Chinese Renminbi banknote scenery: Conical stone ‘Nantianyizhu’

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The iconic scene on the back of the fourth edition of the two-yuan Chinese renminbi banknote is a popular tourist attraction in South China's Hainan Province called Nantianyizhu, which means "a pillar standing in the southern part of the sky" in Chinese. With the beautiful legend and stunning natural views, this site attracts millions of tourists from home and abroad every year. Follow CGTN for a glimpse of Nantianyizhu!

Nantianyizhu

Situated in the popular Tianya Haijiao Scenic Spot, the conical stone Nantianyizhu, also known as Southern Heaven Rock, is a must-see for visitors coming to Hainan's Sanya City. There are unique rocks of all sizes and shapes scattered along the clear beach in the tourist area. Among which, the most famous is Nantianyizhu.

Nantianyizhu at Tianya Haijiao Scenic Spot in Hainan Province, south China. /VCG Photo

Wandering along the beach of the scenic spot, the huge stone carved with four Chinese characters "Nan Tian Yi Zhu," stands out.

Standing roughly 7 meters high, this majestic rock symbolizes fortune and great power. The legend behind this site says that this towering rock has the power to turn something decayed into something magical.

The beach in Tianya Haijiao Scenic Spot, Sanya, Hainan Province, south China. /VCG Photo

Travel information:

Best time to travel: As the weather is almost always cozy in Sanya City, we suggest tourists to travel from September to April.

Entrance fee for the Tianya Haijiao Scenic Spot: The entrance fee varies from season to season: October-April: 81 yuan; May-September: 68 yuan.

Children under 1.2 meters tall are free; children between 1.2-1.4 meters are half price.

Tianya Haijiao Scenic Spot, Sanya, Hainan Province, south China. /VCG Photo

Opening hours for Tianya Haijiao Scenic Spot: 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Transportation:

Visitor could take bus line 16, 25, 26, 32, 55, 57 or a tourist line from downtown Sanya to Tianya Haijiao Scenic Spot. Taking a taxi from downtown Sanya to get there costs about 30 yuan.

Travel tips:

1. Visitors should avoid traveling during peak times like the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday as the scenic spot will be full of tourists, making it difficult to buy entrance tickets and obstructing views.

2. Nantianyizhu is over 2.5 kilometers away from the entrance gate. Tourists can be transported by golf cart if needed.