Key Takeaways:
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Dadonghai offers tropical coastal vibes, relaxing beaches, and thrilling outdoor adventures all year long.
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The area is perfect for travelers who enjoy water sports, scenic hikes, and cultural attractions with fewer crowds.
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Whether you’re into snorkeling, hiking, or just soaking in local nightlife, Dadonghai is one of Sanya’s hidden gems worth exploring.
Dadonghai, located just a short drive from Sanya city on China’s Hainan Island, is a beloved destination for beach lovers and sun-seekers. It has grown from a quiet bay into one of the most accessible and vibrant seaside areas in southern China. Once a fishing village, Dadonghai is now known for its crescent-shaped beach, modern resorts, and blend of natural beauty with urban convenience. Visitors love its crystal-clear waters, palm-lined walkways, and easy access to nearby mountains and cultural sights. With its year-round warm climate, Dadonghai offers the perfect setting for outdoor activities and cultural immersion.
Table of Contents
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Snorkel and Swim at Dadonghai Beach
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Hike the Luhuitou Peninsula Scenic Area
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Visit Sanya Romance Park and Show
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Explore Coral Reefs by Glass-Bottom Boat
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Catch Sunset Views from Deer Looking Back Hill
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Stroll the Sanya Bay Boardwalk
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Join a Local Night Market Food Tour
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Visit the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone
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Attend a Traditional Li and Miao Cultural Festival
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Try Surfing Lessons at Nearby Riyue Bay
1. Snorkel and Swim at Dadonghai Beach
The heart of this seaside town is its beach—a gorgeous strip of sand that remains vibrant in every season. With warm water temperatures year-round, Dadonghai Beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. You’ll find rental shops along the beachfront, cafes just steps from the sand, and lifeguards on duty during peak times. The coral reefs near the shore host colorful marine life, making snorkeling a favorite activity even in the cooler winter months.
In the early morning, you’ll often see locals practicing tai chi, while sunset brings a relaxed social scene with beachgoers lounging and watching the sky change colors. Unlike more crowded tropical destinations, Dadonghai feels open and laid-back, offering a peaceful experience even in the busy season. Whether you’re here to dive in or just sip coconut water by the shore, this beach sets the tone for your entire visit.
2. Hike the Luhuitou Peninsula Scenic Area
Just a 10-minute drive from Dadonghai lies the Luhuitou Scenic Area, known for its coastal cliffs, panoramic viewpoints, and famous statue of the deer turning its head. Legend has it that a young hunter chased a deer to this hilltop, only for it to transform into a beautiful woman—the story symbolizing love and transformation. Today, couples and solo travelers alike visit this lush hilltop for photos, fresh air, and to enjoy one of the best sunset views in Sanya.
The hike is relatively moderate, and paved paths wind through tropical greenery with benches along the way. At the summit, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of Sanya Bay, the city skyline, and surrounding islands. It’s a peaceful yet adventurous excursion available year-round, with cooler air in winter making it especially pleasant. Don’t forget to bring your camera or drone—the vistas are unbeatable.
3. Visit Sanya Romance Park and Show
Sanya Romance Park is a cultural theme park near Dadonghai that blends amusement rides, folk performances, and immersive shows into one colorful destination. Its main attraction is the nightly Sanya Romance Show, which tells the story of Hainan’s history and ethnic traditions using acrobatics, 3D visuals, and theatrical effects. It’s a surprisingly world-class performance in a setting that feels more like a cultural wonderland than a typical amusement park.
The park is open year-round and includes replicas of ethnic villages, themed shopping streets, and family-friendly rides. You’ll also find live dance and fire shows during the day, making it a great spot for both daytime exploration and nighttime entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of stagecraft or just looking to soak in some local culture, this park delivers an unexpected and memorable experience.
4. Explore Coral Reefs by Glass-Bottom Boat
One of the best ways to enjoy Dadonghai’s vibrant marine life without getting wet is by taking a ride on a glass-bottom boat. Departing from nearby piers, these tours glide over protected reef zones, allowing you to see schools of fish, coral gardens, and the occasional sea turtle. Tour operators often narrate the experience in both Mandarin and English, pointing out key sights and marine species.
This activity is perfect for families with small children or travelers who aren’t into snorkeling but still want to experience the underwater beauty. Tours operate daily and are especially popular during mid-morning when visibility is best. With the tropical sun beaming down and the ocean alive beneath your feet, this is a calm and colorful way to connect with the sea.
5. Catch Sunset Views from Deer Looking Back Hill
Known locally as “Luhuitou Hill,” this romantic high point near Dadonghai isn’t just for hiking—it’s also one of the top places in the region to watch the sun set into the sea. From its summit, you get panoramic views of the coastline, high-rises of Sanya, and even distant islands shimmering on the horizon. At golden hour, the sky glows pink and orange, casting a dreamy filter over the entire landscape.
