China ABC

When Chinese new Year comes， expats can choose to experience Chinese traditions like firecrackers and dumplings in chilly northern cities， or they can reach Chinas southernmost tip to enjoy a summer holiday， just as more and more Chinese prefer to do.

Renowned as “Chinas Hawaii，” Sanya has the most well-preserved and beautiful beaches in the whole country， boasting a unique tropical oceanic landscape that is totally different from those of other provinces of China.

Sanya is situated on the southernmost tip of Hainan， Chinas southernmost province. The temperatures hover around 25 degrees Celsius even in January， when northern Chinese cities are suffering a chilly winter below -10 degrees Celsius. A warm climate along with good sunshine， clear water， white beaches and pure air， makes the city one of the most popular tourist destinations all through the year， especially during Spring Festival， which falls on February 10 this year.

There are several bays where you can enjoy time on the beach. Yalong Bay is one of the top choices for visitors to spend holidays and is home to many inter- national five-star hotels. Their facilities and services can offer vacationers total relaxation on their private beaches.

Yalong Bay is clean enough to have a good swim， but tourists should head further north to visit unspoiled and natural scenery. Only a 30-minute water trip away， Wuzhizhou Island boasts amazing natural landscapes and well-developed entertainment facilities. Many exciting water sports such as snorkeling and jet-skiing are also available here.

In addition， there are a couple of forest parks for hiking， where one can see different types of vegetations exclusive to tropical areas.

Cultural activities can also be found in Sanya. Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone is a must for people obsessed with Buddhism. Nansha Temple faces the South China Sea and is encircled by mountains on both its sides. A gigantic statue of Guanyin （Goddess of Mercy） on a sea-top platform never fails to amaze travelers.

Tasting local dishes is a must for people visiting Sanya. A variety of seafood and delicious tropical fruits are available all the year round.