⛱️ Hainan 2026: which beach to choose for swimming and surfing

Hainan lies at the same latitude as Hawaii. This tropical island in southern China has long been a base for winter beach vacations. Entry is simple: citizens of dozens of European countries can stay on the island without a visa for almost a month (official provincial tourism portal, 09/2026). But the island's bays vary widely. In some the sea is calm and there are reefs, in others there are constant waves, and still others have almost no infrastructure.

The choice depends on how you want to spend your vacation. Some beaches suit city life and walks, others suit surfing and kiting, and others suit peace and quiet. This roundup covers 15 Hainan beaches with honest descriptions, clear catches, and an answer to who each one is for.

How to choose a beach on Hainan

💡 In short:

Want to live by the sea and walk everywhere: pick Dadonghai or Sanya Bay.
Going for calm water and reefs: look at Wuzhizhou and Haitang Bay.
Need waves and wind: choose Boao or Riyue Bay.
Beach access and infrastructure: 09/2026, according to the Hainan tourism office.

The table below will help you get oriented. The criteria are simple: the nature of the sea, infrastructure, and which type of trip the bay is most convenient for.

Beach	Sea	Infrastructure	Type of trip
Dadonghai	calm, gentle entry	showers, toilets, loungers, water activities	city vacation without a car
Sanya Bay	calm	loungers and umbrellas on some sections	swimming and water activities
Yalong Bay	clean, calm	loungers, courts, attractions	family comfort
Haitang Bay	clear, gradual entry	loungers, hammocks, umbrellas	resort stay and diving
Wuzhizhou	very calm, reefs	loungers and umbrellas	diving and snorkeling
Shimei	calm, no rocks	loungers and umbrellas at hotels	secluded getaway
Riyue Bay	high waves	surf schools	surfing
Boao	rough and windy	loungers, showers, changing rooms	kiting and windsurfing

Data on bay access and infrastructure was collected from the Hainan and Sanya tourism offices (Sanya Tourism Board, 09/2026).

1. Dadonghai

Dadonghai Beach with beachgoers and palm trees

This crescent-shaped bay lies right within Sanya city limits, between the Luhuitou and Tuwei hills. The sand here is golden, the water entry is gentle, the bottom has no rocks, and swimming areas are marked off with buoys. A coconut palm alley runs along the shore, with bars, tea houses, and shops nearby. This is the most urban beach in the roundup, and you can get here without a car.

Infrastructure: loungers with straw umbrellas, changing rooms, showers, toilets.
Activities: banana boats, jet skis, catamarans, parasailing, diving, underwater fishing.
Who it's for / Not for: for a city vacation without a car; not for those seeking quiet.
The catch: this is the most developed beach in Sanya, so don't expect peace and quiet here.

2. Sanya

Hainan beach with a pavilion on the rocks

Sanya's urban shoreline stretches along the bay for several kilometers and is covered with beige sand. The sea is shallow and warm, the entry is gentle, with no rocks. Resort amenities are almost nonexistent: you won't find changing rooms, showers, or toilets on the shore. But a well-kept tree belt and walking paths run along the beach.

Infrastructure: some loungers and umbrellas belong to hotels; there are no public showers or toilets.
Who it's for / Not for: for quiet walks and swimming; not for those who need onshore entertainment.
The catch: no changing rooms, showers, toilets, or water activities.

3. Wuzhizhou

Wuzhizhou Island with a green hill and beach

Wuzhizhou Island lies close to Hainan and is surrounded by clear aquamarine water. The sand is light and fine, and coral reefs dampen waves and currents, so swimming here is calm. The island is densely covered with relict trees, and you'll find shade even at noon. Most people come here for diving and snorkeling.

Infrastructure: the sandy shoreline is equipped with loungers and umbrellas.
Activities: diving, snorkeling, tropical fish near the reefs.
Who it's for / Not for: for calm swimming and underwater experiences; not for fans of city bustle.

4. Haitang Bay

Haitang Bay greets you with a multi-kilometer bay of snow-white sand and dense tropical greenery. Large resort complexes stand along the shore, and their grounds have been turned into well-kept parks. The water is clear, the sea entry is gradual, and the bottom is sandy. This is also home to a popular diving and snorkeling area.

Infrastructure: comfortable loungers, hammocks, canopied chairs, umbrellas, jet ski rentals.
Activities: diving, snorkeling, jet skis.
Who it's for / Not for: for a resort stay and calm swimming; not for those who want to stay in the city.

