Have you ever fallen in love with a city for a single beach or the thrill of chasing a moment charged with sporting passion?

The Asian Beach Games are more than just a competition. They are the warm sea breeze rushing toward you at the starting line; the vivid stretch of blue filling your vision at the finish; the sweat of fierce rivalry falling onto golden sands; and the cool, sweet comfort of a bowl of Qingbuliang after the race.

“Travel with the Games” launches today.

Here, discover a more vivid, more dynamic Hainan.

Tianya Haijiao is not only a romantic symbol of eternal love but also a shoreline that represents a fighting spirit and fearless competition. In spring 2026, the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 (the Games) will set this legendary coast ablaze with sporting energy.

Follow the footsteps of the Games and explore this magical coastline where romance meets athletic fire.

Tianya Haijiao has so much more to offer than just its famous inscriptions—many wonderful surprises await!

The Tianya & Haijiao Stones

The essence of the scenic area. For photography, visiting at low tide allows you to walk around from the side for better angles. In the late afternoon, soft sunlight slopes across the vermilion characters, creating a striking contrast with the deep blue sea, perfect for capturing THE images of your trip.

Riyue Reef

Located halfway along the coastal walkway, this reef formation resembles the sun and moon, symbolising eternal companionship. It has become a popular landmark for couples.

Nantian Yizhu (The Pillar of the Southern Skies)

Rising about seven metres above the sea, this colossal rock resembles a pillar supporting the heavens, symbolising strength and good fortune. Once featured on the Renminbi banknote, many visitors embrace nostalgia and recreate the classic composition in their holiday snaps.

Haipan Nantian

The oldest stone inscription within the scenic area. At noon on the Winter Solstice, sunlight aligns perfectly with the carved surface, sparking a remarkable encounter between nature and culture.

Sculpture Garden of Fame

Statues of influential historical figures such as Huang Daopo, Lin Zuantong, and Lady Xian stand in silent tribute. Reading the inscriptions beside each sculpture provides insight into Hainan’s cultural heritage and the enduring “Tianya sentiment” cherished by poets and scholars.

Tianya Bookstore

Nestled between sea and sky, the bookstore’s red shelves flow gracefully along the coast like a vessel anchored at the shore, carrying centuries of literary essence while gently swaying with the rhythm of the South China Sea. Order a cup of coffee and lose yourself in reading amidst the romance of mountains and the ocean.

The scenic area also provides a variety of recreational watersports, including sightseeing and speed boat excursions, jet skiing, and sea fishing. These pursuits enable visitors to enjoy the reefs and coastline from the water while experiencing the thrill of speed and adventure, truly “venturing to the ends of the earth”.

If you’re just visiting to take in the sights, two to three hours should suffice. Four hours is recommended if you plan to photograph the sunset or take to the waves.

Best Visiting Times:

Morning (8:00–10:00): fewer visitors and favourable lighting

Late afternoon (16:00–18:00): ideal for seaside sunsets

Avoid the intense midday sun

Getting There:

By car: search “Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area” on navigation apps

Bus routes 25, 29 and 55 stop directly at the entrance

Approximately 30 minutes by taxi from Sanya Railway Station

Approximately 20 minutes by taxi from Sanya Phoenix International Airport

Shuttle buggies are available inside the park (RMB 25 per person, return)

Of course, sightseeing and seaside enjoyment wouldn’t be complete without sampling local flavours.

Finished exploring Tianya Haijiao and feeling hungry?

No worries.

The nearby Maling village offers a range of authentic Hainan dishes well worth trying.

Be sure to check out the recommended 'hidden gem' restaurants on the Sanya 2026 Asian Beach Games official account. Follow the Games and enjoy exploring the delicious flavours Sanya has to offer!

Taiqiong Zaopocu · Hainan Zaopocu (Sour and Spicy Soup) Hotpot

3 Xidao East Road, Xidao Marine Cultural Tourism Zone, Tianya District

Hupo Herb Duck Hainan Snack Booth

Next to Daidaiwo B&B, Xidao East Road, Tianya District

Photos: Sanya Media Film and Television Group Co., Ltd. · Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area · Sanya Tourism Development Bureau · Gathered in Sanya Official WeChat Account · Official Website and Douyin of the 6th Asian Beach Games · Tianya Culture & Tourism