Tianya Haijiao: A Romantic Journey to the Southernmost Point of Mainland China

Tianya Haijiao: A Romantic Journey to the Southernmost Point of Mainland China

Overview: A southern landmark that embodies ultimate romance
Tianya Haijiao (End of the Earth) is a tropical seaside scenic area covering a total area of ​​16.4 square kilometers. It is a must-visit destination for couples, families, poets, and all those who yearn for distant places, symbolizing the ultimate beautiful wishes for love, friendship, and travel.

Key Highlights at a Glance
Identity tags: China's "southern tip" / Romantic love destination / Hainan cultural landmark
Core experiences: Taking photos at Tianya Stone and Haijiao Stone, admiring the Southern Pillar of Heaven, enjoying a romantic stroll along the beach, and exploring the stone carving culture.
Recommended visit duration: half a day to one day. Highly recommended to combine this visit with other bays in Sanya.
Address: Tianya Town, Tianya District, Sanya City, Hainan Province

  • Tianya Haijiao: A Romantic Journey to the Southernmost Point of Mainland China-1
  • Tianya Haijiao: A Romantic Journey to the Southernmost Point of Mainland China-2
  • Tianya Haijiao: A Romantic Journey to the Southernmost Point of Mainland China-3
  • Tianya Haijiao: A Romantic Journey to the Southernmost Point of Mainland China-4

Origin: The resonance between geographical limits and humanistic sentiments

Furong Ancient Town

The name "Tianya" – from a desolate frontier to a romantic paradise
The name "Tianya Haijiao" (End of the Earth) carries profound historical and emotional weight. In ancient times, Hainan Island, isolated overseas and with poor transportation, was considered a barbaric place of exile far removed from the Central Plains civilization. Officials and scholars exiled here throughout history, facing the vast sea, lamented, "I've reached the ends of the earth, where else can I go?" Thus, "Tianya Haijiao" became a footnote to the loneliness and homesickness of this land. With the passage of time and the development of modern transportation and the rise of tourism, the tragic connotations of the past have gradually faded, transforming into a pursuit of geographical limits and an eternal romantic promise of "accompanying you to the ends of the earth."

The Path to Elevation: From Natural Wonders to Cultural Symbols
The modern story of Tianya Haijiao is an evolutionary history of its transformation from a natural wonder into a national cultural symbol:
Nature's creation (since ancient times): Over millions of years, waves and winds have eroded the rocky coastline, leaving behind giant granite boulders of various shapes.
Cultural significance (Qing Dynasty): Cheng Zhe, the prefect of Yazhou, and other officials inscribed the words "Tianya" (end of the earth) and "Haijiao" (corner of the sea) on the giant rock, giving the natural landscape a clear cultural connotation.
Tourism Development (after the 1980s): As one of the earliest developed scenic areas in Hainan, its unique positioning as "the end of the South" quickly attracted tourists from all over the country.
Imagery Elevation (21st Century to Present): The romantic connotation of "forever together to the ends of the earth" has deeply resonated with people, making it transcend ordinary tourist attractions and become an important destination for weddings and anniversaries, completing a magnificent transformation from a geographical concept to a cultural and psychological symbol.

In-depth understanding: Explore more iconic landmarks in China that carry special cultural significance >> [Mount Tai, Shandong] | [Jiayuguan, Gansu]

Must-see wonders: A symphony of megaliths, azure sea, and human culture

Furong Ancient Town Furong Ancient Town Furong Ancient Town Furong Ancient Town Furong Ancient Town

The charm of Tianya Haijiao lies in the magnificent combination of the blue sea and sky with the rugged rocks, and even more so in the humanistic sentiments engraved on it that transcend time and space.

Nature's Creation – The Symphony of the Sea and the Sculpture of Stone
The sea and the rocks here together compose an eternal symphony of the South.

Azure Seas and Silver Sands: The Essence of Sanya Bay
Tianya Bay: As the main bay of the scenic area, the seawater here has distinct layers of color, from a transparent light green near the shore to a deep azure in the distance. The fine, white sand contrasts sharply with the dark boulders, making it an excellent backdrop for photography. Especially in winter, when the north is bitterly cold, the warm breeze here still caresses your face, and the coconut palms sway gently, making it a veritable "paradise for escaping the cold."
Seaside Promenade: A promenade built along the coastline, offering the best route for enjoying the sea view. Strolling along it, you'll have coconut palms on your left and crashing waves against the rocks on your right, allowing you to fully experience the vitality and tranquility of the tropical seaside.

Stonehenge: An Epic of the Earth
The End of the World Stone and the Cape Stone: These are the soul of the scenic area. These two giant rocks, weathered by time, stand majestically between the tides. The End of the World Stone is more imposing, soaring into the clouds; the Cape Stone lies hidden beside it, only accessible at low tide. They are not only geographical landmarks, but also witnesses to countless vows of love.
The Southern Pillar Stone: Another renowned boulder, rising abruptly from the ground in a cone shape, pointing straight to the sky. Due to its majestic appearance, it was featured on the reverse side of the fourth series of RMB 2-yuan banknotes, becoming a collective memory for a generation. It symbolizes perseverance and is also an auspicious object for prayer and blessings.
Sun and Moon Stones: Two stones standing crossed, resembling the Chinese characters for "sun" and "moon," or perhaps a heart shape. At high tide, the two stones are surrounded by seawater; at low tide, they connect with the beach, and are hailed as a symbol of unwavering love.

