Hainan Island belongs to the Republic of China and is located in its southern part. The total length of the entire coast of the island is about one and a half thousand kilometers. Due to its location at the same latitude as Hawaii and a similar climate, the island is also called “East Hawaii”.
For several centuries, Hainan served as a refuge for exiles who were not pleasing to the rulers of China. Today the island is a resort recreation area. Like other tropical islands, Hainan Island offers clear blue seas, white beaches, lush green highlands and an abundance of palm trees. The local unique microclimate allows sun and sea bathing almost all year round. The development of the infrastructure of seaside resorts is also facilitated by an environmental regime that prohibits the location of industrial production within a radius of one hundred kilometers from recreation areas.
Climate on Hainan Island
Climate on Hainan Island
The climate in the northern and southern parts of the island is different. In the northern part of the island, where the capital of the Hainan province of the same name, Haikou, and the cities of Wenchang, Qionghai, Dingang, Chengmai, and Lingdao are located, a humid subtropical climate prevails. In the southern part, with the cities of Sanya, Lingshui, Ledon, there is a tropical monsoon, with higher average annual air temperatures. January and February are the coldest months, the air temperature drops to 16 – 21°C. July and August are the hottest months, temperatures rise to 25 – 29°C. In the north of the island, summer is hotter; about 20 days a year, the air temperature here can rise to 35°C.
The most comfortable time for a holiday in Hainan is from November to May.
How to get there
The best option to get to the island from Russia was and remains a plane. For tourists going on a beach holiday, it is most convenient to arrive in Sanya (Phoenix International Airport). Travel time from Moscow to Sanya without a transfer is about 14 hours. Flights to Sanya are also on the schedules of airports in other Russian cities, but direct flights are only possible from Moscow.
Beach holiday in Hainan
Haikou
Haikou City
The capital of Hainan Province is Haikou. The city is located in the northernmost part of Hainan Island, overlooking Guangdong Province across the Qiongzhou Strait, at the mouth of the Nandu River. Haikou is the commercial, cultural and economic center of Hainan Island. It is the largest city on the island with over 1.2 million inhabitants.
Beach holidays are offered on the West Coast of the city, but the quality of the beaches here is lower than in Sanya.
Sanya
Sanya city
The city of Sanya is the second largest city of the island, located in its southernmost part, in a bay with the same name.
A strip of beaches and hotels stretches along the entire coast of the city. All resorts are located in four bays. Three of them - Yalongwan, Dadonghai and Sanya Bay - are the most popular among Russian tourists, unlike Haitang Bay, which has not yet won the sympathy of Russians.
Coast of Sanya
On the coast of all bays there is a smooth entrance to the sea, shallow water allows even children to swim comfortably and safely. Hotels have conditionally divided the territory of the beaches, without any artificial fences, so you can safely swim and relax in the place you like.
Coast of Yalongwan resort
Yalongwan Resort is located in the southeastern part of Sanya, 35 kilometers from Phoenix International Airport and 25 km from the city center. Yalongwan is the most popular resort among tourists: good hotels, including world-class ones, a clean well-groomed beach, clear sea and the absence of local residents on the beach add to the resort’s growing popularity every year.
Yalong Beach Resort
The length of the white sandy beach is about 7 km. Hotels have equipped the beaches with umbrellas and sun loungers for their guests. The sea water along the coast is so clear that visibility can reach 8 meters. Such excellent visibility attracts scuba diving enthusiasts to the resort.
Yalongwan. Undersea world
At the resort, you can do your shopping and go to a local restaurant at the large Yalong Bay No. 1 Outlet, which opened in December 2016. Outlet stores offer products from international brands and local manufacturers. The supermarket has a variety of local food, drinks and groceries. In addition to the first local restaurant, Caddy’s Hainan Noodle, the shopping center offers a seafood restaurant, an international fast food restaurant, and a Starbucks coffee shop.
Restaurants in Yalongwan
The most convenient way to get from Sanya Phoenix Airport to the Yalongwan resort is by taxi for 120-150 yuan. Another option is bus number 27. To the center of Sanya from Yalong Bay, a one-way trip on buses 15, 24, 25, 27 will cost 8 yuan.
Dadonghai Resort
Dadonghai Resort
The Dadonghai resort is located in the southern part of Sanya on the coast of the bay of the same name, a 30-minute drive from Phoenix International Airport and four kilometers from the city center. The cost of a trip to the center of Sanya will cost 2 yuan by local bus and 10 yuan if you take a taxi.
Dadonghai as a resort was built and opened in Sanya in 1988, becoming the city's first beach resort. There is a developed recreation infrastructure: numerous local restaurants, bars, shops, supermarkets located in close proximity to the hotels.
Dadonghai Hotels
The abundance of concert venues, nightclubs, and discos make Dadonghai the only place of real nightlife in Sanya.
At the resort, accommodation is possible both in world-class hotels and in budget guest houses.
Snow-white sandy beaches, framed by coconut palms, stretch for 2.3 km. Good winds attract surfers here.
The main difference between the beaches of Dadonghai and the beaches of Yalongwan is the large number of vacationers on the beach, including many local residents.
Crowded beaches of Dadonghai
You can get to Dadonghai from Sanya International Airport by taxi for 100 yuan in 30 minutes, a trip by bus No. 8 will cost 15 yuan, although the trip duration will double. Buses 15, 24, 25 will deliver for 6 yuan to the Yalongwan resort.
Sanya Bay Resort
Sanya Bay Resort
The Sanya Bay resort is located in the western part of the city. The 4 km long road from the airport to the resort hotels will take about 10 minutes by taxi, the distance to the center of Sanya is about 2 km. The beaches of Sanya Bay are located closest to all other resorts to the city center. The resort coast stretches for 22 km. The main difference between this resort and others: the beaches are located across the road from the hotels, the water is not as clear as other resort coasts, in winter it is less windy, the water in the bay is warmer than in Yalong Bay, hotels of similar standards offer better prices.
Beaches of Sanya
For convenience, local residents have conventionally divided the long beach into three parts: urban, middle and distant (closest to the airport). The advantages of the city part of the beach are beautiful views of the ocean from the hotel and maximum proximity to the city center, the middle part has beautiful beaches and the ability to quickly get to the center, the far side has a wonderful beach holiday away from the city.
Artificial Phoenix Island
You can get to Sanya Bay from Phoenix Airport by taxi or bus No. 8.
The best beaches in Yalongwan from Sanya Bay can be reached by bus No. 15 for 8 yuan and No. 25 for 18 yuan, travel time is about 40 minutes.
The favorite place for beachgoers traveling to China is Hainan. The vacation, reviews of which we will analyze in this article, on this paradise island is unforgettable. Hainan is already a well-trodden path for Russian tourists. Every year, many Siberians and residents of the Far East warm their bones under the tropical sun and treat ailments in healing springs.
