Wanning city skyline and landmarks (万宁) - Travel China Guide

Wanning Travel Guide

Hainan's premier surfing destination with world-class waves, tropical plantations and laid-back beach culture.

About

Wanning, situated on the eastern coast of Hainan Island between Haikou and Sanya, has emerged as China premier surf destination. The city is blessed with two world-class surfing beaches — Shimei Bay and Riyue Bay — that draw wave riders from across the globe. Beyond surfing, Wanning is famous for the Xinglong area, a historic overseas Chinese settlement known for its coffee plantations, tropical botanical gardens, and unique Southeast Asian-influenced culture. The Xinglong area was established in the 1950s to resettle returned overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia, giving Wanning a distinctive multicultural character that sets it apart from other Hainan cities. Today, the city seamlessly blends tropical beach culture, agricultural heritage, and vibrant local traditions.

History & Development

The area now known as Wanning was established as Wan'an County during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). It was renamed Wanning County during the Song dynasty and upgraded to a county-level city in 1996. The Xinglong Overseas Chinese Farm was established in 1951, becoming one of China largest resettlement sites for returned overseas Chinese. During the 1960s and 1970s, Xinglong developed a thriving coffee industry, with returned overseas Chinese introducing Southeast Asian cultivation techniques. In recent decades, Wanning has transformed from an agricultural county into a tourism destination, with surfing becoming the defining symbol of its modern identity.

Economy & Industries

Wanning economy is driven by tourism, tropical agriculture, and increasingly, the coffee industry. The city attracts millions of visitors annually, drawn by its surfing beaches, the Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden, and duty-free shopping. Surf tourism alone contributes significantly to the local economy, with surf schools, board rental shops, and beachfront accommodations flourishing. Agriculture remains important, with Wanning being a major producer of coffee, tropical fruits, rubber, and betel nuts. The Xinglong coffee brand has gained national recognition. The city GDP was approximately 353 billion yuan in 2024, with tourism accounting for a growing share.

Top Attractions

🏔️ Nature

Shimei Bay

A stunning crescent-shaped bay with pristine white sand beach framed by lush tropical hills. Known for its crystal-clear waters, gentle waves perfect for beginner surfers, and upscale beachfront resorts.

★★★★ 4.7
🕐 Open all day
🎫 Free
🏔️ Nature

Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden

A vast botanical garden established in 1957, featuring over 1,200 species of tropical plants, including rare spices, medicinal herbs, cocoa, coffee, and exotic palms. Educational guided tours and tastings available.

★★★★ 4.4
🕐 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
🎫 50 yuan
🏔️ Nature

Riyue Bay

Also known as Moon Bay, this is one of China's premier surfing spots, hosting international surfing competitions. The consistent swells and offshore winds create ideal conditions for both beginner and advanced surfers.

★★★★ 4.6
🕐 Open all day
🎫 Free
🌳 Park

Dongshanling Park

A scenic hill park with panoramic views of Wanning coastline and surrounding countryside. Features ancient Buddhist rock carvings, temples, and a cable car to the summit.

★★★★ 4.3
🕐 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
🎫 30 yuan
📍 Other

Nanling Village

A traditional Hainanese village in the Xinglong area, famous for its well-preserved Li and Miao ethnic minority culture, bamboo houses, rice terraces, and handicraft workshops.

★★★★ 4.1
🕐 Open all day
🎫 Free
📍 Other

Wanning Outlets

A large shopping center featuring international brand outlets, local souvenir shops, and a food court. Popular destination for duty-free shopping under Hainan free trade port policies.

★★★★ 4
🕐 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
🎫 Free

Food & Culture

Discover the culinary treasures of Wanning, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.

Getting Around

✈️

Airport

Served by Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) about 140 km north and Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) about 110 km south.

🚄

High-Speed Rail

Wanning Railway Station on the Hainan East Ring High-Speed Railway connects to Haikou in about 40 minutes and Sanya in about 35 minutes.

🚇

Metro

No metro system. City buses connect the downtown area with major attractions. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are readily available. Bicycle rental is popular in the Xinglong area.

Best Time to Visit

🌸

Spring

Mar - May

★★★★☆

Warm and relatively dry with decreasing rainfall. Excellent conditions for surfing, hiking, and exploring botanical gardens.

  • Good surf conditions
  • Pleasant temperatures
  • Less humid
☀️

Summer

Jun - Aug

★★★☆☆

Hot, humid and rainy with occasional typhoons. Surfing conditions remain good with consistent swells. Lowest tourist season offers better deals.

  • Consistent surf swells
  • Low season prices
  • Abundant tropical fruits
🍂

Autumn

Sep - Nov

★★★★★

The best season with comfortable temperatures, lower rainfall, and excellent surf conditions. Ideal for outdoor activities and beach relaxation.

  • Best surf conditions
  • Perfect weather
  • Clear skies
❄️

Winter

Dec - Feb

★★★★☆

Warm and dry with pleasant daytime temperatures. The peak tourist season as domestic visitors escape the cold north. Surfing remains popular with good waves.

  • Peak surf season
  • Dry and sunny
  • Warm winter escape

Travel Reminders

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