China’s Beach Resorts: Best Places for Seaside Vacation in 2025

Hainan is not just an island in the South China Sea, but China’s answer to Bali and the Maldives. Here it’s warm all year round, the sand is white, the mangoes are juicier than those of the neighbors, and the hotel service has long exceeded all expectations. But to ensure that your vacation in China doesn’t turn into a lottery, it’s worth understanding in advance where exactly you want to wake up to the sound of the waves. Let’s consider the top 10 hotels on the island of Hainan, which consistently receive good reviews, impress with quality, and delight even the most demanding tourists.

Pullman Sanya Yalong Bay Villas & Resort

A paradise in Yalong Bay, where every guest gets personal space and tranquility. Villas are hidden in greenery, almost like in a botanical garden. Here you have everything: a private pool, jacuzzi, a bathtub the size of a boat, and a service that makes it hard to live without a butler again. Suitable for couples, honeymooners, and those who value privacy.

Atlantis Sanya

An underwater restaurant, a water park on an American scale, panoramic rooms, and shows happening right on the premises. Neither a child nor an adult will get bored here. Comfort lives side by side with entertainment in this complex.

Hilton Sanya Yalong Bay Resort & Spa

The golden mean between classic and modern. Beachfront location, well-kept grounds, and cozy rooms where every detail is well thought out. Here you’ll find a splendid breakfast, a quiet pool, and a spa that you’ll want to return to. The hotel is often chosen by families with children – convenient, delicious, and peaceful.

MGM Grand Sanya

For those who don’t mind relaxing to a DJ set and then going for an exquisite dinner in the evening. The atmosphere is premium without being pretentious. The interiors resemble glossy magazine covers, and the staff operates as if following a script of “guess from three notes.” There’s a casino, night bars, but also tranquility for those who just want to sleep.

Sofitel Sanya Leeman Resort

French style in the tropics. Snow-white bed linens, high ceilings, a restaurant with a cheese buffet, and a panoramic elevator. Not just stylish, but also comfortable. It will appeal to those accustomed to European quality but open to Asian sun and fruits.

Resort Intime Sanya

Yalongwan is a district where life doesn’t quiet down even after sunset. The location is its worthy representative. The location is one of the best: shops, cafes, and the beach are within walking distance. The staff speaks English, and the rooms are cleaned without complaints. Families with children often choose this resort for its entertainment and pool with a slide.

Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort & Spa

The second Pullman brand location on the island – equally stylish but a bit closer to the airport. Here you’ll enjoy luxurious views of the bay, and the pools cascade down to the sea. An extensive breakfast menu, polite staff, and modern rooms make it ideal for those who want to relax without unnecessary hustle.

The Sanya EDITION

The most designer hotel on the list. Black-and-white aesthetics, minimalism, natural materials, and a feeling as if you’ve stepped into an Instagram gallery. Adored by fashionistas and millennials. Inside, there are unique lounges, an eco-pond, and fire pits right by the water. People come here for the aesthetics and photogenic spots, and no one leaves disappointed.

Yalong Bay Villas & Spa

A quiet corner in the heart of Yalong Bay. Villas with gardens, separate entrances, private terraces, and in-room massages. Everything is designed so that you won’t want to leave the resort at all. Especially popular with those who came for a week – and stayed for two. An ideal choice for digital detox.

InterContinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort, an IHG hotel

The final participant in the list – premium with a capital “P.” Modern architecture, a huge SPA complex, and cuisine to suit every taste – from Chinese to Mediterranean. The brand speaks for itself, but the resort is even more delightful in person: it’s truly worth every yuan.

What to consider when booking a resort?

When choosing a place to stay in China, especially if you’re considering the top 10 hotels in Hainan, it’s important to pay attention not only to beautiful photos and stars on the facade. The comfort of your trip is made up of many details, and they determine how pleasant and hassle-free your stay will be. An option with excellent ratings may not be suitable if you don’t consider several key points at the booking stage.