The name "Hainan" is translated from Chinese as "an island lying south of the sea." The name is more than accurate. Hainan lies in the far south of the country. It is also the second largest island in China (after Taiwan). It was once part of Eurasia. And even now it is separated from mainland China only by a narrow strait. The area of the island is thirty-four thousand square kilometers. About eight thousand years ago, numerous volcanoes erupted in Hainan. Now they have gone out, but they have left behind a memory - healing thermal springs. And this circumstance makes a holiday in Hainan not only enjoyable, but also healthy.
Arriving on the bucolic island, it is hard to believe that in the Middle Ages this was a place of exile for nobles disliked by the emperor. Now it has turned into a resort. True, this only happened in 1988, when Hainan was separated into a separate province and the rapid development of the tourism industry began. You can come here either on a tour or on your own. Guests are always welcome here.
Nature and climate. When to go on vacation?
The only truly tropical island, if we talk about China, is Hainan. Holidays, reviews of which make you want to come here, are not recommended here only in winter. But more than three hundred days a year the sky over Hainan is clear. This island is deservedly called East Hawaii. Here you can find all the surroundings that are typical of tropical resorts: lush green palm trees, coconuts, bananas, turquoise warm sea, white sand beaches. The average annual air temperature here is +24 degrees, and the water is twenty-six. Corals grow there with their colorful life of reef inhabitants, so holidays on Hainan Island are also attractive for divers.
Russian tourists from the eastern part of the country also come here in the winter months, especially to celebrate the New Year and Christmas. The climate at this time is similar to the Red Sea resorts of Egypt: +24 degrees during the day, and cool evenings.
Tourists consider the best time to visit Hainan to be from November to April. Below we will give a summary of what is good about the tropical island of China in spring and summer. But what you should avoid is coming to Hainan during the holiday period (late January or early February). Prices during this period soar to unprecedented heights, and the level of service drops due to the influx of domestic tourists.
How to get to Hainan Island
Russian cities are connected to eastern Hawaii only by charters during the tourist season. You can fly to Almaty on a regular flight, and from there to Hainan, with a transfer in the city of Urumqi. Tourists also travel to the tropical island by domestic airlines via Hong Kong, as well as Beijing and Shanghai (mainland China).
Hainan has two international airports. The first - "Camellia" - is located in the capital of the island, Haikou. This city is in the north, while the main resorts of eastern Hawaii are in the south. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to choose, then choose Phoenix Airport in Sanya as your point of arrival. This city is the center of the entire resort Riviera of Hainan. In principle, a visa can be issued directly upon arrival at Sanya airport, but experienced tourists strongly do not recommend doing this if you are traveling on your own and are not included in the group list.
Free buses run from Camellia to the center of Haikou. Travel time is half an hour. A taxi ride will cost about one hundred yuan. Regular buses run from Phoenix Airport to various resorts on the southern tip of the island. A trip to Sanya will cost ten yuan, to Dadonghai - 20, to Yalong Bay - 30.
Transport connections on Hainan Island
Excellent roads connect all key settlements. A highway runs along the tip of the island. You can get around East Hawaii not only by buses and taxis, but also by motorcycle and pedicabs. However, the fare in this case also depends on the weight of the passenger. You should negotiate the price with the rickshaw driver in advance.
There is also a railway on the island. The trains are fast and very comfortable, unlike those in mainland China. Tourists are warned that the ticket, which costs an average of eighty-five yuan, should be kept until the end of the journey. You will need it to exit the station at your arrival point.
Holidays in Hainan are impossible without visiting Monkey Island. It can be reached by cable car. Interestingly, regular buses in Hainan travel not only between populated areas. There are many routes going to tourist places. Bus No. 102 goes to Sanyawan Bay, and No. 2 and 4 go to Dudonghai. Minibuses also run to Dragon of Asia Bay, World's End Park, and Nanshan Temple.
Sanya is connected to the capital of the island, Haikou, by regular (every twenty minutes) bus service. The main station is located on Jie Fan Avenue. Taxis on the island are only official - with a meter and even a terminal for bank cards. Tariffs are indicated on the windshield or rear door of the car.
Popular resorts
Holidays in China, on the island of Hainan, will appeal to all types of tourists. Surfers are attracted by the ideal winds that blow here, creating the right wave. All hotels in this resort are located on the first line from the sea. But the municipal beaches of Dadonghai are often crowded, since local vacationers also come to the beach along with European tourists. The Chinese love not so much to sunbathe and swim, but to gather in large groups and discuss something vigorously and loudly. You need to get used to this specificity... or avoid their gathering places.
The most expensive and fashionable hotels are concentrated in the Yalongwan resort, which is twenty-five kilometers from Sanya (south of Hainan Island). Holidays with children will be ideal anywhere if the time is chosen for it well. However, you should avoid Dadonghai with its fresh breeze and sporty resort style. Sanyavan (near Phoenix Airport) may experience turbid seas. However, the beauty of the surrounding nature completely compensates for this. With a small child, it is good to settle down in a quiet and respectable Yalunwan. A teenager will find a lot of fun in Sanya. But in this center of the Hainan Riviera, almost all the hotels are located across the road from the beaches.
By the way, about the coasts. They are all sandy, free and very well maintained. There are lifeguards on duty everywhere, there is a shower, toilet, umbrellas, sun loungers and sun loungers.
Hainan: holidays in March, April and May
Is it worth coming to a tropical island in the first month of spring? When frosts are still severe in Russia (and especially in Siberia), visiting Hainan is like visiting paradise. Reviews claim that in the first month of spring, the weather on the island is very comfortable for a northerner. Even in early March, the air warms up to +26 degrees during the day, and the South China Sea gives warmth. The nights also cease to be cool. In the southern bays, where all the sea disturbances are concentrated, the sea gradually fades away.
Holidays in Hainan in April cannot be called budget. This is peak season. There is no rain in mid-spring, the sea is calm, and the thermometer does not show any extreme temperatures. During the day +29, at night +21 degrees. This fertile time continues until the end of April and the first rains - the harbingers of the “wet season”. In the last month of spring, the monsoon begins to blow in the tropical climate zone, bringing heavy rainfall. But a holiday in Hainan in May cannot be called “stained”. Reviews claim that it rains only in the evening and at night, and by morning everything dries out and shines with washed freshness. In addition, as reviews say, the southern resorts are slightly protected from rain by the mountains that divide the island almost in half. When it rains in Haikou, Sanya can be dry. The sun is already scorching with might and main, and the temperature during the day reaches more than thirty degrees in the shade.
