Sanya & Hainan
China's tropical island — white-sand beaches and rainforest, visa-free for most Western passports via Hainan's special scheme.
Best time
October–April
Suggested stay
4–5 days
Getting there
Direct flights from most major cities. 59 nationalities (including the US and UK) can enter Hainan visa-free for 30 days.
Don't miss in Sanya & Hainan
The experiences Western travelers rate highest here.
Keep exploring
More destinations at the same level of the journey.
Pingyao
China's best-preserved walled city — a complete Ming-Qing county town of banks, courtyards and lantern-lit lanes.
Dunhuang
The Silk Road's desert gateway — painted caves and singing dunes at the edge of the Gobi.
Lhasa & Tibet
The roof of the world — a spiritual bucket-list destination, but foreigners must arrange a permit and guided tour in advance.
Xiamen & Fujian Tulou
Colonial island charm plus the Hakka earth castles of the countryside — a favorite of returning visitors.