Why Hainan
Hainan is China's tropical paradise — turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and swaying coconut palms. Most people only know Sanya, but the island has far more to offer.
Sanya's Yalong Bay, Wuzhizhou Island, and Tianya Haijiao are must-sees, but Haikou's Qilou Old Street, Wenchang's Coconut Grove, and W Riyue Bay's surfing scene are equally rewarding.
This guide is compiled from multiple Hainan trips. It's not a "ten attractions in three days" speed-run — it's a slow-travel guide to truly experience the tropics.
If you have 240 hours (10 days) of visa-free transit time, that's enough to fall in love with the "Hawaii of the East."
Hainan Is More Than Sanya
Hainan Island has four main tourist regions:
- Sanya: Yalong Bay, Wuzhizhou Island, Tianya Haijiao, Nanshan Temple, Dadonghai, Sanya Bay
- Haikou: Qilou Old Street, Wanlv Century Bridge, Volcano Park, Holiday Beach
- East Coast: Wenchang (Coconut Grove), Qionghai (Boao), Wanning (Riyue Bay), Lingshui (Boundary Island)
- West Coast: Danzhou, Dongfang, Ledong
Must-See Attractions
Sanya Bay
Sanya Bay is Sanya's longest bay, stretching 22 kilometers — the best spot for sunset watching. In the evening, golden sunlight paints the sea in spectacular fashion.
Admission: Free
Recommended time: 2-3 hours
Tianya Haijiao (End of the Earth)
Tianya Haijiao is one of Hainan's most famous landmarks, known for its "End of the World" and "Corner of the Sea" rock formations. Despite commercialization, it remains an iconic Hainan experience.
Admission: ¥81 (~$11)
Recommended time: 2-3 hours
Wuzhizhou Island
Wuzhizhou is Hainan's most beautiful island — crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand. A paradise for divers and photographers alike.
Admission: ¥144 (~$20, includes round-trip ferry)
Recommended time: Full day
Nanshan Temple
Nanshan Temple is southern China's most important Buddhist site, featuring a stunning 108-meter-tall Guanyin statue standing in the sea. A place for blessings and cultural exploration.
Admission: ¥129 (~$18)
Recommended time: 3-4 hours
Haikou Qilou Old Street
Qilou Old Street is Haikou's most distinctive attraction, featuring Southeast Asian-style arcade architecture. Free admission — great for architecture, street food, and photography.
Admission: Free
Recommended time: 2-3 hours
Haikou Volcano Park
A UNESCO Global Geopark featuring ancient volcanic craters and lava tunnels. Great for geology enthusiasts and tropical plant lovers.
Admission: ¥60 (~$8)
Recommended time: 2-3 hours
7-Day Island Loop
Day 1: Arrive Haikou → Qilou Old Street → Holiday Beach
Day 2: Haikou → Wenchang → Coconut Grove → Space Launch Center
Day 3: Wenchang → Qionghai → Boao → Wanning → Riyue Bay
Day 4: Wanning → Lingshui → Boundary Island
Day 5: Lingshui → Sanya → Yalong Bay → Tropical Forest Park
Day 6: Sanya → Wuzhizhou Island → Sanya Bay sunset
Day 7: Sanya → Nanshan Temple → Tianya Haijiao → Depart
Day 1: Arrive Haikou — Qilou Old Street & Holiday Beach
Arrive in Haikou and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring Qilou Old Street — Haikou's most distinctive attraction with Southeast Asian arcade architecture, local snacks, and souvenir shops.
In the evening, head to Holiday Beach for sunset and sea breeze — a perfect introduction to Haikou's relaxed vibe.
Day 2: Haikou → Wenchang — Coconut Grove & Space Launch Center
Depart Haikou in the morning for Wenchang. The Wenchang Coconut Grove is Hainan's most beautiful coconut forest, stretching for tens of kilometers.
In the afternoon, visit the Wenchang Space Launch Center — China's southernmost rocket launch facility.
Day 3: Wenchang → Qionghai → Boao → Wanning → Riyue Bay
Morning drive to Qionghai to visit the Boao Forum for Asia permanent venue — a window into Asian economic cooperation.