Holidays in Hainan in June, July and August
There is no need to pretend: in the summer months (and in the autumn too, until the beginning of November) a humid monsoon blows over the island. It cannot be said that it cools the air. The thermometer in June stays at the same level as in May (about thirty degrees). But even if it doesn’t rain, the air is filled with moisture. Therefore, heart patients, hypertensive patients, and asthmatics should avoid traveling to Hainan in the summer months. The sea begins to get very stormy. The so-called typhoon corridor runs north of the island, but gusty winds and high storm waves can ruin a holiday in Hainan in July.
But tourists can take full advantage of the benefits of the “low season”. Hoteliers are offering unprecedented discounts to lure customers. Tourists warn that, despite the high clouds, they should not neglect sunscreen. The luminary in tropical latitudes will burn through the white skin even behind a curtain of dense clouds.
As a bonus for dedication, Hainan provides summer tourists with plenty of exciting experiences. The Duan Wu-Jie (Dragon Boat Festival) festival has been celebrated annually in June for two thousand years. It is impossible to name the exact date of this colorful event. The holiday is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, on the fifth day of the fifth month. Would you like to celebrate Valentine's Day for the second time a year? It is the seventh day of the seventh month (late July or August). The same romantic fever that sweeps Europe and America around the date of February 14th is observed in Hainan, only with Chinese characteristics.
Therapeutic holiday
The violent volcanic activity that shook the island many thousands of years ago left behind many thermal springs and mineral waters. When combined with traditional Chinese medicine, Hainan's spa resorts work wonders. Staying on the island will heal the organs of the gastrointestinal tract; swimming in radon and mineral pools of different temperatures will banish pulmonary diseases, skin, gynecological and urological ailments. Blood pressure is optimized, you will forget about osteochondrosis and rheumatism for a long time.
Therapeutic holidays in Hainan use only traditional Chinese methods of therapy in combination with medicinal herbs and other natural preparations. The most famous such healing center is the Garden of Longevity. It is located in Dadonghai District and is located in the Pearl River Garden Hotel. If you are on vacation in Sanya, you can buy a health course at the San Yi Tang center. At the Yalongwan resort at the Cactus Resort hotel, a branch of this medical institution opened not long ago. Here you can undergo not only a course of procedures, but also conduct a comprehensive diagnosis of the body. Experienced doctors will develop an individual program.
It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced traveler or have just begun to conquer the expanses of our magnificent planet, China is a country that will definitely remain in your heart forever, and you will want to return here again and again. You can combine business with pleasure and go to the south of China, where you can see plenty of beautiful landscapes, soak up the sun and at the same time touch on the history of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Perhaps the most popular destination is the tropical island of Hainan, and in this article we will take a closer look at it and find out why it attracts many tourists to its expanses every year.
Sunbathe, explore, heal
Holidays in China on the island of Hainan are not only about the presence of snow-white beaches with umbrellas. On the island you can learn about the culture of local peoples, admire the views of the mountains, improve your health in springs with hot healing water, and also try unusual exotic fruits. And the cleanest ecological situation, which is closely monitored, the presence of a huge network of interesting routes for tourists and high-quality roads will make your vacation incredibly comfortable.
Where is the island
Hainan Island is a province of the People's Republic of China, which is located in the south of the state; for convenience, below you can see where it is located on the map.
The island covers an area of 33,920 square meters. km, the length of the coast is 1500 km. The name of the island, if translated into Russian, will sound like “an island south of the sea.”
Hainan Island Map
How to get there from Moscow
There are two international airports in Hainan - in the cities of Haikou and Sanya. They accept not only international flights, but also domestic ones. Charter flights from a variety of airlines from different cities fly to the island, and Moscow is no exception. Basically, they all end their route at Sanya Airport, as this place is the center of tourism on the tropical island. You can also fly on a regular Moscow - Sanya flight, which is operated by Transaero. The flight time will take approximately 10 hours. There is another way - to get to Hainan with transfers. These could be the following options:
- Fly to one of the major cities of China (Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai) and transfer to a domestic flight to the island. Hainan.
- Take a connecting flight with a transfer in other Asian cities - Dubai, Seoul, etc.
Most often, if it is not a direct flight, they fly with a stop in Beijing. This way you can combine a visit to the capital of China and a vacation at sea, but the choice, of course, is yours.
Best holiday destinations
This tropical island has several resorts that not only boast pristine blue water beaches, but also the attractions and entertainment options that have made China popular in the beach holiday scene. Let's look at the best of them.
Sanya
Sanya used to serve as a refuge for officials who fell out of favor with the Chinese emperor, and this is hard to believe, because now this city has all the infrastructure for tourism. The excellent ecology and local climate make holidays here possible all year round. The cleanest beach area and gentle clear water attract family vacation lovers here, and diving enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the unparalleled beauty of the underwater world.
If you love shopping, then the central part of the Sanya City resort will be the best place for this. It is here that a large number of fashion boutiques, shops, restaurants, markets of various types, as well as a large number of fast food establishments are concentrated. Around Sanya City there are other recreational areas - Dadonghai, Yalongwan and Sanyawan.
Sanyawan is the longest zone and is located closest to the airport and city center. Sanyavan attracts many with its prices for accommodation, food, and entertainment. Here they are quite affordable, not as overpriced as in other places.
Dadonghai is popular among people who prefer active recreation. There are plenty of diving training centers and water equipment rentals here, and Russian tourists feel almost at home, because there are many establishments with Russian names and cuisine.
The Yalongwan resort area is located east of the center and is the most expensive in Sanya. People on a limited budget do not come here, as the atmosphere of wealth and luxury reigns here. Huge villas, private apartments and luxurious expensive hotels - this is all Yalongwan.
Haikou
Haikou City is the island's capital and is where most tourists come by bus and train. Many of them immediately go further to the southern resorts, but it also makes sense to stay here. It is in this city that you can touch upon ancient history if you go to the historical center, where ancient buildings are located.
If you drive a little further from the city, you can see historical monuments of the famous Ming dynasty, which ruled the Chinese Empire for almost 300 years: Wugong Temple, Hai Rui’s tomb, and the academy named after Qiu Jin (a famous Chinese scientist). 30 kilometers away there is another interesting place - an observation deck on the edge of the crater of the long-inactive Ma An volcano.
As for the beaches, there are both paid and free beaches. For example, it is worth visiting Holiday Beach, where you can get there by bus or taxi. Admission is free, but an additional fee will be charged for an umbrella and sun lounger. In the west of the city there is a free beach called Xixiu, where surfers love to spend time.
Wenchang
The city of Wenchang is located in the northeast of the island. Hainan has a beautiful crescent shape. A city with warm sunny weather, washed by the sea on all sides. It itself is considered a landmark of the island. Previously, tourists rarely visited this city, and it was only popular among the Chinese, but every year more and more tourists from different countries visit it. All thanks to the fact that there are many beautiful sea bays and picturesque nature.
