End of the Earth

　　The End of the Earth Scenic Area is situated 23 kilometers southwest of Sanya city center, famous both in China and abroad for its stunning tropical seaside landscapes and profound historical culture. It was also the first shining brand of Hainan Province during its 20th anniversary, Hainan’s top brand on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and a model enterprise for excellence in Hainan’s tourism industry.

　　In December 1984, Sanya City officially established the End of the Earth Scenic Area Management Office, which was managed by the Sanya Tourism Company. Within the scenic area, the blue sea, green hills, white sand, massive rocks, and reef formations blend seamlessly, complemented by coconut groves, waves, fishing boats, seagulls, and clouds — creating the unique charm of the southern tropics. This has attracted a large number of visitors from near and far.

　　The phrase “End of the Earth” was originally used to express the melancholy feelings of travelers far from home. Over centuries of cultural accumulation, this expression has gathered rich and deep connotations. Its charm can be seen in verses such as “Over the sea rises the moon, shared by all at the ends of the earth” and “At the edge of the sky and corner of the earth, old friends are few.” The End of the Earth Scenic Area embodies this poetic and evocative cultural imagery.

　　In the 53rd year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1714), three imperial astronomers, following an edict from Emperor Kangxi, inscribed the “Sea Defines the Southern Sky” (海判南天) rock carving on the beach of Xiamaling, marking it as the boundary between heaven and earth in China’s territory. “Southern Sky” refers to the region where the sun travels, “define” means to divide in half, and “sea” refers to the South China Sea. Together, “Sea Defines the Southern Sky” means that the South China Sea is divided into “north and south, heaven and earth” at this point. Southeast of this rock carving lies another split stone, representing the height of the midday sun on the winter solstice in Sanya. The “Sea Defines the Southern Sky” carving represents the latitude here.

　　During the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1727), Cheng Zhe, the magistrate of Yazhou, inscribed the two characters “End of the Earth” (天涯) on a huge coastal rock in Tianya Bay. During the War of Resistance in the Republic of China period, Wang Yi, commander of the Qiongshan garrison, inscribed the characters “Sea Corner” (海角) on an adjacent massive rock. In 1961, Guo Moruo wrote the seven large characters “End of the Earth Scenic Area” (天涯海角游览区) on the other side of the “End of the Earth” rock. From then on, this coastal area by Tianya Bay became the true “End of the Earth.”

　　In addition to these remarkable rocks, “Southern Sky Pillar” (南天一柱), not far from the “End of the Earth” and “Sea Corner” rocks, is another natural wonder in the scenic area. The towering rock stands proudly on the coast of the South China Sea, defying the raging waves with the majestic presence of a giant. If you look at the back of the 1990 version of the 2-yuan RMB note, you’ll find this breathtaking rock formation is part of the daily lives of the Chinese people.

　　The richness of its culture and the beauty of its scenery have made the End of the Earth Scenic Area a sacred destination in people’s hearts. In 1982, the song “Please Come to the End of the Earth” (请到天涯海角来) became widely popular across China, and “End of the Earth” officially became an iconic and essential attraction in Hainan and Sanya tourism. Major events such as the southern torch relay of the 1990 Beijing Asian Games, the starting point and endpoint of the Sanya leg of the 2008 Beijing Olympic torch relay, the World Chinese Games’ southern holy fire ceremony, and “Patriotic Songs Sung Together—Hainan Chapter” were all held here. The End of the Earth has truly reached out to the world and onto the international stage. Today, major events such as the “End of the Earth International Wedding Festival” and the “New Silk Road China Model Contest” have made this place a sacred temple for couples to express their devotion and a stage for models to showcase their beauty.

　　With continuous development and construction, the End of the Earth Scenic Area is increasingly infused with a modern, romantic, and fashionable atmosphere, offering visitors more joy, romance, and warmth.