5. Xiangshui

Xiangshui Bay and Shuangfan Stone rocks on the horizon

Xiangshui is valued for its quiet. A wide sandy strip runs along the sea, and sprawling palms and conifers grow just a few dozen meters from the water. Several shoreline hotels maintain a peaceful getaway here, far from the crowds. The shore is decorated with sculpted shrubs, flower beds, and sculptures, so you'll easily find shade even on a hot day.

Infrastructure: loungers and umbrellas belong to hotel complexes.
Who it's for / Not for: for a secluded getaway and underwater swimming; not for entertainment lovers.
The catch: the entry is gentle only near the shore; further out the bottom drops off sharply.

6. Houhai

Houhai lies southwest of Sanya, and its shore stretches in a smooth arc along the bay. The sand is beige, and rocky headlands and tropical forest rise at the edges of the bay. A strangely shaped rock fragment juts straight out of the water, a local landmark. The atmosphere here is calm, with no noisy entertainment.

You can rent a kayak or a surfboard, or go snorkeling with a mask. Beach bars and cafes along the shore rent out loungers and umbrellas.

Infrastructure: lounger and umbrella rentals at cafes, kayaks, boards.
Who it's for / Not for: for a quiet getaway away from the crowds; not for those who need water attractions.

7. Tianya Haijiao

Tianya Haijiao Beach with waves and rocks

Tianya Haijiao occupies the southern tip of the island and is known for its scenic shoreline. The sandy stretch is dotted with large boulders, which give it its distinctive character. Wild palm groves and shrubs come right up to the aquamarine water. There are many villas, hotels, cafes, and shops near the beach.

Activities: diving at coral reefs, schools of exotic fish.
Who it's for / Not for: for those who love rocky landscapes; not for swimming with children.
The catch: the bottom is mostly rocky, with sharp depth drops in places.

8. Boao

Sandy beach and boats on the Wanquan River

Boao greets you with a wide shoreline and tall coconut palms. A green park is laid out nearby, and large hotels with hot springs and water parks stand along the coast. The water in the bay is mineralized, and locals promote thalassotherapy here. But the sea is rough, and you won't be able to swim calmly.

Infrastructure: loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, and showers.
Who it's for / Not for: for kitesurfing and windsurfing; not for calm swimming or children.
The catch: the bay is windy and rough, so safe swimming isn't possible here.

9. Yalong Bay

Panorama of Yalong Bay with boats and hills in the distance

Yalong Bay is considered the island's main resort area, and people come here from all over the world. The crescent-shaped bay is surrounded by hills covered in tropical forest. The sand here is white quartz, and the water is so clear you can see many meters down. Loungers are spaced out so you can easily find a quiet spot.

Activities: sports courts, jet skis, banana boats, boats, snorkeling.
Who it's for / Not for: for families and comfort lovers; not for those seeking unspoiled nature.
The catch: there are no changing rooms on the beach.

10. Shimei

Shimei offers a nearly deserted shoreline with golden quartz sand. Relict forests and palm groves come up to the turquoise water, and the entry into the sea is even, with no rocks. The depth increases gradually, so beginners can swim here comfortably. Areas near hotels are equipped with wooden loungers and straw umbrellas.

Activities: diving, snorkeling, jet skis, banana boats, motorboats.
Who it's for / Not for: for a secluded nature getaway; not for those who need urban infrastructure.

11. Jade Belt

Beach with a blue information sign and beachgoers

The Jade Belt near Boao is laid out in an unusual way. A narrow sand spit separates a freshwater river from a saltwater bay. On one side you see rough sea waves, on the other the calm water of the river. The strip stretches for several hundred meters and remains wild.

Who it's for / Not for: for a short walk and unusual views; not for a full beach day.
The catch: there is no infrastructure at all, no loungers, no showers.

12. Riyue Bay

Sandy beach, sea, clouds, people and a white tower

Riyue Bay on the east coast is surrounded by green hills and tropical forest. The main reason to come here is the waves: the bay hosts international surfing competitions. Schools and clubs operate here, where instructors get beginners up on a board. The bottom is sandy, with no rocks, which is convenient for first lessons.

Infrastructure: board rentals, surf schools and clubs.
Who it's for / Not for: for surfing and active recreation; not for calm swimming.
The catch: the waves here are frequent and high, so swimming is uncomfortable.

13. Sanya Bay

Sanya Bay Beach with a view of Phoenix Island

Sanya Bay greets you with a long bay of snow-white sand and clean emerald water. The shore is decorated with palm groves and green hills, and across from the bay stands a man-made island with high-rises. Resort infrastructure exists here, but the areas with loungers are scattered. Under the palms you can also set up with your own towel.