Pay attention to:

• convenience of transfer to the airport and the beach;
• availability of Russian-speaking staff;
• private beach or partner beach – the difference will be in privacy;
• quality of food and drinks, especially if all-inclusive is planned;
• proximity to attractions or shopping areas.

Also, inquire in advance about what services are included in the price: use of pools, fitness center, sauna, SPA complex. In some hotels, amenities are paid for separately, and without preparation, you may encounter unpleasant surprises on the final bill.

What to expect from the top 10 hotels in Hainan

Hainan has long established itself as a warm and accessible destination for beach vacations, but in 2025, the island is taking it to a whole new level. In addition to a stable climate, gentle sea, and picturesque landscapes, the region is actively developing as a wellness destination with a focus on health, recovery, and inner balance.

More and more hotels are transitioning from the “just accommodation” format to full-fledged wellness programs, including traditional Chinese medicine, yoga sessions on the beach, organic food, and even farms with natural products.

Hotels with good reviews are expanding their spa complexes, adapting their cuisine, and training staff in English, which greatly facilitates communication.

Thus, a vacation in China is no longer just about the beach and accommodation, but a comprehensive experience where self-care becomes a central part of the journey.

Conclusion: Quality Determines Everything

Choosing a place to stay is not trivial. It affects your mood, impressions, and even the photos in your phone. That’s why the top 10 hotels in Hainan are a guide, not just a rating.

They gather locations that truly deserve attention and help make your vacation in China not just good, but memorable!

One bottle of shampoo — and the whole journey turns into an express course on aviation law. Regulations of different countries, specifics of airlines, safety requirements, weight and volume limits — all of this affects what can be taken in carry-on luggage on a plane. Ignoring the details can lead to fines, confiscation, and extra hours at security screening. Precision in packing becomes not a whim, but a mandatory part of flight preparation.

Check Starts Before the Airport

It’s easier to prevent a mistake in packing carry-on luggage than to argue with security at the entrance. Airlines establish requirements for carry-on luggage based on internal standards, ICAO recommendations, and national legislation. Every passenger encounters these rules when purchasing a ticket — at that moment, dimensions, baggage weight, list of permitted items, and even screening nuances are set.

Most airlines allow carrying one item — a suitcase, bag, or backpack — plus, sometimes, a personal accessory (such as a briefcase, laptop, or folder).

Size Matters: Dimensions and Weight of Carry-On Luggage

Standard permissible format in Europe: 55×40×20 cm (Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines), in Asia variations are allowed: 56×36×23 cm (Singapore Airlines), in the USA (JetBlue, Delta) more common is 56×35×23 cm.

Weight norm varies from 5 to 12 kg. Low-cost carriers (e.g., Ryanair, Pegasus) require not to exceed 7–8 kg, while Emirates and Qatar Airways allow up to 10 kg.

What can be taken in carry-on luggage on a plane — is not only a question of content, but also of grams. For every kilogram above the norm — a fee, from €30 to €150 depending on the destination and class.

What Can and Cannot Be Taken in Carry-On Luggage on a Plane

Before packing, it is important to clearly understand which items are allowed and which may cause refusal during screening. Compliance with established rules is the key to a calm boarding and avoiding extra expenses. To save time and money, it’s worth considering the restrictions in advance.

Permissible for carry-on:

1. Electronics (laptop, smartphone, headphones, power bank up to 100 Wh).
2. Medications (in original packaging, if needed — prescription).
3. Liquids in tubes up to 100 ml (in total packaging up to 1 liter, in a transparent bag).
4. Baby items (bottle with milk, puree, wipes).
5. Clothing, shoes, accessories.
6. Books, magazines.
7. Food in odorless packaging.
8. Miniature sports equipment (e.g., protective goggles, elbow pads).

Prohibited in carry-on luggage:

1. Knives, scissors with blades over 6 cm, screwdrivers, awls.
2. Explosive substances, lighters with gasoline, firecrackers.
3. Liquids over 100 ml.
4. Lacquers, aerosols, household chemicals.
5. Ice and gel batteries (without medical reasons).
6. Weapons and items imitating weapons.

