Hello, I’m Lily Xia, a travel industry professional with over 5 years of experience organizing cultural trips across China. Having visited countless romantic landmarks and coastal scenic spots, I’ve gained helpful insights for planning unforgettable journeys. This 2026 Luhuitou Scenic Area guide covers all you need for a perfect, romantic visit to Sanya’s most iconic cultural mountain—known as the “City of Deer”’s spiritual home.
Introduction to Luhuitou Scenic Area
Luhuitou Quick Facts
- Location: Luhuitou Peninsula, Southwest Sanya (3km from city center)
- Entry: 100% Free (reservation required); paid activities ¥28–68
- Opening Hours: 8:00–22:30 (daily, year-round)
- Best Transport: Bus 26/55 direct (15 mins); taxi 10 mins
- Must-See: Luhuitou Sculpture, 270° City & Sea View, Sunset & Nightscape
- Pro Tip: Book 1–3 days early; visit 16:00–21:00 for sunset + city lights
Luhuitou, meaning “The Deer Turns Back”, is a national 4A scenic area and Sanya’s cultural heart. Rising 181 meters, this mountain peninsula is surrounded by sea on three sides and borders the city on one. It’s built around a timeless Li ethnic love story: a young hunter chases a magical deer from Wuzhi Mountain to the South China Sea cliff—where the deer turns back, transforms into a beautiful Li maiden, and they marry.
This legend ranks among China’s top three minority love stories (along with “Liu Sanjie” and “Ashima”). Sanya is nicknamed “Deer City” because of Luhuitou. Today, it’s the best spot to panoramic view Sanya—offering golden sunsets, glittering night cityscapes, and coastal vistas.
Tickets & Opening Hours 2026
Free Entry & Reservations
100% Free Admission! (Since July 1, 2022)
- Standard Entry: Free for all visitors (Chinese & international)
- Reservation: Mandatory online booking 1–7 days in advance
- Foreign Visitors: Book via official English site or travel apps; show passport at entry
- Paid Extras:
- Sightseeing Electric Car (round-trip): ¥28 (4 USD)
- Rainforest Crossing Challenge: ¥58 (8 USD)
- Deer Feeding Experience: ¥30 (4 USD)
Opening Hours
- Daily Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM (open 365 days)
- Last Admission: 9:30 PM
- Peak Times: 16:00–21:00 (sunset & night view)
- Best Time: Weekday evenings (17:00–19:00) — soft golden light, fewer crowds.
Must-See Spots & Attractions
Luhuitou Sculpture (The Icon)
The 15m-tall masterpiece (10m long, 5m wide) — Hainan’s highest statue.
- Created by sculptor Lin Yuhao (5 years to complete).
- Depicts the hunter, deer maiden, and magical deer in one harmonious group.
- The “deer turning back” pose is Sanya’s official city symbol.
- Inscribed with the full love legend; perfect for romantic photos.
Panoramic Viewing Platforms
270° Observation Deck (Top)
- Unobstructed views of Sanya Bay, Phoenix Island’s sail-shaped hotels, Dadonghai, and the entire city.
- Daytime: Blue sea, white sails, green mountains.
- Sunset: Orange-pink sky reflecting on the water.
- Night: Millions of city lights twinkling like stars.
Love Plaza Platform
- Giant heart-shaped installations and “Forever Love” monuments.
- Best for couple photos with the sea as backdrop.
Romantic Stone Sites
- Love at First Sight Stone: Halfway up; overlooks the city; inscribed with romantic poems.
- Eternal Love Stone: Volcanic rock meaning “love until sea dries and stone crumbles”.
- Destiny Stones: Twin rocks symbolizing fated romance.
- “Ai” (Love) Cliff Carvings: Large ancient Chinese “love” characters on rock faces.
Natural & Cultural Highlights
- Tropical Rainforest: 300+ plant species; 95.6% green coverage.
- Li & Miao Cultural Zone: Traditional ethnic architecture, costumes, and handicrafts.
- Zhulu Pavilion: Meet and feed 3 friendly sika deer.
How to Get to Luhuitou Scenic Area
Bus (Most Recommended)
- Lines: 26, 55, Tourist Bus 1
- Stop: “Luhuitou Scenic Area”
- Duration: 15–20 mins from city center
- Cost: ¥2–5 (0.3–0.7 USD)
- Note: Air-conditioned; English stop announcements.
