China Travel Guide: Hainan

Tianya Haijiao (The End of the Earth), Sanya

In ancient times, Qiong Island (present Hainan) was a barren and desolate area with few inhabitants. With poor communications, the island was very difficult to reach and became a place of exile for officials who had betrayed the rulers of the feudal dynasties. People arriving here found themselves in a place with no roads in or out and felt helpless, crying "this is truly the end of the Earth".

Here, the bluish green ocean blends into the sky as if they were one. Misty waves, spots of sails, swinging coconut trees and exotic stones all come together to form a picturesque landscape. Giant rocks inscribed with "End of the Skies", "Corner of the Sea" and "Giant Pillar in the South China Sea" standing on the shore are a part of the rare scenery of Hainan.