In just over a month, the annual, family-centered Spring Festival will be here. Everyone wishes for a joyful and lively celebration, but these days, the festive spirit in big cities seems to be fading. More and more people are choosing to celebrate the holiday differently — by traveling as a family to find that unique Chinese New Year vibe elsewhere, and Hainan has naturally become the top choice. While the north is still bundled up in thick winter clothes with snow falling, Hainan offers the warmth of winter — the comfort and beauty of blue skies, the sea, and sandy beaches let you enjoy a relaxing vacation and family reunion. Pick your favorite city, choose a nice apartment, and let us take you out of your home and into Hainan to celebrate the Spring Festival in a joyful new way.
Sanya
When it comes to celebrating the Spring Festival in Hainan, Sanya is definitely the first choice. As the country’s most popular winter tourist destination, it has long been a gathering spot for those who want to ring in the New Year in Hainan. Even while strolling down the streets of Sanya, you might overhear familiar accents from back home. There’s a reason so many people flock here — Sanya has its own irresistible charm. While other parts of the world are hit by cold waves, you can still stroll along sun-soaked, soft sandy beaches in summer clothes and sandals, soak in warm seawater, enjoy tropical fruits, and experience the romance of the ends of the earth. Here are some activities your family can try in Sanya to make this Spring Festival truly special.
Sea Watching — Winter’s Ocean. Visiting Sanya in winter allows you to discover a unique ocean and a unique season. To truly appreciate this, head to scenic spots like West Island, Yalong Bay, and Wuzhizhou Island. Wuzhizhou Island is one of the few around Hainan with freshwater resources. With mild weather all year round, it’s an ideal place for vacationing, winter swimming, and fun. At West Island or Yalong Bay, you can walk barefoot on soft sands, go diving to explore the underwater world, or take a glass-bottom boat ride — things you’d never imagine doing in freezing northern winters where even water turns to ice instantly, yet here you can still dive beneath the waves.
Hot Springs — An Exciting “Fishy Encounter.” In Sanya, there’s a beautiful place called Nantian Hot Springs — known as China’s No. 1 hot spring. One of its pools is home to hundreds or even thousands of small fish. Just lie still in the warm water, and these little fish will gather around to nibble away dead skin, leaving your skin feeling refreshed. Locals call it fish therapy.
Guests often say they only feel fully satisfied after letting the fish give them a little nibble. It’s said these fish can survive in waters as warm as 45°C. After a long day of walking during your trip, simply sit by the pool, soak your feet, and let the fish nibble — an experience that rivals any urban foot spa.
Fun Activities — Making Joy Last. In Sanya, it’s all about freedom and no restrictions. The island’s attractions mostly revolve around the sea, and many sights look quite similar, but Yalong Bay is a must-visit. Spending quiet time by the sea with your loved ones is truly a delightful experience. Deer Turning Head Park, Tianya Haijiao (Ends of the Earth), and Nanshan Temple are also well worth a visit.
You can also cruise along Sanya’s famous Coconut Dream Corridor — Sanya Bay. Rent a car and drive northward along the boulevard, listening to the waves crash against the shore, breathing in the fresh sea breeze, and enjoying ever-changing seascapes. It’s incredibly relaxing. Sanya Bay’s coastline stretches over 30 kilometers, and driving the whole length takes about 30 minutes. Along the way, you’ll find seafood stalls and resorts where you can stop for a bite and fully enjoy the moment.
Seafood — A Treat in Sanya. When in Hainan, seafood is a must. But knowing how and where to eat it makes all the difference. Check out the “Chunyuan Seafood Square” in Sanya. Chunyuan is actually a seafood street, but savvy diners usually don’t buy seafood there. Instead, they purchase it at the local farmers’ market around noon and bring it here for preparation. It’s not only cheaper but also ensures you get what you pay for. After a hearty meal, take a stroll around the beautiful island — now that’s pure bliss.
Recommended Apartment for the Holiday: Wenchang Tujia Sweetome Resort Apartment (Zhongnan Senhai Bay). Located in the heart of the Bay Park in Gao’long Bay, Qinglan, Wenchang — a historic and cultural city in Hainan — this community offers comprehensive amenities, including a five-star seaside hotel, a residents' canteen, a private yacht marina, a 400-meter private beach, a sea-view swimming pool, and a luxury seafood restaurant. It presents a warm, romantic, and livable holiday lifestyle, making it a rare family-oriented resort city on Hainan’s east coast. The red-tiled, white-walled buildings create a fairytale-like seaside castle, with one-bedroom and two-bedroom units available to suit families. The rooms are bright and airy with good ventilation, comfortable to live in, and great value — priced at either 258 RMB or 358 RMB per night.