
Qionghai, a county-level city in Hainan Province, is located in the eastern part of the province, on the middle and lower reaches of the Wanquan River. It is 78 kilometers north of Haikou and 163 kilometers north of Sanya. Qionghai is a young and charming city, known as the Pearl of Hainan's east coast.
The county boasts 256 mountain ranges , most of them low. Baimaling, located in the southwest, reaches an elevation of 1,264.4 meters, making it the highest point in the county. Rivers crisscross the county, and the coastline stretches 44.4 kilometers. Major ports include Bobei Port, Tanmen Port, and Qingge Port, serving both as fishing ports and international transportation hubs.
Qionghai City is known for its picturesque scenery, with the Wanquan River offering stunning views. The city boasts a wealth of mountains, rivers, lakes, and springs, with the scenic Wanquan River cruise featuring the scenic route, including the Wanquan River, Baishiling, Guantang Hot Springs, Shazhou Island, the Wanquan River estuary, coconut-lined beaches, and the underwater park.
The tropical monsoon climate in spring, summer, and autumn offers abundant sunshine, high temperatures, frequent rainfall, and typhoons. The dry season generally runs from December to April , while the rainy season is from May to November .
The establishment of the Boao Forum for Asia and the Wanquan River rafting tourism, known as " Hainan's No. 1 Rafting " , as well as more than ten tourist attractions such as the Red Detachment of Women Statue, the Women's Detachment Memorial Park, the Jukui Tower, and the racing track.
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Qionghai is a city in Hainan Province, historically important as a trade and transport hub along the Wanquan River. It is also culturally significant as part of Hainan’s Li and Miao ethnic regions, showcasing traditional customs and tropical agricultural heritage.
Qionghai is located in eastern Hainan. It is accessible via high-speed train from Haikou or Sanya, buses from major Hainan cities, or private taxis. Walking or cycling is recommended to explore local streets and scenic riverside areas.
The city and main attractions are generally open daily. The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is warm, dry, and comfortable.
Most attractions in Qionghai are free or have minimal entrance fees (20–50 CNY for certain parks or river cruises). Tickets can usually be purchased offline at the site; online booking is optional for guided tours.
Advance booking is generally not required, except for popular river cruises or guided tours during holidays. Booking 1–2 days in advance is sufficient.
1–2 days are sufficient to explore main sights, enjoy river cruises, and visit local markets. Longer stays allow for beach relaxation and day trips to nearby towns.
Guided tours are available in Chinese and occasionally English. Audio guides are limited and mainly provided for specific attractions.
Start at Bo’ao for beaches, visit the Wanquan River area, explore local markets and villages, and finish with a sunset view along the coast or river.
Night markets and riverside walks are available. Light shows are not typical, but occasional cultural events or evening performances may occur.
Peak tourist times are during Chinese holidays. Weekdays outside the holiday season are less crowded.
Public toilets, small restaurants, cafes, and local shops are available in main tourist areas. Some remote spots may lack facilities.
Main streets and riverside paths are generally accessible, but some beaches or village areas may require walking on uneven paths. Elderly and children should plan accordingly.
Cash is widely used, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also widely accepted. Credit cards are less common outside major hotels.
Seafood restaurants, riverside cafes, and local eateries offering Hainanese cuisine are common in Bo’ao and along Wanquan River.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some restaurants; Halal food is limited but can be found in selected local eateries.
Accommodations range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels and lakeside resorts, particularly in Bo’ao and central Qionghai.
Souvenir shops sell tropical fruits, dried seafood, local handicrafts, and Hainanese cultural items.
Travelers can take buses, taxis, or private transfers to Haikou, Sanya, or other parts of Hainan. Bo’ao also has connections via the high-speed rail network.