Hainan Day 5 – A Tropical Christmas and the Final Massage

 Hainan Day 5 – A Tropical Christmas and the Final Massage

Spending Christmas in Sanya, Hainan, felt completely different from the snowy holidays I’m used to. The city was filled with Christmas decorations, but the weather was warm — almost too warm for holiday cheer. Palm trees and Santa hats? A strange but memorable combo.

We started the day with a hotel breakfast and a short swim. Since our group package didn’t begin until noon, we had time to relax at the resort. At 12 PM, we met our guide and headed out to visit Luhuitou Park and Buxingjie Walking Street.

Luhuitou Park – Romance and Scenic Views

Luhuitou Park sits on a hill at the southern edge of Sanya. According to legend, a young hunter chased a deer, which then turned into a beautiful woman. The name “Luhuitou” means “Deer Looking Back.” This story has made the park a romantic symbol in the city.

We took a shuttle bus up and down the hill, which made the visit easy despite the warm weather. From the top, we had a wide view of both the city and the sea. I personally love high viewpoints, so this park was one of my favorite stops.

Buxingjie – Shops, Snacks, and Wandering

While some members of our group went to the Songcheng Romance Show (a famous performance showcasing Hainan’s culture), we stayed around Buxingjie for about 1.5 hours. The street was smaller than we expected, so we had extra time after checking out stores like Miniso, Watsons, and local accessory stands.

After some light shopping, my sister and I relaxed at McDonald's — our legs needed a break! The area had beach vibes, open-air cafes, and lots of people enjoying the festive mood.

Optional Spa Package – The Best $70 Spent

Instead of going back to the hotel for day-use, we chose the optional full-body massage and sauna package suggested by our guide. For about $70, we got access to a luxurious Chinese-style spa. The facility was massive and clean, with hot tubs, saunas, and a quiet massage zone. Honestly, it was the perfect way to end the trip.

Dinner and Final Reflections

Dinner that evening was at a Korean BBQ restaurant. We were shocked by the blackened grill at first, but the pork belly turned out delicious. After dinner, we returned to the spa to shower, relax, and receive our final massage. I really didn’t want the trip to end.

This warm, relaxing, and slightly quirky Christmas will stay in my memory forever.