Sanya Luhuitou Park: Best Night Views & The Deer City Legend 2026

Luhuitou Park: A Must-Visit in Sanya, Hainan

If you're exploring the tropical paradise of Sanya on Hainan Island, China, there’s one iconic spot you absolutely can't miss.

It’s none other than Luhuitou Park (鹿回头公园), a cherished symbol of Sanya and renowned for its breathtaking night views.

While Sanya might not boast an overwhelming number of tourist attractions, Luhuitou Park definitely stands out as a worthwhile destination.

Perched atop a hill, the park offers panoramic vistas, making the Sanya cityscape truly spectacular after dark.

Today, I’m excited to share all the essential details about Luhuitou Park, based on my own recent visit!

What is Luhuitou Park? The Legend Behind the Name

The name Luhuitou (鹿回头) literally translates to 'Deer Turning Head' in English, and it holds a beautiful ancient legend.

Long ago, deep within Hainan Island's Wuzhishan (Five-Finger Mountain), a young Li hunter, clad in a red turban and armed with a bow, relentlessly pursued a deer. He crossed ninety-nine mountains and ninety-nine rivers, finally cornering the deer at the edge of a cliff overlooking the vast South China Sea.

With nowhere left to go, the deer stopped. Just as the hunter drew his bow, a flash of light and smoke erupted. From within the smoke, the deer turned its head and miraculously transformed into a beautiful Li maiden. The two fell instantly in love, married, and settled down on that very hill.

That hill is what we now call Luhuitou, meaning 'where the deer turned its head.' This captivating tale is one of China's three great ethnic minority love legends, adding a rich layer of storytelling to the site.

Inspired by this legend, a magnificent ~49-foot (15-meter) stone sculpture of Luhuitou stands proudly, making it the largest outdoor sculpture on all of Hainan Island.

Thanks to this legend, Sanya is also affectionately known as 'Luchéng' (鹿城), or 'Deer City.'

Luhuitou Park Address & Hours

Chinese Name: 鹿回头公园

Address: 三亚市大东海鹿岭路鹿回头公园

You can easily copy and paste the Chinese name or address into local map apps or ride-hailing services like Didi for navigation.

To experience both the gorgeous sunset and the vibrant night views, I recommend heading up around dusk. The park operates until 10:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to soak in the evening atmosphere!

Getting Your Tickets (and Why You'll Want an Electric Cart)

While there’s no separate entrance fee for Luhuitou Park, the climb up the hill is quite significant, and Hainan's weather can be incredibly hot and humid. Trust me, you'll want to consider taking the electric cart!

I initially wanted to purchase just a round-trip electric cart ticket. However, upon arriving at the on-site ticket office, I found they were only selling some kind of package deal.

If only I had known I could purchase tickets online in advance, I wouldn't have bought the more expensive package at the park! It was a bit frustrating, and with the language barrier, it's possible I just missed the option for a standalone electric cart ticket.

For those planning a visit, I discovered that Trip.com offers round-trip electric cart tickets!

📌 Purchase Round-Trip Electric Cart Tickets on Trip.com

I’ve included the link, so if you need it, go ahead and grab your tickets there!

Ride the Electric Cart Up!

Walking all the way to the top of the mountain is certainly an option.

However, to be frank, hiking up a hill in Sanya's hot climate can be quite challenging.

Unless you have exceptional stamina, I highly recommend taking the electric cart. It's not overly expensive, and it makes the journey much more enjoyable.

If you walk, you'll likely arrive at the summit drenched in sweat. With the electric cart, you can relax, enjoy the surrounding scenery, and save your energy for fully appreciating the magnificent night views at the top!

I personally opted for the round-trip electric cart, and it was a great decision!

📌 Purchase Round-Trip Electric Cart Tickets on Trip.com

The Night Views Are Truly Incredible!

The reason I wholeheartedly recommend Luhuitou Park as Sanya's premier night view spot is the breathtaking panorama it offers. From the summit, surrounded by the sea on three sides, you get a full, unobstructed view of the entire Sanya city.

Once the sun dips below the horizon and the city lights begin to twinkle, the scenery transforms into something truly unforgettable.

During the day, you can clearly see the beautiful coastline towards Dadonghai Beach. At night, the city lights merge with the dark expanse of the ocean, creating a magical ambiance.

If possible, plan your visit to coincide with sunset. This way, you can enjoy both the stunning sunset colors and the dazzling nightscape in one memorable experience!

Final Thoughts on Luhuitou Park

Luhuitou Park is an absolute must-add to your Sanya itinerary. Its value as a viewpoint for panoramic city night views is undeniable!

When heading up the hill, I strongly advise taking the electric cart to conserve your energy. Aim to arrive around sunset to leisurely enjoy both the golden hour and the enchanting evening lights.

If you only have time to choose one night view spot in Sanya, Luhuitou Park is my top recommendation!