Hainan Lingshui Family Trip

In mid-July, we took our child from Chengdu to Lingshui, Hainan. Based on our actual itinerary, I've written a simple guide for reference. Our family of three (couple with a 5-year-old) thoroughly enjoyed this relaxed vacation – waking up naturally each day without rushing schedules or meal times. Note: Our route was slightly detoured, so this isn't the most optimized itinerary.

[Day 1] Afternoon flight from Chengdu to Sanya Airport, then rented a car. The drive from Phoenix Airport to the hotel took about 1 hour. Note: Hainan has no highway tolls but higher gas prices than inland cities.
Stay: Lanyu Hotel (Qingshui Bay)

[Day 2] Woke naturally. Morning at Qingshui Bay Beach, afternoon beachcombing at Tonghai Village (navigate to Shenji Store). Found buckets of starfish (eventually released) – pure fun!
Dinner: Xincun Night Market (Xu Fuji Grilled Oysters)
Stay: Lanyu Hotel

[Day 3] Morning: Visited Freedom Lighthouse and took scenic train rides for photos
Lunch: Li Ji Seafood
Afternoon: Nanwan Village to feed monkeys (¥20 for big fruit bucket – monkeys everywhere! 🐒 We skipped Monkey Island as we heard it wasn't worth it). Then proceeded to Boundary Island – parked at pier (free for hotel guests). Enjoyed water activities after checking in, then took island tour by shuttle.
Stay: Boundary Island Fishing Club

[Day 4] Morning: More Boundary Island activities. Checked out at noon and headed to new hotel. After resting, visited Rich Ocean Joy World for evening entertainment – fireworks show was spectacular!
Stay: Qi Coconut Pool Resort Hotel

[Day 5] Woke naturally. Went to Xiangshui Bay for surfing at Awen Surf Club (2+ hours). Late lunch at Huang Chu Seafood – great value with decent coconut chicken and zuopochu hotpot flavors. Drove back to Sanya Phoenix Airport to return car, then flew back to Chengdu.

Feel free to share more great family destinations in the comments!

Post by edie_carl_wagner | Jul 25, 2025