Yazhou Bay, nestled in the southwest of Sanya City within Hainan Province, is a bay with a rich historical tapestry. The Ningyuan River gracefully flows into the top of the bay, and at its estuary lies Yacheng, which was under the jurisdiction of ancient Yazhou, lending its name to the bay. With a history spanning nearly 2,000 years, Yazhou Bay has been a pivotal trading port at the southernmost tip of China and a crucial harbor for the ancient Maritime Silk Road’s departures and supplies.
In the annals of history, Yazhou Bay has played host to significant figures such as General Lu Bode and Ma Yuan, known as the ‘two generals Fubo’ during the Han Dynasty. They traversed the bay, pacifying regions like Zhuya and Jiaozhi—modern-day northern Vietnam—establishing cities and fortresses, and marking their achievements with the ‘copper pillars in the south of heaven’. The eminent monk Jianzhen, during his fifth voyage to Japan in the Tang Dynasty, was waylaid by a typhoon for over a month, ultimately landing at Yazhou Bay. There, he dried the scriptures dampened by seawater on the coastal slopes, which have since been affectionately dubbed the ‘Sun-drying Scriptures Slope’ by the locals. The paddy fields he passed are now known as ‘Monk’s Fields’.
Today, Yazhou Bay retains the charm of its original beach, echoing with the timeless tales of these ancient luminaries. Visitors can immerse themselves in the relatively untouched seaside beauty and even meander to Yazhou Fishing Port to witness the picturesque scene of fishermen singing in the evening, and to experience the vibrant bustle of the seafood trading market.The specific business status and opening hours are subject to the actual opening situation on that particular day.
