Although the paths along Sanya Bay and Haitung Bay offer the easiest and most accessible running in Sanya, there are several parks and forest preserves that are also decent — though more challenging — running options. Here are a few recommendations:

Luhuitou Park

Luhuitou Park
Luhuitou Park. Flickr

This hilly park features paths leading to a hilltop observation deck featuring great views. Mainly wooded. A loop of the main paths is ~6 km, with a nearly 200m elevation gain. Good option to get the heart rate up! ROUTE MAP

Lin Chun Ling Forest Park

Accessible via the 36 & 53Bus, this park located just east of Fenghuang Rd. is a hilly option. Run on some of the heavily forested hiking trails, or the 1,500+ steps to the viewing platform. This park is popular at night for its lights and views. Note: If doing the stairs, go at uncrowded times!

Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park

This is a popular visitor destination for its Dragon Rope Bridge and Glass Bottom Platform amidst a lush, tall tree canopy. While running these attractions isn’t recommended, there are some hiking trails in the Orchid Valley section of the park that make for some trail running. Most visitors take a lift to the top and hike down. Ambitious trail runners can run on these trails, are amidst a tropical rain forest and beautiful flowers.