Locals often come here for evening walks or quiet reflection, while tourists use it as a photography hotspot. Benches and cafes along the trail make it easy to linger, and the hike down is well-lit for those who stay late. It’s a romantic, peaceful setting that feels a world away from the bustle of the beach—even though it’s only minutes away.
6. Stroll the Sanya Bay Boardwalk
Just a short taxi ride from Dadonghai, the Sanya Bay Boardwalk offers a relaxing seaside promenade perfect for an evening stroll or morning jog. Stretching for several kilometers along the coastline, the path is lined with palm trees, sculptures, and open-air cafes. You can watch local fishermen bring in their catch, see kite flyers in action, or just enjoy the ocean breeze as you walk past scenic piers and calm waves.
This boardwalk comes alive at night with soft lighting and live performers adding a spark of nightlife without the rowdy crowds. It’s especially popular with families and couples who want a peaceful, scenic place to unwind. No matter the season, the boardwalk provides easy access to nature, people-watching, and coastal photo ops—all within reach of Dadonghai.
7. Join a Local Night Market Food Tour
Dadonghai’s nights aren’t just for beach walks—they’re for street food feasts. Sanya is famous for its vibrant night markets, where you can taste fresh seafood skewers, tropical fruit smoothies, and signature dishes like coconut rice and barbecued squid. Joining a guided food tour lets you explore multiple stalls with insights into the culture behind each bite.
These tours typically run every evening and cater to both adventurous eaters and those with dietary restrictions. The vendors change with the seasons, making each tour unique depending on when you visit. It’s a sensory explosion—bright lights, sizzling sounds, bold flavors—and one of the best ways to experience local life after sunset.
8. Visit the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone
A cultural must-see near Dadonghai is the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, about an hour away by car. This massive site blends temples, gardens, and statues to celebrate Buddhism and Chinese spirituality. The star attraction is the 108-meter tall statue of the Guan Yin of the South Sea, which stands offshore in a dramatic, peaceful setting.
The park also features vegetarian restaurants, bonsai displays, and calligraphy demonstrations. It’s a serene place ideal for day trips, offering cool sea breezes and spiritual calm even in peak travel months. Whether or not you’re religious, the sheer scale and design of the site make it a memorable visit for history lovers and photographers alike.
9. Attend a Traditional Li and Miao Cultural Festival
Hainan Island is home to the Li and Miao ethnic minorities, and their traditions are celebrated through music, costume, and dance during local festivals throughout the year. Many of these events take place in or around Dadonghai and Sanya, offering a chance to see rituals, weaving demos, and drumming ceremonies up close.
Some festivals are tied to lunar events, while others pop up during tourist seasons with government support. You’ll often find free open-air performances at public plazas or inside cultural parks. These celebrations are a rare opportunity to connect with Hainan’s deeper heritage and witness living traditions that stretch back centuries.
10. Try Surfing Lessons at Nearby Riyue Bay
While Dadonghai Beach itself is more suited for swimming and snorkeling, those interested in surfing can easily take a day trip to Riyue Bay—just over an hour away. It’s one of the most consistent surf spots in China, offering lessons for beginners and challenging breaks for more advanced surfers. With its tropical waters and laid-back surf culture, the bay is ideal for learning in a relaxed and scenic setting.
Surf schools operate year-round, with winter and spring offering especially good waves. Boards and wetsuits are provided, and classes typically include safety tips and one-on-one coaching. Even if you’re not hitting the waves yourself, watching surfers ride under the palm trees makes for a great addition to your island itinerary.
What to do if you have kids?
Dadonghai is a family-friendly destination with plenty to keep kids happy and engaged. The beach has shallow swimming areas and gentle waves perfect for little ones, and you’ll find playgrounds along the boardwalk. Families can visit Sanya Romance Park for colorful shows and rides or hop on a glass-bottom boat to spot sea creatures without getting wet. Make sure to pack sunscreen, snacks, and plan a flexible schedule—kids love the freedom to explore, and this island makes it easy.
Where can I find free events in Dadonghai China taking place this weekend?
If you’re visiting Dadonghai and want to find free events this weekend—like beach concerts, local festivals, or outdoor movie nights—the best way is by using https://planmyweekend.ai. It’s a free tool that helps you instantly discover fun, alcohol-free things to do in your area, personalized to your interests. Whether you’re solo, with a partner, or traveling as a family, it’s the easiest way to plan a vibrant weekend with zero guesswork.
Final thoughts on planning a trip here
Dadonghai is a gem that balances laid-back beach charm with a wide variety of cultural, natural, and adventure-filled experiences. It’s an ideal destination for both short escapes and longer stays, thanks to its tropical climate and year-round accessibility. With beaches, mountain hikes, live shows, and amazing food, Dadonghai gives you everything you’d expect from a top-tier coastal destination—without the crowds and chaos. If you’re planning your next getaway, this serene slice of Hainan Island deserves a top spot on your list.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
