China’s largest tropical island is sunshine and relaxation all year round. Pull over any 10 random people throughout China and ask them what their dream holiday destination would be, and chances are at least half would say Hainan. And yeah, we get it. Sanya is the island’s Miami (or Canary Islands, or Antalya, or Caribbean, or Bali…). Sanya has more gold-sand beaches, 5-star hotels and luxurious eateries then you can throw a coconut at: the hotel offerings here are honestly fantastic and are truly world-class. If sipping coconut-filled cocktails by the pool, buffet breakfasts, lobster, pampering and sunset-drenched beach sounds good to you, then you have a winner. Be sure to check out the island’s more traditional and mountainous areas in-between pool sessions. Travel Hainan: you wont’ regret it.
Travel Hainan province: Haikou
The provincial capital of Hainan, Haikou is the more historical counterpart to the tourist-dominant Sanya. Besides its more historical appeal, Haikou is naturally blessed with a proliferation of coconut groves, mangrove forests and volcanoes. This “Coconut City” will also appease any white-sandy-beach cravings. Start off with a visit to the Leiqiong UNESCO Global Geopark. The park is made up of more than 40 “sleeping volcanoes” and is extremely rich in volcanic landscapes and lava structures, as well as a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Head over to Qilou Old Street to test out your bargaining skills. Qilou Old Street is perhaps the most impressive example of arcade architecture in all of China, with a healthy collection of cafes, bookshops, and markets hawking handicrafts and spices. A fusion of Asian and European architecture, the arcade houses here were influenced by the overseas Chinese merchants who built them.
Finish off by taking in the sunshine, sea, sandy beaches, and coconut palms of Holiday Beach. Located on the western side of the city, Holiday Beach is also the place to frolic in all-things water sport.
Sanya
This is what Hainan is all about for most people. Row upon row of luxury hotels, seaside boardwalks, open-air seafood, fine dining, golden beaches and island-hopping await. Sanya is China’s seaside resort go-to-destination. The accommodation offering of Sanya is truly impressive: every major international hotel chain is overrepresented here, with the overall result being a concentration of some of the world’s most magnificent beachside resorts (5-star is the norm here). If you are after the ultimate chillax/coconut (and cocktail) sipping downtime then this is the place to be. All travel to Hainan involves Sanya…
Naturally, Sanya is geared for a seamless and luxurious tourism experience. Besides world-class shopping and dining, be sure to check out some of the seaside in between pool-time. Wuzhizhou Island’s crystal clear water is teeming with marine life, making it a diving spot favourite. The island is also a great place to test out a jet ski or parasail. Wuzhizhou Island is well endowed with resort villas, bars, and seafood restaurants.
Tianya Haijiao is a famous landmark in Sanya where stone meets the seaside. The Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone is a seaside Buddhist hotspot comprised of the the Nanshan Temple, the 33 Guanyin Temple, and the 108 meter (350 feet) high Guan Yin of Nanshan.
The Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park is also a great visit. Trek through the rainforest and climb up to the top of the hill for sweeping bay vistas. Last but certainly not least, the Lost Chambers Aquarium is gigantic. This world-class facility is home to more than 30 display pools and tens of thousands of marine life (including sharks, dolphins and stingrays). Stay at the onsite 5-star hotel or just visit for the day.
Travel Hainan province: Lingshui
Located on the southern tip of Hainan, Lingshui is known for its dominant ethnic population and rich maritime culture. Visitors to the region will undoubtedly be drawn to the gorgeous Boundary Island. A diving mecca, the exceptionally clear water and fine white sand beaches also lead into all forms of water activities and just general chill-time. Nanwan Monkey Island (with, as the name suggest, a dominate 1,000 plus population of macaques) is an island nature reserve where monkey-business is the norm.
Travel Hainan province: Baoting
Baoting is located in the central part of Hainan island and is home to the rich and colourful ethnic culture of the Li and Miao people. Baoting’s excellent climate, traditional vibes and beautiful natural scenery may well just tempt you into visiting. The Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone is a tropical rainforest ecosystem where the traditional culture of the Li and Miao people is in full-swing. Continue the cultural immersion by taking in a live folk performance at the Binlang Ethnic Village.
Finally, soak in the regions specular nature at Qixianling (Seven Fairies Ridge). Named after its dramatic seven pinnacles, Qixianling’s charms are found in its many hot springs, tropical scenery, and ethnic customs.
Ding’an
The main drawcard to the region is the hike up to Wenbi Peak. Wenbi Peak is a place of importance in Taoist culture: the founder of the more southernly sect of Taoism, Bai Yuchan, once lived in seclusion here. A whole host of Taoist temples are scattered along the mountains here.
We hope that this has inspired you to travel Hainan province!