China's Tropical Paradise

As I was writing last week’s newsletter about Chinese desserts, treats like Qingbuliang (清补凉) instantly brought back memories of my vacation in Sanya a few years ago. And since the summer travel season is coming up, I thought this would be the perfect time to introduce you to this part of China—a place that feels completely different from anywhere else in the country. Today’s newsletter also comes with a Tropical Wordlist on Quizlet that you can use to grow your Chinese vocabulary and get into that summer mood.

Sanya (三亚) is located on the southernmost island of Hainan (海南), which is also a province. The whole island is worth exploring, but most travelers head straight to Sanya since it’s the biggest tropical tourist destination in China. It’s especially popular during the winter when the weather becomes pleasantly warm instead of scorching hot. But even in the summer, it’s totally worth visiting—thanks to the sea breeze, the heat doesn’t feel unbearable, and if you’re lucky, you’ll run into fewer tourists. Personally, I’d always trade slightly worse weather for fewer crowds any day.

Let’s say you decided to head to Sanya—what can you expect? Laid-back vibes, tropical beaches, palm trees, warm weather, and a completely different rhythm compared to most of China. It’s often called the “Hawaii of China” (中国的夏威夷), and for good reason: white sand beaches, clear blue water, and fancy beach resorts. But what I love most is the slower pace of life. It’s a great escape if you're craving nature, sunshine, and sea, without needing to leave China.

One of the best things you can do here is rent a scooter and ride along the coast. You’ll find incredible spots like Yalong Bay Tropical Forest Park (亚龙湾热带天堂森林公园) or hidden beaches nearby. My personal favorites? Houhai (后海) and Wanning (万宁). These two places feel different even within Sanya—they’ve got a special kind of energy. If you’re into surfing, they’re the go-to spots. Houhai, in particular, is super beginner-friendly, and there are tons of surf schools and instructors if you want to give it a try. The area has this surfer-meets-artist vibe, with coffee shops and restaurants that feel like they belong in a beach town movie.

But surfing isn’t the only sea activity around here. You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving in the coral reefs near Wuzhizhou Island (蜈支洲岛), try paddleboarding or kayaking, rent a jet ski, or even hop on a glass-bottom boat tour if you’d rather stay dry but still want to check out the underwater life.

And of course, I can’t not talk about the food. I’ve already mentioned the amazing desserts, but let me also give you a quick list of some of the must-try (必吃!) local dishes. First up: Coconut Chicken Hotpot (椰子鸡)—tender Wenchang Chicken (文昌鸡) cooked in fresh coconut water. The broth is light, fragrant, and super comforting. Speaking of chicken, there’s also Wenchang Chicken on its own—a local classic with a firmer bite and mild flavor, usually served with a simple ginger-garlic sauce and rice (海南鸡饭 - Hainanese Chicken Rice). If you’re into seafood, go for Hele Crab (和乐蟹)—just steamed and served plain, because the meat is sweet and fresh enough on its own. And for something quick and satisfying, grab a bowl of Hainan Rice Noodles (海南粉)—a cold noodle dish with peanuts, pickled veggies, savory sauces, and sometimes a small bowl of broth on the side. Super refreshing.

So whether you’re planning your next trip or just daydreaming about one, Sanya is definitely worth adding to your list. It’s got sunshine, surf, chill vibes, and some seriously good food. And while it might not be the first place people think of when they picture China, maybe that’s exactly why it’s so special.

See you next week,

Sandy

🏯1:1 lessons: thechinesespeaker.com

🏯Beginner Group Classes: thechinesespeaker.com/group