This summer vacation, I'm only taking my kids to one place: Lingshui!
by Eleanor_Adams75
Aug 11, 2025
**Lingshui Li Autonomous County** (Lingshui County), located in the southeastern part of Hainan Province and adjacent to Sanya, is renowned for its tropical coastal scenery, Li ethnic culture, and diving spots. Here’s a detailed travel guide to Lingshui County:
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**1. Overview of Lingshui**
- **Location**: Southeastern Hainan Island, about 80 km from Sanya, accessible by high-speed train in 30 minutes.
- **Highlights**: Features attractions like Clearwater Bay, Boundary Island, and Coconut Palm Ancient Village, with crystal-clear waters ideal for vacationing, diving, and experiencing Li culture.
- **Best Season**: November to April (avoid typhoon season; warm and dry climate).
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**2. Must-Visit Attractions**
**1. Boundary Island**
- **Highlights**: A national 5A-level scenic area with underwater visibility exceeding 10 meters, perfect for diving, fishing, and jet skiing.
- **Must-Do**:
- Diving (reef diving/open-water diving).
- Marine Theater (interact with dolphins and sea lions).
- **Ticket**: Around ¥128 (includes ferry).
**2. Clearwater Bay**
- **Highlights**: Known as the "singing sand beach" (fine sand that makes sounds when stepped on), it’s less crowded and great for photos and relaxation.
- **Photo Spots**:
- **Freedom Lighthouse**: Perfect for sunrise/sunset shots.
- **Agile Beach**: Free access, with a popular photo studio nearby.
**3. Nanwan Monkey Island**
- **Highlights**: The world’s only tropical island macaque nature reserve, featuring a cable car ride overlooking the Tanka fishing villages.
- **Tips**:
- Do not feed the monkeys to avoid scratches.
- The cable car offers stunning views—best taken on sunny days.
- **Ticket**: Around ¥154 (includes cable car).
**4. Coconut Palm Ancient Village**
- **Highlights**: A Li and Miao ethnic culture theme park, offering hands-on experiences like pottery-making, weaving, and bamboo pole dancing.
- **Ideal For**: Families or culture enthusiasts.
**5. Tanka Fishing Villages**
- **Highlights**: Floating fishing villages where you can take boat tours and enjoy fresh seafood (try the "porcupine fish porridge").
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**3. Food Recommendations**
1. **Lingshui Sour Rice Noodles**
- A local specialty with a tangy, spicy flavor, featuring dried sandworms and small fish. Try "Wang Haifa Sour Noodles" (a famous old shop in town).
2. **Seafood**
- Fresh catches at Xincun Pier or Tanka fishing villages—recommend lobster, Hele crab, and steamed egg with sea urchin.
3. **Tropical Fruits**
- Mangoes, wax apples, and jackfruit (buy at local markets like Central Farmers' Market).
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**4. Accommodation Suggestions**
- **Clearwater Bay**: Luxury resorts, such as:
- **The Westin Blue Bay Resort**: Oceanfront views, family-friendly.
- **Arroha Oceanview Suites**: Budget-friendly for families.
- **Boundary Island**: Stay in island cabins (~¥800/night) for a tranquil night.
- **Downtown**: Budget hotels (e.g., Lingshui Leyi Yujia Hotel), convenient for local snacks.
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**5. Transportation Guide**
- **Getting There**:
- **By Air**: Fly to Sanya Phoenix Airport, then take a high-speed train to Lingshui Station (~30 mins).
- **By Train**: Direct access via Hainan’s high-speed rail "Lingshui Station."
- **Local Transport**:
- Rent a car (~¥200/day) or hire a private car (~¥300/day) for inter-attraction travel.
- Ferries/cable cars required for Boundary Island and Nanwan Monkey Island.
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**6. Itinerary Ideas**
- **2-Day Classic Route**:
- **Day 1**: Diving at Boundary Island → Lunch at Tanka Fishing Villages → Nanwan Monkey Island → Stay at Clearwater Bay.
- **Day 2**: Clearwater Bay beach → Coconut Palm Ancient Village → Departure.
- **3-Day In-Depth Trip**: Add Diaoluo Mountain Forest Park (tropical rainforest hiking).
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**7. Tips**
1. Sun protection! Pack high-SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
2. Avoid flying within 24 hours after diving.
3. Respect Li and Miao customs—ask before photographing locals.
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For niche activities (like tide-pooling spots or surfing tips) or a combined Sanya + Lingshui itinerary, let me know!
Post by Eleanor_Adams75 | Aug 11, 2025












