Hainan is stunningly beautiful, but I honestly don't recommend visiting in July because...........
by Matthew~Baker-Lily
Jun 30, 2025
Hainan Travel Guide:
π I. Must-Visit Cities & Attractions in Hainan
1. Sanya (Holiday Paradise)
- ποΈ Yalong Bay: "Hawaii of the East," fine white sand, cluster of luxury hotels.
- π΄ Wuzhizhou Island: Diving paradise with 27-meter water visibility, jet skiing and parasailing available.
- π
 Tianya Haijiao: Romantic landmark, perfect for couples.
- πΏ Tropical Paradise Forest Park: Filming location of "If You Are the One 2," overlooking Yalong Bay.
- ποΈ Sanya International duty-free shop: Shopping paradise with great discounts on luxury goods and cosmetics.
2. Haikou (Culture + Food)
- ποΈ Qilou Old Street: Southeast Asian style architecture, great for photos and street food.
- π Volcanic Geopark: Tropical volcanic wonder, perfect for hiking and exploration.
- π Hainan University South Gate Night Market: Gathering place for Hainan rice noodles, Qingbuliang, coconut chicken and other delicacies.
3. Wanning (Surfing & Off the Beaten Path)
- π Riyue Bay: China's surfing mecca, suitable for beginners and experts.
- π Shimei Bay: Most beautiful coastal highway, must-visit for road trips.
- π Jiajing Island: Snorkeling paradise with crystal-clear waters.
4. Lingshui (Pristine Islands)
- π Boundary Island: Diving + marine theater, ideal for family trips.
- π΄ Daidai Island: Instagram-worthy photo spot, less crowded with beautiful scenery.
5. Other Recommendations
- Wuzhi Mountain: Tropical rainforest hiking, explore Li ethnic culture.
- West Island: Fishing village atmosphere, perfect for slow travel.
π II. Must-Try Hainan Cuisine
1. Classic Hainan Dishes
- π Wenchang Chicken: Poached and served with dipping sauce, tender and juicy.
- π¦ Jiaji Duck: Qionghai specialty, similar to roast duck but more aromatic.
- π Dongshan Goat: Wanning specialty, non-gamey meat.
- π² Hele Crab: Full of roe and fat, recommended spicy stir-fried.
2. Special Snacks & Desserts
- π Hainan Rice Noodles (Haikou pickled noodles, Sanya Baoluo noodles).
- π₯₯ Qingbuliang: Coconut milk + fruits + taro balls, summer must-have.
- π Coconut Rice: Glutinous rice steamed in coconut, sweet and soft.
- π’ Lingshui Sour Noodles: Sour and spicy appetizer, amazing with dried fish.
3. Seafood Recommendations
- π¦ First Market (Sanya): Choose your own seafood for cooking, lobster and mantis shrimp recommended.
- π Xincun Harbor (Lingshui): Dan boat people's fishing rafts, freshly caught and prepared.
π III. Transportation Guide
1. Getting There
- βοΈ By Air:
  - Sanya Phoenix Airport (popular destination, many flights).
  - Haikou Meilan Airport (cheaper tickets, high-speed rail transfer to Sanya available).
- π High-Speed Rail: Island loop rail (HaikouβSanya takes about 1.5 hours).
2. Getting Around
- π Self-driving: Recommended! Hainan highways are toll-free, convenient car rental (about Β₯200-500/day).
- π΅ Electric bikes: Great for short distances (perfect along Sanya/Wanning beaches).
- π Public transit/taxis: Sanya has convenient public transportation, taxis recommended for remote attractions.
π¨ IV. Accommodation Recommendations
1. Sanya
- Luxury resorts: Yalong Bay (St. Regis, Park Hyatt), Haitang Bay (Atlantis).
- Value options: Dadonghai, Sanya Bay (guesthouses/chain hotels).
2. Haikou
- Convenient for food and shopping: Near Qilou Old Street.
- Comfort options: Guomao and Wanlu Park areas.
3. Wanning
- Surfing guesthouses: Riyue Bay (recommend Grom, Pangu Zhang).
- Ocean view hotels: Shimei Bay Westin, Le MΓ©ridien.
π
 V. Classic Itinerary Recommendations
5-Day 4-Night Classic Tour (Sanya + Wanning)
- Day 1: Sanya β Yalong Bay Beach β Tropical Paradise Forest Park.
- Day 2: Full day at Wuzhizhou Island (diving + water activities).
- Day 3: Sanya duty-free shop β Drive/high-speed rail to Wanning β Surfing at Riyue Bay.
- Day 4: Shimei Bay coastal highway β Snorkeling at Jiajing Island.
- Day 5: Return (or visit Qilou Old Street in Haikou).
7-Day 6-Night In-Depth Tour (Island Loop)
- Haikou β Wenchang (East Coast Coconut Forest) β Wanning β Lingshui β Sanya β Wuzhi Mountain β Haikou, perfect for driving enthusiasts.
Post by ISABEL MCLAUGHLIN | Apr 25, 2025













