Shopping in Sanya

The best things to take home from Sanya are definitely sea products. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, this is an ideal place to pick up some pretty shell or coral based decorations and jewelry. 

Bear in mind however, that this is essentially a tourist destination and prices may be higher than one would expect to pay elsewhere in China. Seawater pearls are particularly gorgeous here, and widely available in tourist shops and from traders across the island. The night market around the harbor in Sanya, oozes with atmosphere and bargains galore! 

Take some time to stroll around here, soak up the smells and sounds and browse the fantastic collection of goods for sale here. Crystal also makes a pretty souvenir. In Sanya city, the major shopping districts are the Dadonghai and Tianya Haijiao districts and there are a few good places on Jiefang Rd. Good shops to consider are the Jingrun Pearl Shop, Yanglan Crystal Shop and the Guobin Department Store.

Care:
1. The mementos of hotel or shop are more expensive than that of the stalls. However if you buy them with the peddlers, first of all you should know how to haggle with them. In Yalong Bay Square there is a seashell market where the peddlers will show you many kinds of seashell which are very expensive.
2. Usually peddlers get together in the End of the World. They will try their best to persuade you to buy their goods. If you don't want to buy anything, leave them as far as possible or refuse them decidedly at the very beginning and then do not respond them any more. But if you are fond of some, you'd better learn how to cut the price from the tenth first and never give the final price higher than the quarter of total price.
3.When you buy the crystal or pearl, you should pay more attention to the fake.
4.Generally, the handiwork of coconut is sold in stationary stalls. You can go to the city centre to select some.
5.Do not buy the coral or turtle. They are strictly prohibited to sell.

Coral

Coral is commonly known as the "stone flower of the sea" in Hainan due to the spectacular color and elegant shape of the coral found here.  

Corals of various color are used together with shells and other natural products according to traditional techniques used in  Bonzai. Bonzai (contrary to popular western conception) is in fact the arrangement of objects, in this case coral, and not, a type of tree! 

The Coral Bonzai of Hainan is a good choice to buy as a souvenir.

Crystal

Crystal from Hainan is arguably the best in China. Chiarman Mao's coofin in Beijing was built with Hainan crystal. 

The luminous natural material is not only made into various kinds of jewels including necklaces, brooches and earrings, but apparently has medicinal benefits!

Seawater Pearl

Seawater pearls are famous for their huge size and colorful surface compared to freshwater pearls which are more commonly found throughout China. 

The biggest seawater pearls have a diameter of 1.5 cm.

These unique pearls are not only used to make various jewels including necklaces, rings, brooches and earrings, but also made into beautiful pearl decoration. 

What's more, pearl powder is traditionally used by Chinese women as a secret treatment to help maintain youth and beauty.