- From City Center: ~10 mins, ¥15–25 (2–3.5 USD)
- From Sanya Bay: ~8 mins, ¥12–20 (1.7–2.8 USD)
- From Phoenix Airport: ~25 mins, ¥40–60 (5.5–8.5 USD)
- Tip: Show driver “Luhuitou Scenic Area(Lu Hui Tou Feng Jing Qu)” in Chinese.
Self-Driving
- Navigation: “Luhuitou Scenic Area”
- Parking: Large on-site lot
- Fee: ¥10/hour (1.4 USD) or ¥30/day (4.2 USD)
- Route: Coastal Binhe Road → Luhuitou Peninsula
Electric Sightseeing Car (Inside Park)
- Round-trip: ¥28 (4 USD)
- Stops: Entrance → Sculpture → Viewing Platforms
- Saves 45 mins of steep walking; recommended.
Activities & Experiences
Sunset & Night Viewing (Free, Daily)
Watch the sun sink into the South China Sea, then stay for Sanya’s glittering nightscape.
Deer Feeding (¥30)
At Zhulu Pavilion: Feed sika deer with fresh grass; gentle and kid-friendly.
Rainforest Crossing Challenge (¥58)
209m tropical canopy course with 21 obstacles (adult/kid routes). Safe, fun, with sea views.
Li & Miao Cultural Shows (Free, Weekends)
Traditional dances, folk music, and costume performances on the mountain stage.
Night Performances (Free, Daily)
- Live bands, magic shows, and cultural dances (19:00–21:30).
- AR storytelling: Animated Luhuitou legend (multiple languages).
Romantic Photo Shoots (¥80–120)
Professional photographers with Li costumes, wedding dresses, and sunset backdrops.
Practical Tips & Etiquette
Etiquette Rules
- No Loud Noise: Respect peaceful viewing atmosphere.
- No Littering: Keep the mountain clean; use bins.
- No Rock Climbing: Historic stones and carvings are protected.
- No Flash at Night: Flash ruins night photos for others.
- Deer Safety: Don’t chase or tease deer; feed only provided food.
Useful Tips
- Bring: Passport/ID, sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes, light jacket (cool at night).
- Time Needed: 3–4 hours (include sunset + night view).
- Crowds: Weekends/holidays busy — go weekday evenings.
- Free Extras: English maps, Wi-Fi, phone chargers, rest areas.
- Accessibility: Full wheelchair access; elevators and ramps.
Food Guide
Luhuitou Café (Top Platform)
- Coconut Latte: Fresh coconut + coffee (¥32).
- Mango Sticky Rice: Tropical Hainan dessert (¥35).
- Deer-Shaped Cookies: Cute souvenir snacks (¥28).
Seafood Terrace (Mid-Level)
- Grilled Shrimp & Squid: Fresh seafood with sea view (¥45–60).
- Hainan Chicken Rice: Classic local dish (¥38).
- Coconut Seafood Hot Pot: Sweet broth with fresh catch (¥68/person).
Snack Stalls
- Fresh Coconut Water: Chilled Hainan coconut (¥15).
- Li Ethnic Rice Cakes: Sweet traditional snacks (¥20).
- Iced Tamarind Juice: Refreshing local drink (¥18).
Q&A
Q1: Is Luhuitou really free to enter?
A: Yes! Since 2022, entry is 100% free. Only activities like the electric car cost money.
Q2: Do I need to book in advance?
A: Yes, all visitors (including foreigners) must reserve free tickets online 1–7 days early.
Q3: When is the best time to visit?
A: 16:00–21:00 — watch sunset, then stay for stunning city night views.
Q4: Can I walk up, or do I need the electric car?
A: You can walk (45 mins steep climb), but the ¥28 electric car saves time and energy — highly recommended.
Q5: Are English signs available?
A: Yes! All spots have English labels. The visitor center offers English maps and audio guides.
Q6: Is it good for kids?
A: Very! Deer feeding, rainforest crossing, and animated shows make it family-friendly.
Lila Jiang
She is Lila Jiang, a 28-year-old girl.
With over 10 years in the travel industry, she’s chased wanderlust near and far;
what she loves most is diving into local cultures,
finding hidden gems, and connecting with people who bring journeys to life.