I recently had the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a quick trip to Sanya, China. It was a much-needed break, and I'm so glad I decided to go after hiking Mount Taishan.

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As a member of Hilton and Marriott reward programs, I always look for who has the best options when traveling. In this case Hilton won (Sorry Marriott!). I stayed at the Hilton Sanya Yalong Bay, which was basically paradise. My room was amazing, my favorite part being the huge tub to relax in. The hotel's beachfront location, luxurious amenities, and impeccable service made for a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience. One thing that may be a little shocking is the number of cameras on the beach, it was quite extensive. I was told that there is a military base near by which is why there were so many cameras, but just be aware. I spent my days lounging by the pool, sipping cocktails, and soaking up the sun. The hotel's spa was also a highlight, offering a variety of rejuvenating treatments to pamper myself after a day of exploring.

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One of the places recommended to visit by the hotel was Yalong Bay Tropical Forest Park. When you arrive, there is a bus that drives you up the mountain to the first stop - the Orchid garden. I walked through the garden and saw some beautiful orchids in a variety of colors, From there, you can either continue to walk up the mountain to the next area or take the bus. I took the bus! I failed to mention the humidity was so thick during my visit that I don't think I had sweat this much in my life!

 

The park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, and it's a great place to learn about the local ecology. I also had to check out the Glass Bridge. It's basically a see-through bridge suspended high above a valley. Before you are able to walk on the bridge, you are given a pair of booties to put over your shoes to reduce how much you can slip and have less scratches on the bridge. I'm not gonna lie, it was a bit scary, but the views were totally worth it! The bridge is made of transparent glass, so you can see right through to the valley below. It was a thrilling and exhilarating experience that I'll never forget. There is also a great lookout and a huge dragon statue at the top of the forest. From there, you can take the bus back down to the entrance.

 

If you're a foodie or love to check out authentic goods like me, you'll love the Night Market. There's so much food to try, and a lot of fresh seafood. Unfortunately, I am not a seafood fan but I am sure if you are it was a great place to try all sorts of local delicacies. The night market was full of vendors selling fresh fruits and pearls. There were pearls everywhere and in all shapes and sizes. And inexpensive!

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Since I do enjoy window shopping, I also made sure to visit Haitang Bay Duty Free Shopping Mall. Lots of high end, luxury stores however I really did just enjoy looking at the unique store displays at some of the stores like Dior seashell display. Check out the design below!

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My trip to Sanya was amazing. It was the perfect escape from reality. It was peaceful and serene. Sanya is a truly special place, with its stunning beaches, lush forests, and friendly locals. If you're looking for a tropical paradise in China, I highly recommend visiting Sanya.