closing in behind, the deer had nowhere to run. It stopped and turned its head to gaze at the hunter. Just as the hunter nocked an arrow and drew his bow, a flash of lightning appeared, which then transformed into a white mist. When the mist cleared, the deer was gone—replaced by a beautiful Li ethnic maiden who walked tenderly toward the hunter and confessed her love. It turned out that the maiden was a fairy from heaven who had fallen in love with the hardworking and brave young hunter. After obtaining the approval of the Queen Mother of the West, she descended to the mortal world to express her affection. The young hunter, moved by her sincerity, pledged eternal love with her. The two settled down here, started a family, and lived a happy life. Later generations named the place “Deer Turning Head.” As a result, Sanya City is also nicknamed the “Deer City.”

　　　　 Since then, the peninsula, mountains, and villages in the area have all been named after “Deer Turning Head.” The highest point of the Deer Turning Head Peninsula is 285 meters above sea level. The Deer Turning Head Ridge was developed into a public park in 1984, featuring observation sites for Halley’s Comet, the Tide-Listening Pavilion, Lover’s Island, and other sightseeing and leisure facilities. On the ridge stands a 15-meter-tall statue depicting the myth of Deer Turning Head. Below the ridge are several resort hotels and pearl farms. Deer Turning Head Ridge is one of the best spots to enjoy sea views, mountain scenery, and the cityscape of Sanya.

　　　　At the summit of the deer ridge, Deer Turning Head Park has been established. The park is filled with blooming flowers, lush trees, pavilions, railings, and uniquely designed winding paths, resembling a small garden. It is often bustling with visitors and filled with laughter. The legendary tale of the hunter and the fairy has been immortalized in the form of a giant stone sculpture titled “Deer Turning Head.” The sculpture stands 12 meters tall, 9 meters long, and 4.9 meters wide on the deer ridge. It took Mr. Lin Yuhao (the original creator of the “Five Rams Statue”) four years of dedication to complete this magnificent and timeless mythological masterpiece. The sculpture features a unique design and elegant form: a divine deer looks back, flanked by a handsome Li ethnic hunter and a beautiful deer maiden. Viewed from the city, the loving couple can be seen from afar, welcoming visitors with their enchanting presence and joyful smiles. And if you stand by the deer statue, you can overlook the vast sea, gaze at the undulating mountains, and take in the full panoramic view of Sanya City. If you visit the spot where the hunter and the deer maiden met, and immerse yourself in the touching story of “Deer Turning Head,” you will surely find the experience unforgettable—the emotions, the scenery, the beauty, and the charm of this place.