Jetset to China: Sanya for the summer

For the frequent traveller who’s been there and done that, where’s next? China, it seems. rnAnd it’s not just Beijing or Shanghai that are hot on the travel radar either: venture out to cities like Sanya, Tianjin and Xi’an for a chic Chinese getaway. With more top-notch hotels set up in these cities, you’ll get to sleep in utmost comfort during your plush vacation in China. rnThis week, we start with sunny Sanya. Here’s why you should visit this top beach spot for the summer. SANYA (三亚)rnBesides the sparkling stretches of sun, sand and sea, Sanya, the ‘Hawaii of China’ has plenty other sights to entice local and international visitors alike. Located at the Hainan island of Southern China, Sanya is a beach destination waiting to be rediscovered. We pick five top attractions:rnAt Sanya's 'End of the Earth' (Tianya haijiao/ 天涯海角), encounter romantic Chinese folklore among stone cliffs. According to popular myth, a pair of lovers fled to this spot with the vow that they would always be together, even if they were to run away to the “ends of the earth”. Perfect for the die-hard romantics. While others may scoff at the lofty myth, the ‘End of the Earth’ continues to be a tourist magnet and a wedding hotspot. Trek the Deer Park (Luhuitou gongyuan/ 鹿回头公园) and scale to the top for scenic views of the sunset. At Sanya’s highest point, the spectacular sights to enjoy will make the legwork more than worthwhile. Also known as the ‘Deer City’, Sanya was named after a popular tale spun around this park: a hunter chased a deer endlessly across mountains to the edge of a cliff. Cornered, the deer turned its head and transformed into a beautiful woman whom the man fell in love with (but of course), and thereafter the two lived happily ever after. Don’t miss out on a visit to Wuzhizhou (蜈支洲岛), also popularly known as the Lovers’ Island, if you love diving and other water sports. Situated in the north-east of Sanya, this neighbouring island is home to lush foliage, crystal clear waters and beautiful coral reefs. rnSavour seafood by Sanya’s shores. You’re at the beach and there’s fresh seafood to be had, so why not? Join the chi-chi Chinese travellers at Yalong Bay (亚龙湾): lined with luxury hotels and resorts, this is the place to be, for people-watching in Sanya. See and be seen: it’s the perfect excuse to dress to the nines while on holiday. rnThe weather: Like Singapore, Sanya’s tropical climate means that the city is sunny and humid all-year round, especially during the months of May to July. The temperature averages at about 25 degree celsius year-round in Sanya; January and December are the coolest months where the temperature may dip to 19 degree celsius. So be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen during your stay: return home with glowing ‘sun-kissed’ skin instead of angry red sunburns.rnHow to get there: The quickest way to get there? Fly direct from Singapore to Haikou via Tiger Airways or Jetstar. From the Haikou Meilan International Airport, take the high speed train at the Meilan Airport Railway Station to Sanya to reach the city in two hours. Stay at: The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort. Opened in November 2011, stay at comfortable hotel rooms or idyllic beach villas at this five-star resort, complemented with a selection of fine international and Chinese cuisine. Enjoy soothing massages by the beach (RMB700/ S$137.73 per couple*) and more lush spa services during your stay for a luxurious beach vacation to remember.