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Explore the rich cultural history of Haikou at the Yongqing Cultural Scenic Area, visit traditional buildings, enjoy local performances showcasing Hainan’s culture, and stroll through the scenic gardens. Take time to learn about the indigenous traditions and customs through interactive exhibits.
Located at the entrance to the Yingbin Peninsula in the Old Town Development Zone, the ancient Yongqing Temple, a Tang Dynasty Buddhist tradition, boasts two halls and several side rooms. Within the halls, statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, and other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are enshrined. It is the largest Buddhist temple in northern Hainan, and its layout follows the Song Dynasty's "Seven Halls" layout, boasting a majestic and magnificent hall structure.
Yongqing Temple, originally built during the Tang Dynasty, boasts a history of over a thousand years and is considered one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Chengmai." The forty-two Buddha statues enshrined in the temple are all carved from a single block of Burmese white jade and possess high artistic and cultural value. The temple's main buildings include the Heavenly King Hall, the Main Hall, the Sutra Library, the Guanyin Hall, the Manjusri Hall, the Samantabhadra Hall, the Abbot's Chamber, and the Zen Hall. Every Spring Festival, thousands of devout believers gather here to pay their respects and pray.
tropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for 1 to 2 hours
Adult price: 50 yuan/person;
Children under 1.2 meters in height are free of charge;
Senior citizens over 70 years old can enter for free with their senior citizen card or ID card; active military personnel, disabled revolutionary soldiers, disabled people, journalists, and tour guides can enter for free with valid ID.
9:00-17:00
The Yongqing Cultural Scenic Area is a cultural hub in Haikou, showcasing the traditions, history, and art of Hainan’s diverse ethnic groups, including the Li and Miao people. It is significant as it offers visitors a glimpse into the island's cultural heritage through architecture, performances, and local crafts.
Located in Haikou, the capital city of Hainan, the scenic area is accessible by taxi, private car, or public bus from the city center. Walking is also an option if you are staying nearby.
The Yongqing Cultural Scenic Area is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the cooler months, from November to April, avoiding the summer heat and peak tourist seasons.
The entrance fee is around 50-80 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance or online through local tourism websites and apps.
While not necessary, it is advisable to book tickets in advance during peak seasons (e.g., Chinese New Year or National Holidays) to avoid long lines. Booking a few days in advance is sufficient for most visitors.
A visit to the Yongqing Cultural Scenic Area typically takes about 2-3 hours. This allows time to explore the cultural exhibits, enjoy performances, and wander through the gardens and traditional architecture.
The must-see highlights include the traditional Hainanese architecture, cultural performance spaces, the local crafts and art exhibits, and the scenic gardens with their tranquil atmosphere.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, with some tours offering English-speaking guides upon request. Audio guides are also available in Chinese and English.
The best photography spots are the scenic gardens, the traditional pavilions, and the cultural performance spaces where local artists showcase their crafts. The architecture also offers great backdrops for photos.
Start with a walk through the traditional architecture to appreciate the local design, then visit the cultural exhibits to understand Hainan's history. Afterward, relax in the gardens and enjoy the local performances. End your visit by exploring souvenir shops selling local crafts.
Night visits and light shows are not commonly offered at this location. Special cultural performances may be scheduled during the day depending on the season.
The area tends to be less crowded on weekdays, particularly outside of the summer months or Chinese public holidays. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can also help avoid crowds.
Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and drinking water are available. There are also small shops selling local souvenirs and snacks.
The attraction is fairly accessible, with paved paths and flat areas suitable for elderly visitors and children. However, some of the traditional areas may have uneven surfaces, which could be challenging for wheelchair users.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are more commonly used in the area. Credit cards are less frequently accepted, so it’s recommended to have a mobile payment option or cash on hand.
Inside the scenic area, there are small cafes serving traditional snacks and drinks. For more dining options, visitors can head to downtown Haikou, which has a variety of restaurants offering both local and international cuisines.
Vegetarian options are available at some of the local food stalls, though vegan and halal options may be more limited. It is recommended to inquire about specific dietary preferences before visiting.
There are several hotels in Haikou, ranging from budget to luxury. Some options close to the scenic area include mid-range hotels and guesthouses in Haikou city center, which is a short taxi ride away.
Nearby attractions include the Haikou Arcade Street, the Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park, and the Wugong Temple. All are easily reachable by taxi or public transport and can be combined in a day trip.
There are several souvenir shops within the scenic area, selling local handicrafts such as woven items, bamboo crafts, and traditional Hainanese clothing. Local teas and tropical fruits are also popular souvenirs.
After visiting the Yongqing Cultural Scenic Area, the best options to continue your trip are by taxi or private car. Public buses are available, but taxi services offer more flexibility for exploring other parts of Haikou or Hainan.