Here you can also visit many interesting and beautiful places, for example, a rock park, the Tonggu Great Barrier Reef, coconut plantations, the Temple of Confucius, a natural reserve of mango trees, a spaceport, as well as Gaulun Bay, which will certainly amaze you with its beauty and azure shores.
The city's cuisine is also popular among tourists. Here you can try the famous Hainanese tea, delicious seafood dishes and Wenchang-style chicken. Relaxing on the beach along with trips to picturesque places in the city and suburbs will definitely make your vacation unforgettable.
Qionghai
Located in the east of the province. The city is mainly populated by immigrants from Macau. In addition to colorful beaches, there are several famous historical monuments and simply interesting places. These are coconut rural courtyards, the picturesque areas of Baishiling and Boao, Guantang warm springs, the Baishi and Jingniu ridges, as well as the sculptural ensemble of the Red Army Women's Detachment.
There is good news for extreme sports enthusiasts, because one of the main entertainments on the island is drifting along the gorge of the picturesque Wanquanhe River. You can also play shooting games using water pumps if you wish. In general, in Qionghai you can relax on the beach, soak in a hot spring, enjoy picturesque nature, and try extreme entertainment. It’s not for nothing that it is called the bright pearl of the East Coast.
Weather and climate throughout the year
On about. Hainan has bright sunny weather almost all year round, and the question of when is the best time to go there on vacation can only be asked by tourists who are going there for the first time. If this sounds like you, then read on and find out all the details about the weather in this province.
On the land
The average annual temperature on the island is +24 °C; in winter, the average air temperature does not exceed +22 degrees; many may think that this is cool, but due to humidity, this temperature turns into a comfortable one. But in summer, the thermometer can reach +30 °C and above, so for those who cannot tolerate the heat, it is better not to visit the island at this time. The golden season lasts from November to May, when the flow of tourists is highest. The island is considered a “typhoon corridor”, so windsurfing fans can often be found here.
Water temperature
The average water temperature on the island is +24 °C, but varies depending on the time of year. In winter - +23...+24 degrees, in summer - +29...+30 degrees.
The best beaches on the island
All resorts in tropical China have many municipal beaches with umbrellas, sun loungers and showers. They are all smooth, with white sand and warm, azure-colored water. The concentration of Russian tourists is in four bays in the south of the island: Sanya, Sanyawan, Dadonghai and Yalongwan. It is very convenient to enter the water, no matter where you relax, due to the gentle and smooth slope. So, if you have small children, you can safely go to any beach.
By the way, once you get to the beach, you will understand that its territory is divided between hotels that overlook it. But don’t rush to leave, because you can sunbathe and swim wherever you want, and no one has the right to prohibit you from doing so. Entrance, showers, changing rooms and toilets are free almost everywhere, with the exception of sun loungers and umbrellas, for which you will have to pay about 20-50 CNY. Typical beach activities, such as a banana boat or a boat, are also available; for them you will have to pay from 150 CNY, and for fishing on a boat - all 1000 CNY.
More specifically, for the cleanest water and diving, go to Yalong Bay, because here are the largest diving centers on the island. But if you are a surfing enthusiast, then the beaches in Dadonghai are suitable for you. But, unfortunately, at the height of the season, the beaches of Dadonghai are crowded, because, in addition to tourists, the Chinese like to relax here, which cannot be said about the beaches of Yalongwan.
Unlike Russian tourists, they do not particularly like to swim and sunbathe, but live further from the sea because it is not so expensive. Their favorite thing to do on the beach is to admire the expanses of the sea and watch the visitors. This is the difference in mentality. In Sanyavan Bay, the water is not as clean as in the above-mentioned places, and in order to get to the sea, you will have to constantly cross the road. But all this is compensated by unique landscapes that you will not find in other parts of the island.
Sights and excursions
Relax exclusively on the beach while on the island. Hainan is a crime, because there are a large number of places that are worth seeing with your own eyes.
To get acquainted with the culture and customs of Buddhism, you should go to Nanshan Temple. In addition to the temple itself, you should definitely visit the observation deck, which offers a wonderful view of the sea and a huge statue of the bodhisattva. Not far from Nanshan Temple stands the tallest statue of the goddess Guanyin in the world, next to which there is a sanctuary where you will see many sculptures of the Buddha himself.
If you drive 30 km from Sanya, you will find the Bethel Nat Ethnic Park, which is dedicated to the traditions and customs of the local Li and Meow peoples. Throughout the park there are houses where you can get to know these peoples and their culture better.
By the way, there are a lot of parks and nature reserves in Hainan, because the nature here is worth admiring and protecting. One of them is called “Monkey Island,” where more than 2,000 representatives of our tailed friends live. If you ask what is the most picturesque place in China, then this is it, because you can only get to this park by cable car, which offers a magnificent view of the island and the South China Sea.
Here you can go fishing on rafts, and then try your own caught fish in restaurants nearby or try other seafood dishes.
Another must-see place is the Heavenly Grottoes.
The Heavenly Grottoes are one of the most ancient places in all of China. This natural park was founded over 1000 years ago!
The South Mountain located there attracts people from all over the world not only with its beautiful views, but also with historical monuments. Among them is the Temple of the Dragon King of the South China Sea, which houses his statue, the Wall of Records at the very top of the mountain, and in the Taoist Park there is an entire Sanya Natural History Museum.
There are also many more beautiful places that you can’t visit in one day - this is the “Edge of the World” park, which is a beach with fancy stones, the butterfly museum-reserve (a great pastime for children), “Pirate Island” with beautiful beaches and many entertainment for every taste, “Western Island” for lovers of diving and other sea activities (fishing, scooter, water skiing), the “Flying World” bird park, where you can see the most unusual species of tropical birds, a zoo of crocodiles and tigers, a pearl museum with pearl plantation, a crystal museum, and many more zoos and nature reserves where you can enjoy the abundance of tropical plants and the diversity of the animal world.
A very popular excursion to the crater of the Ma An volcano, which is located 14 km southwest of Qiongshan and 27 km from Haikou, is very popular among tourists. The Ma An volcano went extinct more than 40-50 thousand years ago, and now it is one of the best-preserved inactive volcanoes. Not far from it are the active craters of the Leihuling and Luojingpan volcanoes. The entire area around the volcano and on the volcano itself is equipped. Artificially made steps made of magma lead to the crater; the crater was surrounded by railings along the edges and an observation deck was made, from where you can clearly see the dense bushes and tropical relict plants that grew directly on the solidified lava. If you go downstairs, there is a palm grove with an open-air restaurant, where there is a large stage where folklore performances by the local Li and Meow peoples are given.
Active life and entertainment
If nature and historical monuments are not enough for you, then we will compile a guide to entertainment on Hainan Island especially for you and find out what you can do here for both adults and children.
