Sanya / Hainan Island

Once considered fit only for trouble-makers and exiles, Hainan Island is now touted as China’s answer to Hawaii. Whilst that might be slightly far-fetched it is certainly true that since becoming a special economic zone in the 1980s, assisted by its steamy climate no doubt, the island has in recent years become a fully blown holiday resort for the sun starved northern Chinese during the winter. The resort of Sanya has some decent beaches and hotels and if timed right to avoid the typhoon season, is a great place to unwind, Chinese style, after your tour.