5. Yalong Bay, Hainan Province
Photo: Marc van der Chijs
Yalong Bay is a grand, crescent-shaped tropical beach in the warm Hainan province. Yalong Bay is considered the most respectable and expensive holiday destination in Hainan near the resort city of Sanya. If you get to choose, coming around the Spring Festival is a great idea.
The coast is 7.5 km long, curved in the shape of a crescent, and covered with fine sand of a light beige hue. Clear water in sunny weather acquires a bright turquoise color. The bottom is visible at a depth of up to 10–12 m, which, combined with the proximity of coral reefs, creates excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling. Flocks of exotic fish scurry among the corals, turtles, starfish, and mollusks are found on the bottom ground. Mountains overgrown with lush tropical greenery border the bay on both sides.
Everything that you would expect of a tropical beach resort, from white sand beaches and water sports to luxury hotels and palm trees, Yalong Bay offers in spades. The sea here is surrounded by high mountains and tropical forests, where you can walk along the paths, admiring the tall trees, bright, sparkling streams, and waterfalls.
