Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County

Introducing Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County

Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County is one of the ethnic autonomous counties under the jurisdiction of Hainan Province. Located in central Hainan Island, at the northern foot of Wuzhi Mountain, the county enjoys a tropical marine monsoon climate, characterized by long summers without extreme heat and short winters without severe cold, with an average annual temperature of 22.8°C. Covering an area of ​​2,704.66 square kilometers, the county administers 10 townships, two county-owned forestry farms, and one county-owned farm. In 2012, the county had a population of 228,000, of which 45.63% were Li and 6.1% were Miao. The Haiyu Central Highway traverses the county, with a radiating highway network extending in all directions. Qiongzhong serves as a transportation hub for both north-south and east-west highways on Hainan Island. Qiongzhong is Hainan's ecological core, known as the "Heart of Hainan, Source of the Three Rivers, Forest Kingdom, Home of Green Oranges, and Home of the Li and Miao Peoples." It boasts national and provincial forest areas and protected areas, including Wuzhi Mountain, Limu Mountain, Diaoluo Mountain, and Yinggeling. Qiongzhong Green Oranges are Hainan Province's first protected geographical indication product.

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Most Popular FAQs for Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Qiongzhong is an autonomous county in central Hainan, in the highlands on the northern slopes of Wuzhi Mountain. It is part of Hainan’s ecological core zone, with high forest coverage (≈ 85 %) and rich tropical rainforest ecosystems. It is home to Li and Miao ethnic minorities, preserving their culture, traditional crafts, and village life. The county contains important watersheds as “three rivers’ sources” and is called “forest kingdom”, “ecological heart of Hainan”, etc.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Qiongzhong lies centrally in Hainan Island, north of Wuzhi Mountain, part of the island’s interior mountainous zone. To reach Qiongzhong, you typically travel by road from major Hainan cities (e.g. Haikou, Sanya). Buses connect to the county seat (Yinggen). Within scenic zones like Baihualing, shuttle buses, forest walks, and trails are used (walking, boardwalks, trails).

What are the opening hours and best times to revisit?

For Baihualing Tropical Rainforest attraction, typical visiting range is about half to a full day. Best seasons: spring to autumn (March to October) when rainforest is lush, waterfalls flowing, weather comfortable. In heavy rain / monsoon times trails may be slippery.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Baihualing has ticketed access (through platforms like Klook) for rainforest area. Specific amounts are not clearly consistent in public sources; they vary by package (shuttle, forest walk, glass bridge). Tickets can be purchased at the attraction ticket office or via online travel platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

In peak seasons (weekends, holidays) advance booking is safer, especially for popular rainforest sites and shuttle packages. In off-peak, on-site purchase is often feasible.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To experience key attractions (Baihualing, Limu Mountain, village visits, rafting) allow 1 full day for a focused trip, or 2 days for a relaxed experience.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Baihualing Rainforest area (waterfall, canopy trails, forest scenery)
• Limu Mountain / forest park
• Qiongzhong Gorge drifting (river drift)
• Ethnic Li & Miao villages, minority culture immersion
• Historical sites: Baisha Uprising Memorial, Ming dynasty guard post ruins
• Peaks, viewpoints in rainforest ridges and plateau ridgelines in Baihualing

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

I found no strong confirmation of multilingual audio guides. Local guides in Chinese or guided tours via local tourism operators are more likely.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Waterfall cliffs and cascades in Baihualing (upper cascades, vertical drops)
• Forest canopy trails, high lookout platforms in rainforest
• Edge ridges and peaks in Limu Mountain, forest ridgeline vistas
• Village scenes, ethnic dwellings, local landscape in Li/Miao villages
• Forest reflections in streams, dawn / mist in rainforest valleys

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Example route (for 1–2 days):
Day 1: Arrive at Yinggen (county seat), go to Baihualing, hike rainforest trails, see waterfalls, canopy walk, shuttle loop.
Day 2: Visit Limu Mountain, then explore local Li/Miao villages, cultural immersion, possibly drifting in gorge, then return.
Within the rainforest park, use internal shuttle loops, follow main trail circuits from entrance → higher falls → ridge trails → return via shuttle.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

I found no documented regular night tours or large light shows. Some forest areas may offer night forest walks or firefly viewing depending on season, arranged locally.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Peak crowds occur weekends, Chinese holidays, and summer season (tourism high). Least crowded times: weekday mornings, off-peak months (early spring, late autumn).

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

In major attractions like Baihualing, you’ll find visitor centers, restrooms, snack / refreshment kiosks, shuttle service, trail signage. In remote trails and village paths, amenities are minimal—carry water, snacks, insect repellent.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Some easy trails, boardwalks, shuttle segments in Baihualing are suitable for children and older visitors. Steeper rainforest trails, climbing sections, river drift segments may be challenging. Disabled access (ramps, lifts) is likely limited in natural forest terrain.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

In Hainan tourist areas, mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and bank cards are commonly accepted at ticket offices, shops, restaurants. In remote villages or small vendors, cash is safer to carry as backup.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

In Yinggen town (county seat) and near major scenic area entrances you will find restaurants offering Hainan / Li & Miao cuisine, local food stalls. Some guesthouses or eco-lodges in rainforest zones may provide meals to guests.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian dishes (tofu, vegetables, rice, local produce) are generally available in Chinese restaurants. Halal or strictly vegan options may be rare; ask in larger towns or cities.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are hotels in the county seat (Yinggen) and lodging in guesthouses / eco-hotels near Baihualing. Forest lodges or rainforest cabins may exist inside or near the rainforest park.

h3>What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby in Hainan: Wuzhi Mountain (五指山) is adjacent to Qiongzhong and is a notable natural peak. The broader Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park zones and forest reserves in adjacent counties can be combined.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops in visitor centers / forest park shops offer local crafts, herbal medicines, rainforest ingredients, Li & Miao cultural handicrafts, postcards, forest teas.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

From Qiongzhong (Yinggen), you can travel by bus or car to other parts of Hainan—toward Haikou, Sanya, surrounding forest zones. Road connections allow you to link with Hainan’s main highway network.