It's settled! Traveling to Hainan in March and April? Here's your ultimate guide!
by CuriousVoyage
Mar 15, 2025
✅1. Must-Visit Attractions
✨1. Coastal Scenery
◦ Riyue Bay: A world-class surfing destination where you can take surfing lessons (recommended clubs: Pangu Palm, Jielang·Bu) or participate in the Dragon Boat Festival's "Dragon Water Washing" folk activity.
◦ Shimei Bay: Known as the "Most Beautiful Bay," check out the Phoenix Jiuli Bookstore and the Seaview Pavilion overlooking the green leather forest and the sea.
◦ Shanqin Bay: Discover the viral "Swallow Cave," and capture stunning photos of the mountains and sea at the Zhengmenling Bridge on the cliffside road.
✨2. Cultural Experiences
◦ Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden: A national 4A-level scenic area with over 3,200 species of tropical plants, perfect for family educational trips.
◦ Dongshan Ridge: "Hainan's First Mountain," blending Buddhist culture with cliff carvings, offering panoramic views of Xiaohai from the summit.
◦ Bali Village: A Southeast Asian-style village where you can experience the culture of overseas Chinese.
✨3. Special Activities (During 2025 Dragon Boat Festival)
◦ Hele Town Dragon Boat Festival: The 3rd Jianghu Dragon Boat Race will be held on May 31, featuring family-friendly activities and folk culture displays.
◦ Xinglong Coffee Culture: Visit Coffee Valley and M1 Fantasy Workshop to try your hand at making coffee or chocolate.
✅2. Classic Itineraries
• 2-Day Highlights Tour
🍄Day1: Surfing at Riyue Bay → Seaview Pavilion at Shimei Bay → Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden → Bali Village (enjoy Southeast Asian cuisine for dinner).
🍄Day2: Hiking Dongshan Ridge → Hele Town Dragon Boat Race / Seafood foraging at Gangbei Xiaohai → Cycling along the coastal highway.
🌵• 3-Day Family-Friendly Tour
Day1: Xinglong Botanical Garden → M1 Coffee Workshop → DIY at Chocolate Town.
Day2: Shenzhou Peninsula Beach Club → Feeding animals at Luwan Ranch.
Day3: Family surfing experience at Riyue Bay.
✅3. Food Guide
🪸• Must-Try Local Delicacies
◦ Hele Crab: Fresh from Gangbei Xiaohai, best steamed or spicy.
◦ Dongshan Goat: Served boiled or in hot pot, tender and non-gamey.
◦ Hou'an Noodles: Pork bone broth with tender pork slices, a perfect breakfast choice.
◦ Xinglong Coffee: Paired with Indonesian pastries, recommended at Longyuan Coffee Garden.
🥙• Recommended Restaurants
◦ Xinglong Indonesian Restaurant: Homestyle dishes by overseas Chinese, like curry shrimp and fried noodles.
◦ Hele Town Seafood Stalls: Fresh Gangbei prawns and Hele crab.
✅4. Accommodation Tips
• Luxury Resorts: Shimei Bay Le Méridien / Westin (beachfront pools, family-friendly facilities).
• Budget-Friendly Options: Riyue Bay Forest Inn, Xinglong Hot Spring Hotel.
⭐️5. Practical Tips
🚗• Transportation: Renting a car is recommended; the island loop highway connects major attractions. Take the high-speed rail to Wanning Station, then transfer by bus/taxi.
🐬• Best Season: November to April offers pleasant weather. Dragon Boat Festival activities are plentiful but require early bookings.
🌻• Sun & Mosquito Protection: Tropical UV rays are strong—pack sunscreen and insect repellent.
Post by SARA SIMMONS | May 14, 2025























