Kite spot · Hainan
Kitesurfing in Sanya, Hainan
China's biggest beach resort, with two good spots in very different conditions.
When to go
Kiteable season: Jul–Sep · Oct–Feb
Sanya's main kite season is the north-east monsoon from November to March, with January the windiest month. Summer brings thermal breezes. Winds here are often on the lighter side, so bigger kites are useful; the rainy months are May to October.
See the best time to kitesurf in Hainan.
Where to ride
- Houhai (后海): A fishing village in Haitang Bay district, about an hour's drive from Sanya city, beside the Wuzhizhou Island ferry wharf. The northern beach works in north to east winds, with a sandy launch and small to moderate chop.
- Queen's Bay (皇后湾): On the other side of the Houhai peninsula: clear water and a wide, flat beach, popular for winter kitesurfing and used when the wind is from the east.
Conditions
China's biggest beach resort has two good kite spots with very different conditions, so between them there's usually something that suits your level. The season runs July to September and again October to February.
Getting there
Fly into Sanya Phoenix, or take the high-speed train from Bo'ao, about an hour.
Lessons and trips
We take riders to Sanya when the wind is better there than on the east coast, and can arrange overnight trips. If you're staying in Sanya, ask us about meeting you there.
Local tips
- Houhai is also China's best-known surf village, so share the water with surfers.
- Bring a big kite and plan sessions around the forecast.