The Sanya River cuts through the centre of the city and empties into Sanya Bay just west of the downtown. It is short and tidal, and the bridges across it — particularly the Sanya River Bridge with its sweeping arch — give some of the best vantage points over the city skyline and Phoenix Island beyond. The promenade along the eastern bank has been landscaped into a park strip with palms, exercise equipment, and food stalls in the evenings.
The river divides Sanya into Hedong (east of the river, the older commercial centre) and Hexi (west, with more recent development). Walking the riverside path at sunset is one of the unsung pleasures of the city, especially around the fishing port near the mouth, where small wooden boats and modern fishing vessels are tied up side by side.