Hello, I’m Lily Jiang, a travel industry professional with over 5 years of experience organizing cultural trips across China. Having visited countless coastal landmarks and romantic destinations, I’ve gained helpful insights for planning unforgettable seaside journeys. This 2026 Tianyahaijiao (The Ends of the Earth) guide covers all you need for a perfect, poetic visit to Sanya’s most iconic cultural landmark on Hainan Island.
Introduction to Tianyahaijiao
Tianyahaijiao Quick Facts
- Location: Tianya District, Sanya (23km west of city center)
- Entry: 100% Free (reservation required); paid activities ¥25–100
- Opening Hours: 8:00–19:00 (Mar–Oct); 8:00–18:30 (Nov–Feb)
- Best Transport: Bus 25/26/57 direct (40 mins); taxi ~30 mins
- Must-See: Tianya Stone, Haijiao Stone, Nantian Yizhu, Sunset Bay
- Pro Tip: Book 1–3 days early; visit 16:00–18:30 for golden sunset light
Tianyahaijiao, meaning “The Ends of the Sky and the Corner of the Sea,” is China’s most legendary coastal site. For centuries, it was seen as the remotest southern frontier of ancient China—a place of exile, poetry, and eternal romance. Today, it’s a national 5A scenic area combining golden beaches, giant boulders, ancient calligraphy carvings, and crystal-clear South China Sea waters.
More than just a beach, it’s a symbol of everlasting love, freedom, and the poetic Chinese soul. Here, you’ll stand where emperors’ envoys once marked China’s southern border, where poets wrote timeless verses, and where millions come to promise “love until the ends of the earth.”
Tickets & Opening Hours 2026
Free Entry & Reservations
100% Free Admission! (Since June 1, 2023)
- 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): ¥25 (3.5 USD)
- Speedboat to Sun-Moon Stones: ¥50 (7 USD)
- Professional Photo Shoot: ¥80–120 (11–17 USD)
Opening Hours
- Summer (Mar–Oct): 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Winter (Nov–Feb): 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Last Admission: 1 hour before closing
- Closed: Open 365 days a year (no closures)
- Best Time: Late afternoon (16:00–18:30). Soft golden light, fewer crowds, and stunning ocean sunsets.
Must-See Spots & Rock Formations
Tianya & Haijiao Stones (The Iconic Pair)
The park’s legendary heart—two giant granite boulders rising from the beach.
- Tianya (Sky’s Edge) Stone: A 7-meter tall rock inscribed with “Tianya” (1730s, by Qing official Cheng Zhe).
- Haijiao (Sea’s Corner) Stone: Beside it, inscribed with “Haijiao” (1940s, by General Wang Yi).Together they form China’s ultimate symbol of “the ends of the earth”—a must for romantic photos.
Nantian Yizhu (Southern Sky Column)
A massive, lone, upright boulder (6m high) on the beach.
- Nicknamed “The Pillar of the Southern Heavens”.
- Featured on China’s old 2-yuan banknote—one of the most recognizable rocks in China.
- Represents strength and stability; believed to bring good fortune.
Haipian Nantian Stone
The oldest historical landmark (1714, Qing Dynasty).
- Inscribed by imperial envoys mapping China’s southern border.
- Marks the ancient “southernmost point of China”.
- A sacred stone blending history, astronomy, and cartography.
Sun-Moon (Riyue) Stones
Two offshore rocks shaped like the sun and moon.
- Symbolize “eternal love and togetherness”.
- Best viewed by speedboat or from coastal walkway.
- The most romantic spot for couples.
Romantic Zones
- Love Plaza: Giant heart sculpture and “Tianya Star” monument.
- Wedding Chapel: White seaside pavilion—popular for vows and photos.
- Sunset Bay: Golden sand and unobstructed South China Sea sunsets.
How to Get to Tianyahaijiao
Bus (Most Recommended)
- Lines: 25, 26, 57, or Tourist Bus A/B
- Route: From Sanya Bay/Dadonghai → Tianyahaijiao Stop
- Duration: 40–50 mins; every 15–20 mins
- Cost: ¥2–5 (0.3–0.7 USD)
- Note: All buses have English stops; air-conditioned.
