Sanya

You wouldn't go all the way to China for beaches, but you'll find them - and spectacular ones at that - in the shoreside city of Sanya. Located on a peninsula at the southernmost tip of Hainan Island, Sanya boasts a dazzling white-sand shoreline, bright-blue surf and a colorful underwater world. The visibility of Sanya's South Sea waters and its protected coral reef accounts for its growing popularity as a dive site.

Attractions

Besides its obvious natural beauty, the silvery beach at Tianya Haijiao is best known for the engraved rocks that sit along its coast, one of which graces the back of the RMB 2 note. According to legend, the rocks form "the edge of the sky and the end of the sea" where Song dynasty officials were exiled in the late 13th century.

Adventures

Water sports of all kinds abound in Sanya, especially scuba diving, windsurfing and kayaking. A word to the healthwise: be sure to use plenty of sunscreen - the sun can be very intense at this latitude.

Shopping

Pearls and coral jewelry are the best things to take home from Sanya. Look for the pearl farm in Tianya Haijiao, a good place to buy Hainan's famous seawater pearls. For the best bargains - and loads of atmosphere - check out the night market at Sanya harbor.

Food

Naturally, the best eats in Sanya come straight from the sea, although Hainan, Hunan, Sichuan, Yunan and Guizhou cuisine are all readily available here too. As far as seafood goes, the more exotic the better (sea cucumber, anyone?). The food stalls around Sanya harbor offer an array of fresh ingredients, cooked to order.

Currency

The currency used in China is the Renminbi Yuan (RMB or ¥).

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