Tianya Haijiao | The Ends of the Earth

An Iconic Seaside Destination of Sanya
Tianya Haijiao | The Ends of the Earth

"Tianya Haijiao" (the Ends of the Earth) represents eternal love in China. This scenic area called "The End of the Earth" has become a popular destination for couples to propose, honeymoon or take photos. There are not only beautiful sea views and strange rocks, but also sculpture gardens and characteristic buildings with a strong cultural atmosphere. A trip to the End of the Earth is not just about seeing the sea, but also about touching the intersection of history and emotion.

Quick Facts
  • Chinese name: 天涯海角 Tiān Yá Hǎi Jiǎo
  • Suggested time: Half a day
  • Ticket: The ticket price varies. In the peak season (from September 1st to the end of February of the next year), the adult ticket is 81 yuan per person; in the off-season (from March 1st to August 31st), it is 68 yuan per person.
  • Open hours: 7:30 - 18:00. Note that the opening hours may be adjusted during some special holidays. It's better to check in advance.
  • The best time to visit: All year around
  • Address: Tianya Haijiao Tourist Area, Tianya District, Sanya City, Hainan Province, China
  • How to get there: Take bus lines like 6, 16, 24, 25, 26, 57, etc. and get off at Tianya Haijiao Station.
  • Surroundings: Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone is about 40 kilometers away. There are also some local fishing villages nearby where you can experience the local coastal lifestyle.

Highlights of Tianya Haijiao

Tianya Bookstore

Tianya Bookstore is a comprehensive space integrating the sales of cultural and creative products, cultural exchanges, and leisure tea breaks. When you enter Tianya Bookstore, the all-glass curtain wall structure, 360° perspective viewing glass, unique design concept themed "Fire in the Iceberg", space design with a distinct sense of life aesthetics, and the rich cultural atmosphere inside the store attract many tourists.

The outdoor area provides a comprehensive functional space for passing tourists to rest. The bookstore has two floors, covering an area of about 450 square meters. Currently, it houses 1,800 types of books, amounting to nearly 20,000 volumes. It has been crafted into a compound cultural space full of life aesthetics, integrating functions such as themed bookstores, maker spaces, art galleries, creative markets, coffee and light meal areas, handicraft workshops, parent-child spaces and venue services.

Sun and Moon Stones

Sun and Moon StonesSun and Moon Stones

The Sun and Moon Stones are a pair of natural rocks, symbolizing the sun and the moon shining together. They are often regarded by couples as a symbol of eternal love. It is said that this is a reef incarnated by a pair of infatuated men and women, who still stay together regardless of wind and rain.

Best shooting spot: In the hidden corner here, there is a small platform half-hidden by dense vegetation, which can only be seen at low tide. Standing there to shoot, you can perfectly combine the Sun and Moon Stones with the Tianya and Haijiao Stones in the distance in one picture.

Lovers' Tree

Lovers' TreeLovers' Tree

The Lovers' Tree is located to the east of Tianya Haijiao Love Square. It is a row of staggered coconut trees planted by landscape workers in the scenic area. Among these trees, there are two that overlap, symbolizing the connection and interdependence of two souls, and are regarded as a symbol of love. Moreover, the Lovers' Tree is considered an ideal backdrop for both photography enthusiasts and ordinary tourists. Ideal shooting angles can be found around it.

Magnolia Bud

Magnolia BudMagnolia Bud

The Magnolia Bud is located northwest of the Lovers' Tree. Originally an oval-shaped granite rock, during the weathering process caused by marine erosion, it gradually split into several petal-like parts due to its own gravity. This formation, resembling a magnolia bud, has earned it the title of the world's largest "magnolia-like" rock. Additionally, this petrified "magnolia" formation is sometimes also referred to as a "lotus".

"Haidong Nantian" stone

The "Haidong Nantian" stone carving stands 7 meters high and 10 meters wide, with the four Chinese characters "Haidong Nantian" engraved on it. "Haidong Nantian" can be interpreted as the sea and the southern sky being intertwined, symbolizing the boundless expanse of the South China Sea's territory. According to textual research, the "Haidong Nantian" inscription is a landmark left by the national mapping activities during the Qing Dynasty.

Nantianyizhu

NantianyizhuNantianyizhu

The most famous “Nantianyizhu” (Pillar South of the Sky) is a towering conical stone, approximately 7 meters high. The back of China's fourth-set 2-yuan RMB note features this “Nantianyizhu”. As a result, it is also regarded by the world as a symbol of wealth. When the first ray of sunlight pierces through the clouds and shines on this 7-meter-high stone pillar, the whole column seems to be gilded with a layer of golden light. “Nantianyizhu” is a straight stone pillar that has been eroded by thousands of years of wind and waves, yet it still stands firm in the turbulent South China Sea.

Tianya Stone and Haijiao Stone

Tianya StoneTianya Stone

Standing here, you can see two huge granite stones towering between the blue sea and the blue sky. The four Chinese characters "Tianya" and "Haijiao" are respectively engraved on them. This place is not only where countless couples have pledged their love but also a symbol of unwavering love, equivalent to the phrase "seas run dry and rocks crumble" in Chinese culture. It is said to be a highly auspicious stone, which attracts many couples to propose, make eternal vows, or pray for everlasting love here.

Recommended shooting point: Arriving before 6 am, you can discover a lesser-known shooting angle. Walk up the path on the east side, with your back to the rising sun, and the Tianya Stone will form a perfect silhouette against the backdrop of the rising sun.

Suggested Travel Routes:

Tianya Bookstore → Sun and Moon Stones → Lovers' Tree → Nantian Yizhu (Pillar South of the Sky) → Tianya Stone and Haijiao Stone

Educational Value

The Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area is located by the seaside and has unique coastal landforms. Landscapes such as sea erosion cliffs and sea erosion pillars here are the result of the long-term erosion of seawater. By observing and analyzing these landforms, you can understand how the rocks on the Earth's surface change under the influence of natural forces such as ocean waves and wind, as well as the geological evolution process over a long period of time. This can enhance your knowledge of geological changes, the dynamic effects of the ocean, and other related aspects.

Activities to do at Tianya Haijiao

Propose Marriage or Confess LovePropose Marriage or Confess Love

Rock Observation and Research: Observe rocks such as large beach rocks within the scenic area, understand their origins, structures, and characteristics. Analyze the impacts of seawater erosion, weathering, and other processes on the rocks, and study the evolution process of coastal landforms.

Recreational Activities: Speed across the sea on a motorboat and enjoy the beautiful sea view. Take a sailboat and savor the pleasure of sailing. Sit on a banana boat and feel the bumps and excitement on the sea.

Honeymoon Trip: Propose or go on a honeymoon trip in this romantic place, stay away from the troubles of work, and enjoy the sweet world for two.

By Mia Li
Web Editor
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