For adults
If you want to be culturally enriched and have a pleasant evening, then welcome to the theaters of Hainan. Among them are the Qiong Opera, which has a history of more than 300 years, the Qionshan Gongzi Puppet Theater, which gives performances of the traditions of the Qiong Opera, as well as the Linggao Puppet Theater, in which a person and a puppet play the same role and periodically replace each other.
Golf lovers will also be pleased, with 18 golf courses spread across the province. All courses meet international standards and will satisfy the needs of the most experienced golfer.
Guests of the island are also invited to a variety of water activities to suit every taste and budget. This includes underwater hunting, sea fishing, and diving with a variety of programs depending on the level of training. It is worth highlighting the thermal springs and spa treatments. Most tourists will tell you that it is worth trying at least one healing treatment in the tradition of Chinese medicine. Believe me, you will remember these procedures for a long time, because it is not for nothing that Chinese treatment methods are known throughout the world for their effectiveness.
And, of course, you shouldn’t leave China without learning how a real Chinese tea ceremony is performed. This is a special Chinese art with strict rules that the Chinese have been keeping for many centuries. In addition to participating in the ceremony itself, you can also learn about the beneficial properties of different types of tea and how to brew them correctly. There you can buy the tea you like and bring it home, so that from time to time you can remember your Chinese adventures.
Hainan for children
Children will definitely not be bored at the resorts of Hainan. Most hotels have equipped playgrounds, small pools with slides, a daytime entertainment program for children and children's menus in cafes and restaurants.
With children you can visit the recently opened water park in Sanya. It is divided into three zones: children's, children's and adolescents' and adults'. There is also a wave pool that kids will definitely love. It is also divided into two parts: in the first, small waves form, and in the other, the waves are more reminiscent of a storm at sea.
Various parks and zoos are a must for visiting with children, but one of them is worth special attention. It is located on the shores of Lake Dongshanhu and is the largest zoo in Asia. Here you can see animals from all over the world. The peculiarity of this zoo is that the animals do not live in cramped cages, but walk around the vast territory of the zoo, which is as close as possible to the animals’ natural habitat. Peace-loving animals can be petted and fed, but dangerous predators such as tigers and lions can only be viewed from a jeep or bus.
Night clubs and establishments
For lovers of nightlife, Hainan has plenty of places where you can spend time until dawn. There are bars, clubs and restaurants that operate at night in every resort on the island, but the city of Sanya deserves special mention. It is in this place that a large number of night entertainment venues are concentrated, where life begins at 8 pm and ends at 5 am. Admission is free, but in some clubs you need to pre-book a table in advance, which, of course, is not free. But the money you deposit in advance can be spent on drinks and snacks later.
If you are going to spend a noisy night somewhere, we advise you to decide in advance what you need. The point is that all establishments are very different. There are clubs and bars aimed at the Chinese, who are very fond of karaoke, and there are no discotheques or DJs. And there are places where they play very good music, you can dance, drink alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. It must be said that all establishments have a modern and comfortable environment.
The resort of Sanya has a Bar Street in the city center. This is where most of the night entertainment spots are concentrated. The most popular nightclubs among tourists are SOHO and M2. You can also find similar establishments at some hotels, where you can go without problems, even if you are not a guest.
In a word, if you want night entertainment, then there should be no problems with this.
Cafes, restaurants, housing, transport
For every tourist, before traveling, it is necessary to decide on three important aspects. The cost of your vacation and its quality will depend on them. These are housing, food and internal movement. Let's consider the possible options.
Where to live
There are several accommodation options on the island:
- Hotels (rooms, apartments).
- Private housing (villas, apartments).
- Hostels.
As for hotels, in principle, you can choose accommodation for any budget. The cost of living directly depends on the level of the hotel, distance from the sea and the holiday season. An important factor is in which bay of the island the hotel is located.
Dadonghai Bay is an “economy” option, although there are also expensive offers. This place is ideal for diving.
Sanyavan Bay is the “golden mean”. The service here is very good and you can find very interesting hotel accommodation options for any budget.
But Yalong Bay is the most expensive option. It is considered the cleanest, with the most beautiful landscapes. This place is home to famous world-class brand hotels, and the housing prices are accordingly.
At any of the island's resorts you can choose private housing options. Typically, these options are used by tourists who travel independently without travel agencies or for a long period of time or in a large group.
Private owners have offers at different prices. These can be villas, houses, apartments. The cheapest housing options in the private sector are in the north of the island. Hainan, where the city of Haikou is located, also has the most inexpensive hotels.
There are also hostels in the province. The conditions in them are different, not always comfortable, but the prices for accommodation are minimal. If you want to settle on this housing option, then look for real reviews and be prepared for any surprises.
How to get around
The transport infrastructure on the island is well developed and is represented by a network of railways and roads.
If you decide to explore Hainan on your own, then trains, buses, taxis and even auto-rickshaws are at your service.
It is very convenient to travel from city to city by train; the fare costs 80 Chinese yuan.
Taxi services cost 8-10 yuan per ride and 2 per kilometer. But we must take into account that during rush hour (5-8 pm) it is problematic to find a free car, and Chinese taxi drivers can be cunning and not turn on the meter.
Buses run from 7 to 23, tickets for up to 2 yuan are not a problem, but it is not recommended to ride as a “hare”, since all buses have video surveillance.
The most exotic and most expensive type of transport is pedicabs. Although you can always find a common language with the driver and get a discount on travel. To board you will need 8-9 yuan, and per kilometer they usually ask for 2-3.
Where to eat
The issue of nutrition must be thought out in advance. If you have sufficient funds, you can find hotels that offer all-inclusive services. There won't be any problems with food, but don't expect much variety either.
In other cases, no matter where you live, you can eat in cafes and restaurants or buy food in stores. Self-cooking is only available when living in the private sector.
As on any tropical island, exotic fruits are found in abundance here. They are very tasty, juicy, and a pleasure to eat.
Hainan also has a lot of seafood. You can taste them in local cafes and restaurants, you can buy them fresh at the market and cook them yourself, if possible.
Huago - national dish of Chinese cuisine Regarding food prices, the situation is the same as with housing. So, on Dadonghai, lunch will be the cheapest, and on Yalunwan, the most expensive, but of excellent quality.
The most important thing is, which island resort you choose to stay at, there are a large number of cafes and restaurants of different levels everywhere. You can opt for Chinese establishments that serve traditional Chinese food. I must say that it is spicy and can be damp. Therefore, if you don’t like this kind of food, then you can find places with European, American, Indian and Russian cuisine.
Local stores, of which there are also plenty, sell products both familiar to our tourists and those that are not entirely clear to us. The most famous are the large supermarkets "Wanhao" and "Tiancheng". Many shopping centers also have grocery stores, the largest:
- "Summer";
- "Minju";
- "Tianhong";
- "Ifan."