- From City Center (Sanya Bay): ~30 mins, ¥40–60 (5.5–8.5 USD)
- From Phoenix Airport: ~25 mins, ¥50–70 (7–10 USD)
- From Yalong Bay: ~50 mins, ¥80–100 (11–14 USD)
- Tip: Show driver “The Ends of the Earth (Tian Ya Hai Jiao)” in Chinese.
Self-Driving
- Navigation: “Tianyahaijiao Scenic Area”
- Parking: Large on-site lot
- Fee: ¥10/hour (1.4 USD) or ¥30/day (4.2 USD)
- Route: G98 Expressway → Tianya Exit
Sightseeing Bus
- Double-Decker Tour Bus: From Yalong Bay → Dadonghai → Sanya Bay → Tianyahaijiao
- Frequency: Every 30 mins (7:15–19:00)
- Cost: ¥8 (1.1 USD) one-way
- Perk: Open top deck for sea views.
Activities & Experiences
Coastal Sightseeing Car (¥25)
Ride the palm-lined loop (2.5km) to skip long beach walks. Stops at all key rocks.
Speedboat to Sun-Moon Stones (¥50)
10-minute boat ride to the offshore love rocks; close-up photos with the sea as backdrop.
Professional Beach Photo Shoot
Local photographers provide costumes (Hanfu, wedding dresses) and shots with iconic boulders (¥80–120).
Sunset Watching (Daily Free)
The #1 activity. Golden hour (17:00–18:30) paints the sky pink/orange over Tianya Stone—unforgettable.
Cultural Shows (Weekends/Holidays)
- Hainan Li & Miao Ethnic Dances: Traditional tribal performances.
- Poetry Readings: Ancient Chinese poems about Tianyahaijiao.
Sea Sports (West Zone)
- Jet skiing, banana boat, snorkeling (¥80–150).
Practical Tips & Etiquette
Etiquette Rules
- No Rock Climbing: The historic inscribed stones are protected—climbing is forbidden.
- No Littering: Keep beaches clean; use bins.
- Quiet Voices: Respect others’ peaceful sunset experience.
- Swim Only in Zones: Strong rip currents—don’t swim near the big rocks.
- No Drone Flying: Permit required; ask at visitor center.
Useful Tips
- Bring: Passport/ID, sunscreen (SPF50+), hat, sunglasses, water, comfortable shoes.
- Best Season: October–April (25–30°C); avoid summer typhoons (July–September).
- Time Needed: 2.5–3.5 hours to see all spots.
- Free Extras: English maps, Wi-Fi, beach rest areas.
- Crowds: Weekends/holidays busy—go weekday afternoons.
Food Guide
Tianya Seafood Snack Stalls
- Fresh Coconut Water: Chilled Hainan coconut (¥15).
- Grilled Squid & Shrimp: Beach BBQ seafood (¥30–40).
- Hainan Rice Noodles (Wenzhou Style): Silky noodles with seafood broth (¥25).
Love Plaza Café
- Coconut Mango Sticky Rice: Tropical dessert (¥32).
- Iced Hainan Coffee: Local strong coffee (¥28).
- “Tianya” Coconut Jelly: Coconut-shaped jelly souvenir (¥25).
Nearby: Ma Ling Town Food Street (5-min walk)
- Authentic Hainan Chicken Rice: Poached chicken with fragrant rice (¥35).
- Seafood Hot Pot: Fresh catch with coconut broth (¥60–80/person).
Q&A
Q1: Is Tianyahaijiao really free to enter?
A: Yes! Since 2023, entry is 100% free for everyone. Only small activities 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: Can I take photos with the inscribed stones?
A: Yes! Photography is allowed everywhere. But you cannot climb or touch the ancient carved rocks.
Q4: Is there a good time to avoid crowds?
A: Weekday afternoons (15:00 onwards) are quietest. Mornings are busy with tour groups.
Q5: Is swimming allowed?
A: Only in designated safe swimming zones. Avoid areas near large rocks due to strong currents.
Q6: Are English signs available?
A: Yes! All key spots and stones have English labels. The visitor center offers English maps.
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.