Violation of these rules may lead to confiscation of items or additional expenses right at the airport. Screening at security is quick only for those who have understood the permissible list in advance.

What Can Be Taken in Carry-On Luggage on a Plane

Compact packaging eliminates unnecessary screening. Properly distributed weight inside the suitcase or bag helps pass security control faster. Heavy items are placed closer to the wheels (if any), glassware — in the middle, and electronics — closer to the top for quick demonstration.

Restrictions on liquids, batteries, and medications are the main factor for customs. Electronics are often asked to be placed separately, power banks — to be presented. During check-in, staff additionally inquire about the presence of prohibited items.

Case Study: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A passenger flying with EasyJet packed a 150 ml bottle of perfume — it was confiscated without return. Similarly, a tourist on a flight to Thailand carried a 120 ml jar of cream in a backpack — with a similar outcome. Liquids in carry-on luggage are strictly limited to 100 ml per bottle, and the packaging must fit in a 20×20 cm bag.

For items not on the list, checked baggage is arranged. Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a tariff with included checked baggage upfront than to pay for an oversized suitcase at check-in.

What can be taken in carry-on luggage on a plane depends not on desire, but on precise adherence to the carrier’s rules.

Specifics of Rules of Different Airlines

What can be taken in carry-on luggage on a plane directly depends on the airline. Rules of one company do not apply on board of another. Air France allows baggage up to 12 kg, while AirAsia strictly — no more than 7 kg, including a laptop and all accessories. Lufthansa permits two items in business class, Wizz Air allows only one backpack without additional fees, otherwise — a paid Priority service.

Rules also differ regarding children’s items. Emirates allows a separate bag with food and diapers for a child, while Ryanair requires everything to be packed in the main carry-on item.

Tariffs are also taken into account: basic ones always imply minimum norms. The higher the class, the larger the allowed volume — both weight and dimensions. It is important to check with the carrier’s official website before the flight to avoid surprises at check-in or boarding.

Electronics, Medications, Sports: How to Carry Without Problems

Items requiring special attention are conventionally divided into three categories: technology, medications, and specialized equipment. By following simple rules, most issues can be resolved even at the packing stage.

Electronics include phones, tablets, headphones, external batteries. Each device must be accessible for inspection. Power banks should not be placed in checked baggage — only in carry-on. Permissible capacity: up to 100 Wh (e.g., Xiaomi 20000mAh 3.0). Exceeding this requires approval from the airline.

Medications are allowed without volume restrictions with a prescription or clear indications (insulin, inhaler, eye drops). It is optimal to place them separately, in a transparent bag, with instructions in English.

Sports gear includes golf balls, goggles, protection, gloves, fitness bands. Carrying clubs, weights, rackets is not allowed — only miniature and safe items.

What can be taken in carry-on luggage on a plane — is the result of a careful approach to the type of item and packaging form.

Security Check at the Airport: Nuances and Hacks

Security starts with screening. The inspector evaluates the contents, looks for signs of violations, checks weight and volume. If the bag exceeds the dimensions but the passenger purchased an expanded tariff, no payment is required. Otherwise, a fee of €10 to €70 depending on the destination is applied.

Difficulties arise from having liquids in a bag without a bag, non-obvious devices (e.g., massage guns, stun guns), suspicious items in baggage (openers, scissors, soldering irons).

Tip: pre-place electronics, prepare documents, and sort the contents by inspection levels. This speeds up the process and reduces stress.

What is allowed in the cabin is not a set of formalities, but a well-thought-out flight safety system.

What Can Be Taken in Carry-On Luggage on a Plane: Conclusions

The conclusion is simple: to avoid overpaying and losing items, it is important to know in advance what can be taken in carry-on luggage on a plane and adhere to the airline’s rules. It’s better to send anything questionable directly to checked baggage. This approach saves money and eliminates stress at security screening.