Besides its obvious natural beauty, the silvery beach at Tianya Haijiao is best known for the engraved rocks that sit along its coast, one of which graces the back of the RMB 2 note. According to legend, the rocks form "the edge of the sky and the end of the sea" where Song dynasty officials were exiled in the late 13th century.
Pearls and coral jewelry are the best things to take home from Sanya. Look for the pearl farm in Tianya Haijiao, a good place to buy Hainan's famous seawater pearls. For the best bargains - and loads of atmosphere - check out the night market at Sanya harbor.
The currency used in China is the Renminbi Yuan (RMB or ¥).