Humanistic Ingenuity: History and Sentiment on Stone Carvings
The cliff carvings scattered throughout the scenic area are the finishing touch to the natural landscape, giving the stones a soul.

Historical Stone Carvings: In addition to the core carvings "Tianya" (End of the Earth), "Haijiao" (Cape of the Sea), and "Nantian Yizhu" (Pillar of the Southern Sky), the scenic area also features stone carvings from various dynasties, such as "Haipan Nantian" (Sea Dividing the Southern Sky) and "Tianya Lu" (Road to the End of the Earth). These inscriptions, each with its own unique calligraphic style, are like pages in a history book, recording the ancients' understanding and feelings towards this land, adding a profound cultural dimension to the magnificent natural scenery.
The Love-Themed Park: Centered around the theme of "eternity," the park features numerous attractions such as the Tianya Wedding Hall, Love Square, and the "Shadowless Sculpture." While not historical sites, these elements precisely capture and amplify modern people's romantic imagination of "the ends of the earth," making them popular spots for couples to take photos and hold ceremonies.
Tianya Cultural Garden: Through exhibitions and displays, it introduces the historical changes, cultural connotations, and local customs of Tianya Haijiao (the End of the Earth), helping tourists to understand the significance of this landscape at a deeper level and achieve a sublimation from "seeing the scenery" to "reading the culture".

Photography Tips:
The best spot for taking photos is directly in front of the "Tianya" rock, which can be combined with the sea in the picture for a magnificent view.
For romantic portraits, it's recommended to take photos near the "Sun and Moon Stone" or "Cape Stone" and utilize the changing tides to create different feelings.
Sunset is the golden time to photograph the silhouette of "Pillar of the South," when the sunset is magnificent and the scenery is extraordinary.
Aerial photography notice: The scenic area has strict regulations on drone flights, and prior registration and permission must be obtained in the designated area.

Core Experience: An Immersive Romantic Guide to the Cape

Furong Ancient Town Furong Ancient Town Furong Ancient Town Furong Ancient Town

Four Must-Do Things to Unlock the Complete Journey to Tianya
1. Complete a classic landmark check-in.
Ritual: Take photos with the "End of the Earth Stone", "Cape Stone" and "Pillar of the Southern Sky Stone" in turn to complete this symbolic "arrival" ceremony.
Best time: It is recommended to go in the early morning or afternoon to avoid the midday sun and when there are relatively fewer tourists.
2. Make a vow to stay together until the ends of the earth.
Key point: Walking hand in hand with your loved one on the "Road to the Ends of the Earth" and making a promise in front of the "Sun and Moon Stone" carries a romantic significance far beyond ordinary sightseeing.
Experience: You can send a postcard with a special postmark from the Love Post Office, letting time bear witness to your vows.
3. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the seaside.
Pace: Slow down, stroll along the beach or tree-lined trails, listen to the sound of the waves, look at the rocks, and feel the true charm of the coconut palms and the sea.
Upgraded experience: Take a sightseeing yacht to enjoy a panoramic view of "Tianya Stone" from the sea, offering a unique perspective.
4. Explore the cultural context of the stone carvings.
A cultural journey: Carefully search for and identify the cliff carvings scattered throughout the area, learn about the stories and figures behind them, and complete a small but beautiful cultural archaeology.

Suggested tour routes
The core area of ​​Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area requires about 3-4 hours to explore. Combining it with other highlights of Sanya makes for a better day trip option.

Half-day "Highlights" tour (suitable for those with limited time):
Enter the park at 9:00 AM → Take the sightseeing bus (purchase recommended to save energy) directly to the "Tianya Haijiao" stone carving area (1 hour) → Walk to the "Nantian Yizhu" stone (0.5 hours) → Stroll back along the coastal promenade and enjoy the "Sun and Moon Stone" and other landscapes (1 hour) → Take a short break at the cultural and creative shops or tea pavilions near the exit (0.5 hours) → Depart at noon.
IntoTravelChina Tip: This itinerary is packed, and taking the sightseeing bus can greatly enhance the experience. During peak season, it is recommended to purchase tickets and bus passes online in advance.

A one-day "Romantic Mountain and Sea" tour (highly recommended):
Morning: Head to Tianya Haijiao (End of the Earth) to check off the main landmarks and take a walk along the seaside.
Lunch: Enjoy an authentic Hainanese meal (coconut chicken, seafood) near the scenic area or back in the city.
Afternoon: Drive to Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone in western Sanya to visit the 108-meter-tall Guanyin statue in the sea and experience the tranquility and Zen between the mountains and the sea.
Evening: Head to Luhuitou Scenic Area, climb to the top for a panoramic view of Sanya Bay and the dazzling city nightscape, bringing a perfect end to a day of "mountain and sea vows".
IntoTravelChina's advantages: We can book the most suitable accommodations for you, arrange all the connections between activities, and provide detailed cross-scenic area transportation and time planning.

