Beili Village
A historic fishing village with well-preserved traditional Hainanese architecture, narrow lanes, and a peaceful coastal atmosphere. The village offers a glimpse into Hainan traditional coastal life.
Hainan sunniest coastal city on the west coast, famous for its dry climate year-round sunshine and fish port culture.
Dongfang, meaning "the East" in Chinese, sits on the southwestern coast of Hainan Island facing Vietnam across the Gulf of Tonkin. It is the sunniest city in Hainan, with over 2,500 hours of annual sunshine — significantly more than the eastern side of the island. This unique microclimate has earned it the reputation as Hainan "sunshine city."
The city center is Basuo (八所), a lively port town that serves as the administrative and commercial hub of Dongfang. The city economy has traditionally been based on fishing, salt production, and tropical agriculture, with a growing focus on renewable energy and tourism.
Dongfang was historically part of the Ganen County (感恩县), established during the Sui dynasty (581-618 AD). The area was known for its salt production and as an important stop along the Maritime Silk Road. In 1952, the area was reorganized as Dongfang County, and in 1997 it was upgraded to a county-level city.
The Basuo area was developed as a major fishing port in the 20th century, and the city has gradually transformed from a remote fishing community into a growing coastal city with expanding infrastructure and tourism.
Dongfang economy is anchored by fishing, agriculture, renewable energy, and tourism. The Basuo Fishing Port is one of Hainan largest, processing thousands of tons of seafood annually. The city also has significant solar energy capacity, taking advantage of its abundant sunshine.
The nearby industrial parks support food processing and building materials. Tourism is growing steadily, with eco-tourism and rural tourism becoming new growth areas. The city GDP was approximately 230 billion yuan in 2024.
Discover the culinary treasures of Dongfang, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Served by Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) about 150 km south, and Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) about 180 km north.
Dongfang Station on the Hainan Western Ring High-Speed Railway connects to Haikou in about 1 hour and Sanya in about 40 minutes.
No metro system. Bus services connect Basuo to surrounding towns and attractions. Taxis and ride-hailing are available within the city.
Mar - May
Warm and relatively dry with abundant sunshine. Ideal for coastal walks and exploring the countryside.
Jun - Aug
Hot and humid with occasional typhoons. Despite the heat, this season offers the lowest hotel rates.
Sep - Nov
The most pleasant season with decreasing rainfall, comfortable temperatures, and clear skies. Best for outdoor activities.
Dec - Feb
Warm and dry — the driest season. Daytime temperatures remain pleasant, making it a popular winter escape for domestic tourists.
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