Afternoon in Wanning. Riyue Bay is a surfer's paradise — try surfing or watch the pros ride the waves.
Day 4: Wanning → Lingshui → Boundary Island
Morning drive to Lingshui. Boundary Island is one of Hainan's most beautiful islands — crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand.
Activities include diving, swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach.
Day 5: Lingshui → Sanya — Yalong Bay & Tropical Forest Park
Morning arrival in Sanya. Yalong Bay is Sanya's most beautiful bay — known as "the best bay under heaven."
Afternoon at the Tropical Forest Park — filming location for "If You Are the One 2" — with stunning rainforest views.
Day 6: Sanya → Wuzhizhou Island → Sanya Bay Sunset
Full day on Wuzhizhou Island — Hainan's most beautiful island with crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches.
Evening return to Sanya Bay for a spectacular sunset over the sea.
Day 7: Sanya — Nanshan Temple & Tianya Haijiao → Depart
Morning at Nanshan Temple, visiting the 108-meter sea Guanyin statue for blessings.
Afternoon at Tianya Haijiao, posing at the iconic "End of the World" rocks, then head to the airport for departure.
What to Eat
Hainan Chicken Rice
Price: ¥30-50 (~$4-7) per person
Why try it: Hainan's most iconic dish — tender juicy chicken with fragrant rice and a signature dipping sauce.
Qingbuliang (Cooling Dessert)
Price: ¥15-25 (~$2-3) per person
Why try it: Hainan's most popular dessert — coconut milk, shaved ice, and fresh fruit. The perfect tropical treat.
Baoluo Noodles
Price: ¥15-25 (~$2-3) per person
Why try it: A Hainan specialty — silky noodles in a savory broth with beef or pork toppings.
Hainan's Four Famous Dishes
- Wenchang Chicken: #1 of the Four Famous Dishes — tender, crispy skin (¥80-120)
- Hele Crab: Sweet crab meat, rich roe, best steamed (¥150-200)
- Dongshan Lamb: Tender lamb with no gamey taste, braised or stewed (¥100-150)
- Jiaji Duck: Tender duck with crispy skin and signature sauce (¥80-120)
Food Tips
- First Market: Seafood stalls — negotiate prices before ordering to avoid overcharging
- Near attractions: More expensive — better value in city centers
- Roadside stalls: Hygiene varies — stick to established restaurants
Where to Stay
Sanya
- Yalong Bay: High-end resort zone with five-star hotels — ideal for honeymoons and families
- Dadonghai: Mid-range hotels, convenient transport — great for backpackers
- Sanya Bay: Budget-friendly hotels, easy sunset access — for budget travelers
- Haitang Bay: Duty-free shopping zone — for shopaholics
Haikou
- Guomao CBD: Commercial center, convenient transport — for shopping and dining
- Qilou Old Street area: Old town with boutique guesthouses — for cultural immersion
- Holiday Beach area: Beachside resort zone — for relaxation
Getting Around
Getting to Hainan
- Fly: Haikou Meilan International Airport, Sanya Phoenix International Airport
- Train: Yuehai Railway — trains from Guangzhou, Shenzhen to Haikou via ferry
- Drive: Cross Qiongzhou Strait by ferry from Guangdong
Getting Around the Island
- Circular High-Speed Rail: Connects Haikou, Sanya, Wenchang, Qionghai, Wanning, Lingshui — very convenient
- Public Bus: Available in all cities but infrequent
- Taxi/Ride-hailing: DiDi and Caocao available
- Rental Car: Recommended — Hainan's coastal highway is scenic
Practical Tips
- Sunscreen: Hainan's UV is intense — bring SPF 50+, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat
- Swimming: Only swim at supervised beaches with lifeguards on duty
- Seafood: Eat in moderation — avoid pairing seafood with beer (gout risk)
- Mosquitoes: Bring repellent — tropical insects are active
- Typhoons: July-October is typhoon season — check weather before traveling
- Duty-Free: Hainan has duty-free shops with purchase limits
- Scooters: Electric scooters are everywhere — be careful crossing streets
- Coconuts: Bargain for street coconuts — usually ¥10-15 each