Tianya Haijiao, Sanya (天涯海角)

Tianya Haijiao (天涯海角, Tiānyá Hǎijiǎo — "Sky's Edge, Sea's Corner") is Sanya's most iconic landmark: a coastline scattered with giant granite boulders carved with centuries of Chinese calligraphy, standing where poets once placed the end of the civilized world. For Chinese travelers it is the ultimate romantic symbol — couples come here to pledge "we'll be together to the ends of the earth."

Since June 2023 admission is free, but it's not walk-in: you must reserve in advance through the official mini-program "天涯海角游览区" on WeChat or Alipay, and domestic entry caps at 30,000 people a day, so book 1–3 days ahead and bring your passport.

The two must-see rocks are Tianya (天涯) and Haijiao (海角), their characters carved in the Qing Yongzheng era and the 1930s respectively — framing them is the single most-requested photo in Hainan. A few steps away, the pillar Nan Tian Yi Zhu (南天一柱) once graced the ¥2 banknote. Love Square, with its heart-themed sculptures among the coconut palms, is the modern couples' hub.

Reach the site by Bus 16, 25, 26 or 57 from downtown (~40 min), or a ¥20-30 ($3-4) ride-hail trip. A ¥25 ($4) round-trip shuttle spares you the ~3 km coastal walk in summer heat. Allow 2–3 relaxed hours, go early or late for light, and temper expectations on peak days — the rocks are genuinely moving, but they're also famous enough to draw the crowds.