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Fine weather and unique geography - mountains in the north, sea in the south, make Sanya an ideal sporting destination. The name Sanya means cliff state
Thursday 18 March 2010, 07:00 GMT
Situated in Hainan province, the southernmost region of China, Sanya is a famous tourist resort notable for its golden beaches, deep blue sea and tropical climate.
Although twice the size of Hong Kong, at 740 square miles, Sanya has a population of half a million with hotels outnumbering the residential dwellings. It is the No.1 destination for Chinese holiday makers.
The history of Sanya dates back to 200 BC and for many years it was a small fishing village. In 1987 it officially became a city and grew quickly. Today it boasts several international hotels.
With its status as the only tropical island in China, Sanya enjoys fine weather all year around - average temperature in January is 20 oC and July is the hottest month with temperatures of 35 oC. The peak tourist seasons are around Chinese public holidays, particularly Chinese New Year in January and February, Labour Day holiday during the first week of May and National Day holiday in early October.
Idyllic weather and unique geography - mountains in the north, sea in the south, make Sanya an ideal sporting destination. The name Sanya means cliff state.
The inaugural Hainan Around-the-Island Sailing Regatta is taking place in Sanya this week. Other sailing events include the Hong Kong-Sanya Regatta organised by Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, and the yearly National Sailing Championships.
The annual Hainan International Around-the-Island cycling competition is another major event in Sanya. In addition, dozens of golf courses around the city make it the best golfing venue in China.
For many years, the only way to get to Sanya was by air or sea. However, this was changed with the completion of the first sea-to-land rail in 2006. Starting from Sanya and ending in Beijing, the T201 train connects Hainan Island to mainland China, taking 35 hours to complete the 2,144 mile journey.
The Volvo Ocean Race will visit Sanya in the winter of 2012. The local government hopes to attract thousands of international visitors, using the opportunity to present Sanya to the world.
Sanya - Fast facts:
Population: 565,000 (by the end of 2008)
Area: 1919sqm, nearly twice that of Hong Kong, 57 miles from east to west and 31 miles from south to north.
Sealine: 129 miles, 40 surrounding islands
January temperature: 20.7 0C, February: 210C
Popular sports: sailing, golf, cycling, beach volleyball
- Xinmin Yan