You can also recommend visiting local markets, for example, “First Market”, “Hungan”. Here you can buy fresh fruits, a variety of seafood, tea and other local products cheaper. The best time to visit the markets is in the morning. Bargaining is appropriate on them, and keep in mind that for weighted goods the price is indicated per half a kilo, not per kilogram.
When visiting local markets, be very careful, because tourists attract robbers, and there are also sellers who are not entirely honest. Stay alert.
And, of course, what is a resort without street food vendors. There are a sufficient number of them here. But whether to buy from them or not is a purely personal matter.
Shopping in Hainan
A pleasant time spent in nature and the sea coast can be diversified by shopping, because on this island there is a lot of things that are worth at least looking at, and buying something as a souvenir. Here you can buy a wide variety of goods from local authentic to goods from famous world brands.
Trading areas are represented by a variety of shops, large department stores and shopping centers, markets and private shops. Store opening hours vary depending on the owner of the outlet. If the store is under state management, then it is open from 9 to 19. The exception is large shopping centers, which close at 22:00. Private institutions work according to their own schedule. Markets are worth visiting in the morning.
You can exchange money at Bank of China branches, at hotels, at exchange offices at a train station or at the airport. The island also accepts VISA, Master Card, and American Express.
But keep in mind that you are unlikely to be able to purchase various types of local goods using a card, so you will still have to change money.
Typical goods that tourists bring home after traveling to a Chinese tropical paradise are silks, pearls, crystal, porcelain, all sorts of trinkets made from coconut shells and sea shells, various types of tea, coffee, as well as pepper and shark oil. Products made from tridacna, a large species of bivalves that live in the South China Sea, and Hainan candies can also become an unusual souvenir. The sweets are usually sold in wooden boxes and feature unusual flavors of exotic local fruits and coffee.
After shopping in Hainan, you can get some of your money back. All thanks to the tax free system introduced several years ago. According to this system, you must purchase goods worth from 800 to 5000 CNY, and then when you leave the country, 11% of the amount spent will be returned to you. However, keep in mind that this system does not work in every store, so check with the administrators for information.
Healing places of the Chinese island
Hainan is famous not only for its excellent conditions for seaside recreation, but also for its treatment centers with hot springs and various spa treatments. Here you can not only relax your soul and body, but also improve your health.
Thermal springs are scattered throughout the island, and the temperature of the water and its chemical composition are different. Depending on your health status, with the help of such sources and Chinese treatment methods, you can get rid of joint pain, gynecological diseases, respiratory diseases, improve skin condition and heal the nervous system. Traditional treatment options include Chinese massage, foot massage, acupuncture and bamboo cupping.
One of the hottest springs on the island is Guantan, the water temperature is 70-90°, it is located near the city of Qionghai. Near the spring there are resorts called “Starfish” and “Heavenly Dragon”.
120 kilometers from Sanya is the Xinglong thermal spring valley. Here you can bask in a variety of springs, both in terms of chemical composition and water temperature. There are a lot of hotels in the valley that offer a large list of services - swimming pools filled with water from thermal springs, jacuzzi (also with thermal water), regular swimming pools, saunas, gyms, bowling alleys, golf courses, tennis courts, spas and shopping centers, Chinese medicine services and much more.
If you want to visit a resort that has been included in the list of the best Chinese thermal springs, then welcome to Nantian Resort & Spa, 30 km from Sanya. There you will find 36 pools with water from different hot springs, regular pools and pools for children, cafes and restaurants. On the territory there is also a hotel “Sanya Pearl River Nantian Resort & Spa 5*”, which is famous for its service and quality of services. The hotel has 128 comfortable rooms, cottages with a private thermal pool, entertainment and gaming areas (tennis courts, golf courses, basketball court, chess and poker rooms), as well as a beauty salon, a restaurant serving local cuisine and tea house.
Pools with fish are also popular among tourists, which relieve skin diseases and relieve stress. All this is thanks to small fish that bite the skin and thus exfoliate it. For this unusual therapy, head to the Phoenix area, which is a 15-minute drive from Sanya. There is a large wellness complex there, which offers not only fish therapy, but also swimming in other healing pools, for example, in a pool with coconut milk or coffee. There are also Chinese massage, manicure and pedicure services.
So, now you have quite a lot of information about one of the islands of China, which has everything you need for a wonderful holiday. Here in Hainan, very comfortable conditions have been created for tourists. And nature, sun, gentle sea, healing springs and local color make this tropical island a very interesting holiday destination. Almost anyone here will be able to find something they like and can afford. Have a nice holiday!
History, geography and climate
For a long time, the inhabitants of the island did not even know about the amazing history of its origin, but the era of careful and accurate mapping allowed scientists to compare the coastline of Hainan and the Laizhou Peninsula. The results amazed everyone: it turned out that these lands were once a single whole, but the active tectonic movement of plates in the region led to their split, and the island began to gradually move away from the mainland.
Dadonghai BayFor centuries, waves of constant earthquakes and volcanic activity rolled through it, which completely subsided 8 thousand years ago. Calm Hainan with its amazing climate eventually began to attract the attention of residents of other areas, and now this island accommodates approximately 8 million people on its territory.
Physical map of the islandIt is no coincidence that Hainan is compared to Hawaii, because the weather here is truly heavenly. Even in January, when we are used to wrapping ourselves in warm fur coats and scarves, the inhabitants of the island bask in the rays of the sun at an air temperature of 25 °C. Of course, in such weather conditions, the water in the South China Sea hardly cools down, staying at 26 °C all year round. Thus, the climate itself would be enough for tourists from all over the world to come here, but Hainan presents many surprises both in the field of entertainment and in health opportunities.
Sunset on the shore of the South China SeaRecreation and wellness: hospitals of Hainan
Fruit vendor on Sanya beachVacation time is the only period of the year when a person remembers the most important resource of his body - health. When going on a trip, many tourists plan their route in such a way as to be sure to visit health-improving places that can replenish their vitality for the entire coming year. Of course, Western medicines in the form of tablets or procedures with drugs are familiar to us. But the pharmaceutical effect on the body does not cover the entire variety of existing techniques, especially when it comes to oriental medicine.
Acupuncture is one of the popular areas in traditional Chinese medicine.Hainan Island is one of the most popular centers of alternative medicine throughout Asia. It organically combines comfortable hotel complexes on the seashore and various medical institutions. A special advantage of health procedures on the island is the materials with which doctors work. The fact is that the flora of the island is so diverse that local residents have been perfecting their ability to extract the most useful substances from each plant for centuries. Thanks to this painstaking experimental work, Hainan was able to become famous throughout the world for its phytotherapeutic practices.