Professional Guide: IntoTravelChina offers personalized itineraries, including a dedicated guide, transportation, and activity arrangements, ensuring a worry-free and in-depth travel experience. >> [Inquire Now for a Customized Itinerary]

Complete Travel Guide: Transportation, Seasons, and Accommodation

Furong Ancient Town Furong Ancient Town Furong Ancient Town

How to get there: Sanya's core tourist routes
Tianya Haijiao is located in the western part of Sanya City, with convenient transportation, and is an important part of the western tourist route of Sanya.
From downtown Sanya: We recommend driving or taking a taxi, which takes about 30-40 minutes; or take bus routes 16, 25, 30, or 55 directly to the "Tianya Haijiao" station.
From Sanya Phoenix International Airport: Taking a taxi/ride-hailing service is recommended, with a journey time of about 20-30 minutes, which is the most convenient option.
Starting from other attractions: You can plan to visit Nanshan Temple, Xiaodongtian and other western attractions on the same day. It is recommended to hire a car/drive yourself for the most efficient way.

Best time to visit
Tianya Haijiao is suitable for visiting all year round, but the best time to visit is from October to April of the following year.
Winter and spring (October to April of the following year): The climate is warm and dry, with sunshine and cool sea breezes, making it the perfect time to escape the cold and enjoy tropical scenery.
Summer off-season (May-September): Hot weather with strong sunshine and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. However, the seawater temperature is high, making it suitable for swimming, and there are relatively fewer tourists, making airfare and hotel prices more affordable. Be sure to take precautions against sunburn and heatstroke.

Accommodation options
Sanya Bay coastline (preferred, balancing convenience and scenery):
Experience: Staying in a hotel or apartment in Sanya Bay offers unobstructed sea views and convenient access to Tianya Haijiao, the airport, and the city center. Don't miss the sunset at Coconut Dream Corridor in the evening.
Suitable for: Most first-time visitors who want convenient transportation and the opportunity to enjoy the seaside scenery.
Sanya City (Value for Money and Delicious Food):
Experience: A wide variety of dining and shopping options are available, nightlife is vibrant, and hotel prices range widely. Transportation is required to reach various attractions.
Suitable for: Tourists who value culinary experiences and prefer the convenience of city life.
Yalong Bay/Haitang Bay (Luxury Resort Choice):
Experience: Boasting some of the best beaches and hotel clusters in Sanya, the environment is private and quiet, perfect for a pure vacation. However, it's quite far from the Tianya Haijiao scenic area, about a 1-hour drive.
Suitable for: Vacationers with a sufficient budget who mainly enjoy hotel relaxation and only plan to go out for 1-2 days.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Recommendations:
Sanya offers a wide variety of accommodation options, with significant differences. We strongly recommend choosing a hotel based on your core itinerary and travel style. Booking through us not only provides real-time room availability and exclusive rates, but also allows us to package accommodation, tickets, airport transfers, and day trips, ensuring a relaxed and worry-free trip to Sanya. >> [Click to contact an IntoTravelChina travel consultant]

Extend your journey: A loop connecting the highlights of Greater Sanya

Furong Ancient Town

Tianya Haijiao is a classic starting point, not an end point, for exploring the beauty of Sanya.

Sanya Classic 5-Day Loop Tour: Sanya Bay (Tianya Haijiao, Nanshan) → Yalong Bay (Beach, Tropical Paradise Forest Park) → Haitang Bay (Duty-Free City, Wuzhizhou Island). This is a perfect journey that combines cultural landmarks, natural rainforests, luxury shopping, and top-notch island experiences. >> [View 5-Day In-Depth Sanya Tour Itinerary]

Join hands with IntoTravelChina to open your own cape appointment

Furong Ancient Town

The story of the ends of the earth is related to the limits of geography, the echoes of history and the eternity of emotions. IntoTravelChina focuses on creating a deep, personal, and hassle-free Chinese travel experience. Our travel experts can help you:
Tailor-made itinerary: Design the perfect route to the ends of the earth, Sanya and even Hainan according to your interests and time.
One-stop service: Get air tickets, special accommodation, car rentals, local guides and event bookings.
Exclusive experience: arrange romantic travel photography, yacht going to sea, private beach dinner, special Li Miao cultural experience, etc.

Let your trip to the ends of the world be not only a check-in, but also a romantic experience to remember.
> Start planning your journey today
> Welcome to contact our professional travel consultants, we will provide you with an exclusive itinerary plan and quotation within 24 hours. >> [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]

What Our Clients Say?

Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews

...
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s): Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 08,2024
...
...
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories. Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s): Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of Experience: June 02,2025
... ... ...
...
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic! Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale. For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return. A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s): Zhangjiajie
Date of Experience: May 08,2025
... ...

Ask a Question

Question Summary (100 characters)
Details (optional) (2,000 characters)
Name
Country
Email