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.
Hainan's premier surfing destination with world-class waves, tropical plantations and laid-back beach culture.
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.
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.
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.
Discover the culinary treasures of Wanning, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Served by Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) about 140 km north and Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) about 110 km south.
Wanning Railway Station on the Hainan East Ring High-Speed Railway connects to Haikou in about 40 minutes and Sanya in about 35 minutes.
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.
Mar - May
Warm and relatively dry with decreasing rainfall. Excellent conditions for surfing, hiking, and exploring botanical gardens.
Jun - Aug
Hot, humid and rainy with occasional typhoons. Surfing conditions remain good with consistent swells. Lowest tourist season offers better deals.
Sep - Nov
The best season with comfortable temperatures, lower rainfall, and excellent surf conditions. Ideal for outdoor activities and beach relaxation.
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.
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