Sanya, Prefecture-level city in Hainan, China
Sanya is a city at the southern tip of Hainan island in China, stretching along several bays and beaches. The built-up area runs from the coast into forested hills, where roads connect residential neighborhoods, hotels and park-like zones.
The area was known as Yazhou during the Qin dynasty from 221 BC and served for centuries as a place of exile for officials. In December 1987 the present city was established as a separate administrative unit and quickly developed into a holiday destination.
The name comes from Chinese and means three branches, referring to three rivers that meet the sea here. Visitors see modern resorts along the coast next to Buddhist temples, and smaller settlements of the Li and Miao ethnic groups in the hilly interior.
An airport west of the city offers connections to other parts of China and some neighboring countries. A tram line connects several coastal sections and makes orientation along the bay easier.
The city hosts training facilities for the Chinese national beach volleyball team, which can practice here year-round in warm weather. A small Utsul community lives in some villages north of the coast and speaks its own language.
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