Nightlife and Entertainment in Hainan

As with all seaside tourist destinations, Sanya nightlife and entertainment has some excellent offerings. Due to its tropical climate and year round sunny weather, many locals wait until the late evening before going out to party. Getting out at night is therefore one of the best ways to meet the local people. Sanya has a wealth of options for visitors in the evenings including a theater, relaxing cafes and exclusive nightclubs. Here are a few of the highlights:

Zuoan Coffee and Bar

Situated on the left side of Sanya Bay near the port, Zuoan Coffee and Bar is a cool and relaxing place to hang out at night. The relaxing atmosphere is complimented by old French music and the bar features decorations depicting the local Hainan culture, including handcrafted ornaments and embroideries displayed on the walls. Zuoan offers a varied menu that includes both local and international food. Pizza is the specialty, with 16 different homemade varieties on offer. Zuoan also has a huge coffee menu and wine list.

Sanya Universal Theater

Being the only theater on Hainan Island, Sanya Universal Theatre is therefore extremely popular and sometimes it may even be sold out, so you need to book tickets beforehand in order to guarantee a good seat. The theater performs many local plays and dances, including the well known poetic song and dance show Luhuitou and Dadase, which has won many awards in China and is acclaimed for its special effects.

Times Coast Street Bar

The Times Coast Street Bar is actually a collection of several bars, all integrated into one building, a huge open square piazza. All the bars are decorated in tropical beach styles with bamboo tables and chairs, hammocks and big cushions for the patrons to relax in. This area is popular with a young, local Chinese crowd and foreigners alike. Some of the most popular bars here are the well known Allen Club, Noah’s Ark Bar and the Bujianbusan Bar.

Be There or Be Square Bar

Be There or Be Square Bar is one of the most popular places in Sanya to go for live music. The bar is located next to the river on Hexi road, which is very central and therefore easy to find. Be There or Be Square actually features two bars. On the ground floor, the ‘Showing Bar’ features live music from local bands that usually perform covers of American rock bands. Underground, the ‘Slow Bar’ is more of a chill out room. Much quieter than upstairs and with soft lighting, this is a place where patrons can sit in comfort and chat, watch the football or play some rounds of pool.

Lidu Nightclub

Lidu is probably unique among clubs in Sanya in that it remains extremely popular year after year due to its exclusive status. Located in the basement of the 5 star Sanya Maintint Hotel, Lidu is a big draw for the many rich ‘new Chinese’ including both locals and tourists from the mainland. Lido is a very hip place with a young crowd and cool vibe. Lidu features some top European and Chinese DJ’s playing trance, techno and hip hop, and it stays open late.