Infrastructure: separate sections with loungers and umbrellas.
Activities: diving, fishing, catamarans, jet skis, boat trips.
Who it's for / Not for: for calm swimming and water activities; not for those who love uncrowded beaches.

14. Haikou

Panorama of Haikou with high-rise buildings and sky

Haikou serves as the administrative and cultural center of the island and its capital. The city's coastline consists of several well-maintained beach areas and stretches for dozens of kilometers. Palm groves, parks, and green hills give the shore a distinctive look. On the beaches of the Holiday Beach area you will find loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, and showers.

Infrastructure: loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers in developed areas.
Who it's for / Not for: for seaside walks and windsurfing; not for those expecting wild nature.

15. Holiday Beach

Beach panorama with umbrellas, sand and palm trees

Holiday Beach remains a favorite beach of Haikou residents and visitors. The shoreline stretches along a turquoise bay and is covered with yellow sand. Coconut palms grow along the water, and behind the beach there is a park with walking paths. The area is divided into zones: sports, dining, and quiet.

Infrastructure: loungers, umbrellas, hammocks, showers, changing rooms.
Activities: water attractions, sports courts, bars and restaurants, fish pedicure.
Who it's for / Not for: for family recreation and walks; not for those looking for a deserted shore.

Hainan beaches on the map

All 15 bays from this selection are marked on one map. Open it and see how the beaches are located relative to Sanya and Haikou.

Beaches of Hainan

Places on the map

1Dadonghai Bay within Sanya with gently sloping sand and a palm alley
2Sanya City shoreline with shallow warm sea, no infrastructure
3Wuzhizhou Island with clear water and reefs, diving and snorkeling
4Haitang Bay Multi-kilometer bay with resort complexes and diving
5Xiangshuiwan Quiet beach by hotels among palms and pine trees
6Houhai Calm bay with rocky headlands, kayak and board rental
7Tianya Haijiao Southern tip of the island with a rocky shore
8Boao Wide bay with rough sea for kiting and windsurfing
9Yalong Bay Main resort area with white quartz sand
10Shimei Bay Almost deserted beach with golden sand and relict forests
11Jade Belt Narrow spit between river and sea near Boao, no infrastructure
12Riyue Bay Eastern shore with waves and surf schools
13Sanya Bay Long bay with emerald water and scattered sun loungers
14Holiday Beach Favorite beach of Haikou residents with recreation zones and rides

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which Hainan beach should you choose if you are visiting for the first time?

Start with Dadonghai: it is within Sanya city limits, the entry into the sea is gentle, and hotels and cafes are nearby. If quiet and clean water matter more, look at Haitang Bay. This bay suits calm swimming and snorkeling.

Where on Hainan is the sea calm for swimming with children?

The reefs around Wuzhizhou dampen the waves, so the water there is almost always calm. Haitang Bay and Shimei also work: the entry into the water is even, with no rocks. But do not pick Boao for children: the bay has strong waves and wind, so calm swimming there will not happen.

Where on Hainan is there surfing and kiting?

Waves are consistently present at Riyue Bay on the east coast: surf schools operate there and competitions take place. For kiting and windsurfing, choose Boao, where the bay is windy. Beginners have it easier at Riyue Bay: the bottom is sandy, with no rocks.

Do you need a visa to travel to Hainan?

Citizens of dozens of European countries do not need a visa: the island admits visitors on a regular passport for almost a month (Hainan province portal, 09/2026). The rule applies specifically to Hainan, so you cannot use it to travel to mainland China beyond the island.

How does Yalong Bay differ from Haitang Bay?

Yalong Bay is closer to Sanya and is more geared toward resort recreation with entertainment: many hotels, cafes, and water attractions. Haitang Bay is calmer and greener, with large resort complexes that have their own beaches. If you want fewer people, choose Haitang Bay.

In short: which Hainan beach to choose

If this is your first trip to Sanya, choose Dadonghai: everything is nearby and within walking distance. If you are going for calm water and reefs, choose Wuzhizhou or Haitang Bay. For surfing and kiting, Riyue Bay and Boao work well, and for a secluded nature getaway, Shimei and Houhai. Plan your trip so that the first two days go to scouting the bays: moving between them takes time. Arrive at the beach in the morning, before noon there are fewer people and the heat is milder.

Hainan beaches: 15 bays for swimming, surfing and diving