Seven kilometers of white sand, turquoise sea and a light wind from the ocean - this is how you can describe this place in a nutshell. But in fact, Yalong Bay is much more than just a beach! This is the very place where you want to slow down, put down your phone and forget about business for at least a couple of days. Those who are looking not just for the sun and warm water, but for the opportunity to be alone with themselves for a while have been coming here for a long time. Here, nature and comfort do not share the territory, but live side by side, like good neighbors.
From a fishing village to a high-end resort
Once upon a time, only fishermen's huts stood on the site of today's hotels: they went out to sea in small boats, gathered around fires in the evenings, fried their catch and told each other old stories. Now only the stories of old-timers and rare photographs remind of those times.
In the early 90s, the Chinese authorities decided to make Hainan a major resort capable of competing with the world's most famous beaches. There were few suitable places, but Yalong, with its mild climate, constant sunshine and almost eternal summer, was ideal. What is nice: despite the fact that the infrastructure was actively developed, the bay itself has not lost its natural beauty: the hills are still visible here, and the buildings were tried not to pile up so that they do not argue with the landscape. Today, it is called the "Hawaii of the East," only without the crowds and noise.
A beach that is a pleasure to return to
The beach line in Yalong is a neat crescent moon hidden from strong waves. The sand here is special: soft, almost white, does not burn your feet even at noon. You can walk barefoot for hours without thinking that the heat will make the walk impossible.
And the sea... It is really crystal here! On sunny days, you can see up to a depth of ten meters underwater. For this purpose, divers and snorkelers come here: there is a real living gallery under the water: corals, seahorses, bright fish, turtles... All this is not behind the glass of the aquarium, but right in front of your eyes.
Local authorities and hotels are very careful about the environment: corals are grown here, the beaches are clean, solar panels and modern water purification systems are used.
When luxury and nature do not interfere with each other
To be honest, this could not be the case everywhere, but it worked out in Yalong. There are no skyscrapers that crowd palm trees, hotels are hidden in greenery, and the architecture resembles traditional Chinese buildings, only with the usual modern amenities. Almost all hotels try to maintain an atmosphere of tranquility and privacy. Many have closed beaches where you can relax without prying eyes and loud companies, and those tourists who want complete privacy can rent a villa with a private pool and access to the sea. You can spend a few days practically without meeting other people, if that's what you want now. Or vice versa, take part in water fun and excursions.
What to do besides the beach?
Of course, lying under an umbrella all the time can quickly get boring. There is also a lot to choose from! The water here is calm, warm, ideal for all water activities - from kayaking to diving. The underwater world of Yalong, as we have already mentioned, is a separate story: diving resembles a journey through a bright underwater garden.
There are also enough interesting things on land. Along the coast and a little inland there are walking routes leading to observation decks. The most famous place is Butterfly Hill, offering the best view of the bay. At sunset or dawn, it is especially beautiful here - the sea is painted in golden-pink shades, and it seems that the world has become a little quieter.
Island food: simple but delicious
The local cuisine is simple, without excessive pretentiousness, but very fresh: a lot of seafood, tropical fruits and light dishes. The famous Hainan chicken with rice seems to be nothing special, but here they know how to cook it so that the meat remains tender, and the rice is fragrant and crumbly. Fresh shrimp, charcoal fish and desserts made from ripe mangoes, pineapples and coconuts are also prepared here. Everything is fast, simple and delicious.
Why does time seem to slow down here?
Many people who have come to Yalong for at least a few days have noticed one strange feature – time passes here in a different way. Not because it's a vacation, but because the atmosphere itself seems to help relieve tension.
According to old beliefs, the bay is located in a place where favorable natural energies converge. The mountains protect it from the winds, and warm air comes from the sea.
There is another rarity that is not often written about in travel guides. Sometimes at night, the water begins to glow from the smallest planktonic organisms. It's bioluminescence, but locals call it the "dance of the moon dragons." The spectacle is fascinating and memorable for a long time!
A couple of useful tips
It is best to go here from October to April: at this time it is warm, there is almost no rain and moderately humid. The nearest airport is in Sanya, from there to Yalong forty minutes by car.
If you are planning a trip, try to avoid major Chinese holidays and the Lunar New Year - these days are especially crowded, and hotel prices rise significantly.
As a result
Yalong Bay is not just another beach resort, but a place where it was possible to maintain a balance between nature and man. Here you can take a break from the hustle and bustle, regain strength and remind yourself that sometimes it is useful to just stop, exhale and look around, and then return to your usual life, only with a completely different mood.
