Hidden Gems of Sanya for a Peaceful Spring Festival Escape Out of the city, into the hidden gems

It’s time to broaden Your Travel Horizon: Discover the "Greater Sanya" During the Spring Festival. Sometimes, if you widen your travel perspective a bit, you'll find completely different and fulfilling experiences. While Sanya’s tropical charm and urban allure are already well-known to the world, have travelers who only stick to the city missed out on something more? As crowds flock to the mainstream attractions during the Spring Festival, true travelers are more inclined to step outside the urban area and explore the hidden treasures in the Greater Sanya area. For example, Lingshui’s Boundary Island, a hidden ocean wonder; Wanning’s Shimei Bay, a perfect blend of poetry and nature; or Baoting’s Qixian Ridge, where tropical rainforests and hot springs offer a healing charm that lingers. These destinations are the beginning of a new adventure, just waiting for you to discover.

Image credit: Sanya Tourism Board Official WeChat

Visit Lingshui’s Boundary Island: Explore Ocean Wonders and an Ecological Paradise

Boundary Island, a star of Lingshui Li Autonomous County, is much more than just a "check-in point." This island seems to possess magical powers, attracting those seeking an ultimate experience with its crystal-clear waters and pure air. Here, you won't hear the bustle of crowds, only the rustling of wind through the coconut trees and the gentle rhythm of waves against the rocks.

Image credit: Sanya Tourism Board Official WeChat

During the Spring Festival, Boundary Island becomes a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Put on your diving mask and plunge into the sapphire-clear waters, where you can see vibrant tropical fish swimming past you, playful clownfish peering curiously from sea anemones, and coral reefs gleaming with vibrant colors under the sun. If you prefer to stay dry, you can opt for a glass-bottom boat, where the underwater wonders unfold beneath you through the transparent boat bottom.

Image credit: Sanya Tourism Board Official WeChat

Even more enchanting is the island’s nightfall. As the last rays of sunset bathe the beach, the sky stretches out into a blanket of stars. You can quietly sit in a beach chair, watching as the sky and sea merge. At this moment, it feels as though the worldly clamor is left far beyond the horizon.

Image credit: Sanya Tourism Board Official WeChat

Visit Wanning’s Shimei Bay: Experience the Pristine Coastline and Poetic Life

In Wanning’s Shimei Bay, you'll discover a different side of Hainan—primitive, tranquil, like an untouched poetic haven. There are no bustling tourists, no vendors shouting, just the continuous stretch of silver sands and the surrounding green skin forest. The shadows of the trees in the forest cast dappled light onto the beach, making it irresistible to walk on the soft sand and feel the gentle touch of nature.

Image credit: Sanya Tourism Board Official WeChat

The mornings in Shimei Bay are enchanting. A light mist covers the sea, and distant fishing boats appear and disappear, giving a sense of entering an otherworldly paradise. If you're into adventure, rent a small boat and head towards the uninhabited islands in the bay. These islands are covered in tropical plants, almost like a lost oasis, waiting for you to explore.

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As the day draws to a close, the charm of Shimei Bay reaches its peak. Golden sunlight bathes the entire bay, and the waves shimmer in the warm glow of the setting sun. There is no forced romance here, only the true gifts of nature. Whether you choose to experience it alone or hand in hand with a loved one, it’s a moment to lose yourself in.

Image credit: Sanya Tourism Board Official WeChat

Visit Baoting’s Qixian Ridge: Enjoy a Healing Hot Spring Retreat in the Heart of the Rainforest

When you step into Baoting’s Qixian Ridge, it feels like entering a world surrounded by tropical rainforests. Surrounded by mountains, the warm air from the hot springs mixes with the moist air of the forest, creating a natural healing space. While Qixian Ridge is known for its hot springs, its charm extends far beyond that.

Image credit: Sanya Tourism Board Official WeChat

If the days in Qixian Ridge are healing, the nights are enchanting. Choose a hot spring resort to stay in, and open the window to a lush mountain view. Soak in the mist-filled hot spring pool, and listen to the sounds of insects and wind, slowly shedding the fatigue of the day. The mineral-rich spring waters here are a natural gift for health.

Image credit: Sanya Tourism Board Official WeChat

Hiking adventures in Qixian Ridge are also an experience not to be missed. Follow the winding path into the rainforest, where you’ll encounter magnificent waterfalls and might unexpectedly come across unique birds and plants native to Hainan. At the end of your hike, the hidden Li and Miao villages stand quietly. During the Spring Festival, these villages host special folk events, such as Li ethnic wedding performances and traditional dances. Participating in these will give you a taste of the charm of Hainan’s ethnic cultures.

Image credit: Sanya Tourism Board Official WeChat

So, what do you think? This is the unique allure of the Greater Sanya area. In Lingshui, you can get up close with the ocean; in Wanning, poetic beaches await your exploration; in Baoting, the rainforest and hot springs offer healing. This Spring Festival, step out of the city of Sanya and head to these lesser-known corners to enjoy a peaceful holiday of your own. Because true travel is never just about the bustling scenery—it’s about discovering those hidden stories.