Tianya Haijiao
San Ya, Hainan
'The Edge of the Sky, Corner of the Sea' — a stretch of coastline about 24km west of Sanya marked by large granite boulders inscribed with the site's name, a symbol of remoteness since imperial times.
Pourquoi visiter Tianya Haijiao ?
During imperial China, Hainan was where disgraced officials were exiled — being sent to Tianya Haijiao meant being sent, quite literally in the language of the time, to the furthest edge of civilization. That history gives the site a layered meaning beyond its beach scenery, and the boulder inscriptions have become one of the most recognisable images of Hainan itself.
Comment en profiter
The site combines a decent beach with the inscribed boulders and several pavilions and gardens along the shore; it's a straightforward add-on to a day that also includes Nanshan, since both sit west of the city along the same coastal road.
Astuce
It's a popular spot for couples' photos and can get busy midday — early morning or late afternoon light is both quieter and more flattering for photos.