The range of diseases that doctors work with on Hainan Island is extremely wide. Every year hundreds of thousands of people come to these places who want to overcome their ailments. The most popular areas of treatment are the following:
- Diseases of the joints, in the fight against which compresses from herbal infusions, acupuncture and bamboo sticks are used. These procedures restore blood circulation in problem areas and can completely eliminate pain in 10 sessions.
- Combating nicotine addiction with inhalations and chest warming.
- Fast and effective weight loss, carried out through acupressure, which helps break up and reduce subcutaneous fat deposits.
- Elimination of pain symptoms during menopause. After a full examination, specialists develop an individual program that combines herbal compresses, acupuncture and bathing in thermal springs, which helps normalize the functioning of the female body.
- Reducing the effects of a recent stroke, which is achieved by stimulating the nerve endings with special needles.
Water procedures deserve special attention. The fact is that previous volcanic activity on the island of Hainan gave local residents many springs with enriched waters, swimming in which gives incredible results.
Most often, tourists go to the Xinglong Valley, where there are many thermal streams. Here you can simultaneously find both radon and potassium-sodium thermal baths, the water in which ranges from +45 °C to +65 °C. The small town is surrounded by tea and coffee plantations, the products of which can be easily purchased at local markets. Despite the compact size of the settlement, travelers can stay in comfortable villas and hotels, the level of service in which is in no way inferior to European hotels.
Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest ParkAnother popular destination for thermal water treatments is Nantian. The attractiveness of the springs lies in the fact that they are designed in the form of many small hot pools. Having received preliminary consultation from a specialist, patients soak in the thermal baths for hours, relaxing and saturating their bodies with health.
Old people talkingOf course, there are many places on Earth known for their health resorts, but what makes Hainan Island so special? Firstly, incredibly low prices for procedures and related services; holidays in this area are very affordable for tourists. Secondly, and this is the most important thing – the amazing health of the island’s inhabitants. The fact is that a huge number of centenarians live here who have passed their 100th birthday and continue to be in good health. And this is perhaps the most important indicator of the effectiveness of local procedures.
Beach holidays and entertainment in resort towns
Hainan attracts not only those who want to improve their health, but also those who prefer a beach holiday. To understand the geography of the island, it is most convenient to divide it into three zones in accordance with the bays along which they are located.
Dadonghai Bay is one of the most popular holiday destinations. There are hotels of all categories here, and snow-white beaches from afar attract those who want to plunge into the azure waters of the sea. Along the entire coastline there are shops, cafes and markets where you can buy anything. This place is a favorite among young people, as it is easy to find bars and discos of various styles and formats.
Yalong Bay is aimed at wealthy tourists, so most hotels have 5-star status. Leaving the hotel, you immediately find yourself on a private beach with white sand and clear water. The cleanliness of this area immediately led to the emergence of diving clubs. Exciting dives to the bottom are regularly held here, where you can watch the fantastic life of exotic marine life.
Sanyavan Bay is the most economical option for a beach holiday. This is due to the not-so-convenient infrastructure, because in order to get to the sea, tourists are forced to cross the road every time. But saving money on a hotel allows travelers to visit more attractions and unique places on Hainan Island.
Cultural and natural attractions
The center of the island's tourist life is the city of Sanya. It features convenient transportation, which allows you to visit any corner of Hainan. After driving just 20 minutes along the coastline, you can find an amazing park with a curious name – “Edge of the World”. In our understanding, the park area should be covered with lawns and trees, but in China there are completely different ideas on this matter. “Edge of the World” is a huge beach on which giant boulders are randomly scattered, left as a memory of past volcanic activity on the island. Almost every cobblestone has its own name, and some of them are so popular that they are depicted on local banknotes. And the very name of the park duplicates the inscription on one of the stones. It says that this place is the most extreme point of the land part of all of China.
Park "Edge of the World"
After driving another 10 km in the same direction, you can reach Mount Nanshan, at the foot of which is the largest center of Buddhism on the continent. On a huge territory of 50 sq. km there is a unique park, the landscape of which is made according to all the laws of the Eastern tradition. An artificial island was built not far from the coastline, and a huge temple was erected on it to worship the Goddess of Mercy. The real highlight of the island is the golden statue of Guanyin, encrusted with precious stones and pearls. The height of the sculpture with the pedestal is 108 m, which allows the stone image of the goddess to be ranked among the five tallest statues in the world.
Li and Miao VillageAlso 35 kilometers from Sanya there is a huge temple complex, where Taoist monks - representatives of one of the most revered faiths in China - constantly gather. According to legend, it is in this place that the southern dragon lives, ruling a quarter of the world. A visit to this zone does not require any involvement in religion, but allows you to get acquainted with such unusual rituals of a completely different culture.
Villagers at workFor those interested in the cultural characteristics and folklore of the Chinese, a must-see is the village of the Li and Miao people. The inhabitants of this settlement are descendants of the island’s aborigines; they attract tourists by demonstrating the life of their ancestors. Here you can see buildings made using ancient technologies of mixing grass and clay, dances, weddings and other everyday and festive rituals. It is worth finding out in advance about the schedule of events in order to get to the brightest of them.
Fans of exotic flora and fauna will be interested in visiting the botanical gardens and zoos of Hainan. Near Sanya there is a nature reserve where you can see thousands of species of butterflies. In one part, visitors are introduced to the museum’s classical collection, but the “live” component is of greatest interest. Next to the building there is a tropical forest with a gorge in which many rare species flutter.
How to get to Hainan Island
There are two international airports on the territory, which receive several dozen planes from different parts of the world every day. Several flight methods are available to residents of the Russian Federation, each of which has its own advantages.
It is convenient to fly to Hainan to the airport in Haikou, where Hainan Airlines operates direct flights from Moscow. Typically, such a flight takes about 10 hours; its main advantage is the ability to obtain a visa right at the airport. To do this, you must have with you a foreign passport (received no later than 6 months before departure), one color photograph 3.5x4.5 cm, an invitation from an individual or legal entity and $65 to pay for the visa itself. Thus, by choosing a direct flight, you will be freed from the need to visit the Chinese Embassy and, moreover, you will be able to extend your visa two more times for a total of 30 days, simply by going to the airport.
In addition, many flights are accepted by the city of Sanya. The recently reconstructed building of the local air gate is equipped with all the technological achievements of modern science, and the new terminal has made it possible to increase the flow of tourists several times.
There are two easy ways to get from airports to resort towns on Hainan Island. For passengers whose plane lands in Haikou, some airlines provide free shuttle buses. If the ticket does not include an additional service, you can go to the hotel by bus or taxi, the parking lot of which is located right next to the exit. Sanya Airport provides the same opportunities, but due to its close location to resort towns, transportation usually takes about 15–20 minutes and costs about $2.
Moving around the island itself while on vacation will also not be difficult. Buses constantly run between the cities, transporting tourists to the most popular places, and for those who wish to visit remote corners of Hainan, taxi services are always available. The easiest way to get around inside cities is on foot or by using the services of so-called pedicabs, which will take you to the right place for a reasonable fee.
- Last minute tours Worldwide
The best resort in the Middle Kingdom, “Eastern Hawaii” and the main Chinese health resort, Hainan in the past was an exiled island for nobles. Today, only the lazy have not heard about him. A good half of Siberia and the entire Far East are treated here for their illnesses and ailments, at the same time betraying their mortal bodies to the warm turquoise waters of the South China Sea. It’s even boring to describe the traditional picture of Hainan beaches - everything is luxuriously banal to the point of gnashing teeth: here they are, emerald palm trees, snow-white sand and azure waters. Let’s talk better about the “tricks” of Hainan; this island has plenty of them.
Firstly, the Li and Miao are the main ethnic groups in Hainan, staging amazing funeral and wedding ritual shows for tourists, which makes this corner of China completely different from the rest of the country. Secondly, fruits - rambutans, lychees and other exotic fruits in Hainan will become the main meal at any time of the day or night, since you will rarely taste such an abundance of goodies. Further, they don’t need any special introduction. And, finally, a surprise for all the lazy people vacationing in Hainan: a rich cultural heritage, which should be looked for not in the south, where all the resorts are concentrated, but in the north, where, in fact, the nobility that bothered the emperor were exiled.
Search for air tickets to Sanya (the nearest airport to Hainan)
Cities and resorts of Hainan
For lovers of active recreation, the vicinity of Sanya has all the conditions for diving, surfing, paragliding, cycling and fishing.
By the way, the Chinese come to the beach not so much to swim as to just sit, admire the sea and watch the white aliens in their natural habitat. The Chinese themselves prefer to stay further from the sea - it’s cheaper.
The entrance to the water in all bays is smooth and gentle; the shore is very shallow, so swimming is convenient and safe even with small children. The territory of the beaches is conditionally divided between hotels, but there are no fences, you can relax where you like. Admission is free almost everywhere, including showers, changing rooms and toilets. The only thing you have to pay for is sun loungers and umbrellas (20-50 CNY) and all kinds of water activities (from 200 CNY for a trip on a boat or banana boat to 1000 CNY for fishing on a specially equipped boat).
Treatment
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pulmonary, skin and urological diseases, rheumatism, osteochondrosis and hypertension are treated on the island. Treatment on the island excludes any form of surgical intervention and is carried out exclusively by traditional Chinese methods in combination with the use of natural medicines. The well-known center for traditional Chinese medicine is the “Garden of Longevity” in the Dadonghai district at the Pearl River Garden Hotel. Another center, SanYiTang, is located in Sanya, and not so long ago a branch of this clinic opened in Yalong Bay, at the Cactus Resort Hotel.
Other popular centers: Tai Chi and Yu-Kang. The Nantian medical complex will also help improve your health, on the territory of which there are more than 30 pools with water of different temperatures and chemical compositions.
Travel to Hainan Island
Diving in Hainan
The rich world of the depths of the South China Sea has been providing the island with a steady influx of divers from all over the world for several years now. Visibility underwater there is more than 20 m, and diving can be done all year round thanks to the stable mild climate and the absence of strong currents. Sometimes, however, echoes of southern storms reach Hainan, and then divers are forced to give up the bridgehead to surfers for several days.
Popular dive sites: Xiaodonghai Bay (two rivers: a bulk carrier and a boat, depth 15 m), Yalongwan (densely populated coral colonies, 18 m), Houhai Bay (corals and underwater rocks with grottoes, 30 m), Fenjiezhou Island (rocks and rivers, 25 m).
Shopping and shops
Hainan's calling card is pearls, which are famous for their regular shape and variety of colors. Tea, rock crystal, silk, porcelain, wood carvings, Buddhist souvenirs and Feng Shui symbols are also brought from the island.
You can first try different varieties of Chinese tea in tea houses scattered throughout the island, and then buy the one you like.
Haixudong Street in Haikou is a place where prestigious shops are concentrated, and you can buy artistic crafts at the Cape Market “The Edge of Sky and Sea”. In the city of Sanya, the main department stores are located on Liberation Street in the city center.
Not long ago, a Tax free system was introduced on the island, but so far only in a few stores. The purchase amount must be from 800 to 5000 CNY, VAT refund - 11%.
What to try
Entertainment and attractions
When you arrive in Hainan, you should definitely set aside 2-3 days and drive around the island in search of beautiful views and interesting sights. There are plenty of them here.
To get to know Buddhist culture better, you should go to Nanshan Temple. Not far from it, on an artificial island, stands the tallest statue of the goddess Guanyin in the world, and in the sanctuary there are a dozen sculptures of the Buddha himself.
From the observation deck in front of Nanshan there is a picturesque view of the sea and a giant statue of a bodhisattva.
Betel Nat Ethnic Park is located 30 km from Sanya. It is dedicated to the life, customs and traditions of the small peoples of Li and Meow. There are huts scattered throughout the area where you can learn about the tattoos, dialects and other characteristics of the local residents.
The Sky Grottoes are the most ancient attraction of Hainan.
Hainan has many picturesque natural parks and reserves. In one of them, on Monkey Island, more than 2,000 tailed inhabitants live. You will have to take a cable car to get here, but you can admire the island and the surrounding South China Sea. Another entertainment is fishing on rafts; there are also small restaurants serving excellent seafood dishes.
Another park, the Celestial Grottoes, is considered the island's most ancient attraction. It was founded almost 1000 years ago. Today, South Mountain attracts tourists with its beautiful views and historical structures, including the Temple of the Dragon King of the South China Sea, which houses a statue of the ruler himself, and the Wall of Records at the top of the mountain. In addition, the Sanya Natural History Museum is located on the territory of the Taoist Park.
The resorts of Hainan are well suited for families with children. Most 4 and 5* hotels have play areas, small pools with slides, a daily entertainment program and a children's menu in the restaurant.
Not long ago, a large modern water park opened in Sanya. It is divided into 3 zones - children's, children's and adolescents' and adults'. There is a pool with artificial waves, which is also divided into 2 parts - in one the tide is very weak, in the other a real storm is raging.
On the shores of the picturesque Lake Dongshanhu lies the largest natural zoo in the Asian region (office site in English). Animals from different parts of the country are collected here - elephants, giraffes, monkeys, sika deer. There are also dangerous predators - lions, tigers, crocodiles, so excursions are conducted in jeeps or buses. This place bears little resemblance to the familiar zoo with its cramped cages. Animals are kept in conditions as close to natural as possible. The zones are separated, but the enclosures are so spacious that their boundaries are almost invisible. The peaceful inhabitants can be approached, petted and fed.
In March there are many Chinese at the resorts, and from February to May they are occupied by Europeans.
