My bestie tricked me into becoming a beach bum in Wanning, and now I wear bikinis to work—so what?

📸 Must-visit spots👇

### **1. Riyue Bay**
- **Highlights**: China's top surfing destination, filming location for the variety show *Summer Surf Shop*, liveliest during surf season (October-March).
- **Activities**: Take surf lessons (~¥300-500/session), snap photos at beachside cafés, watch sunset.
- **Budget tip**: Free beach access even if you don’t surf; cheap street snacks.

### **2. Shimei Bay**
- **Highlights**: One of Hainan’s most beautiful bays, uncrowded with crystal water, featured in *If You Are the One 2*.
- **Must-dos**: Phoenix Jiuli Bookstore (oceanfront), snorkeling at Jiajing Island (join a day tour).

### **3. Shenzhou Peninsula**
- **Viral lighthouse**: Red-and-white beacon against blue seas—photos look straight out of a manga (go at dawn/dusk to avoid midday heat).
- **Corona Sunset Bar**: Ultra-chill beach bar, magical at sunset (drinks ~¥50/person).

### **4. Xinglong Town**
- **Vibe**: Hainan’s “Overseas Chinese Town,” brimming with Southeast Asian flair.
- **Recs**:
- **Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden** (¥50, exotic plants).
- **Bali Village** (¥30, Insta-worthy SE Asian architecture).
- **Xinglong Coffee Valley**: Local coffee culture (¥5/cup!).

### **5. Dahuajiao**
- **Hidden gem**: Pebble beach + clear water, perfect for hiking or chilling (free; 10-min walk after navigating to “Dahuajiao”).

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## **🍜 Wanning Food Guide**
### **[Must-try specialties]**
1. **Hele Crab**: One of Hainan’s “Four Famous Dishes”—try crab congee or spicy stir-fry (¥80-120/person).
- **Spot**: “Hele Feijie Seafood Stall” in downtown Wanning.
2. **Hou’an Rice Noodles**: Rich broth, spiced up with yellow lantern chili (¥10/bowl).
- **Spot**: “Old Narrow Lane Hou’an Noodles” in Xinglong.
3. **Xinglong Coffee**: Local beans + condensed milk—cheap and delicious (¥5-10/cup).
- **Spot**: “Longyuan Coffee Estate” or street vendors.
4. **Southeast Asian snacks**:
- **Curry fish balls**, **kueh lapis**, **durian fried ice** (“Southeast Asian Flavors” restaurant, ~¥40/person).

### **[Night markets & food streets]**
- **Wanning Renmin Road Night Market**: BBQ, *qingbuliang*, mango with chili salt (~¥30 for a feast).
- **Xinglong Overseas Chinese Market**: Tropical fruits (jackfruit, mangoes—super cheap).

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## **🏠 Budget Stays**
Top areas: **Riyue Bay, Shimei Bay, Shenzhou Peninsula, Xinglong**. Affordable picks:

### **1. Riyue Bay**
- **Surf hostels**: Youth-friendly, ¥200-300/night (low season).
- Rec: **Surfing Family Community** (great vibe, shared lessons).
- **Hostels**: **Riyue Bay Star Hostel** (beds ¥50-80/night).

### **2. Shenzhou Peninsula/Shimei Bay**
- **Apartments**: Ideal for groups/families, ¥200-400/unit (low season).
- Rec: **Apartments near Shimei Bay Le Méridien** (half the price of hotels).

### **3. Xinglong Town**
- **Hot spring hotels**: ¥100-200/night with pools.
- Rec: **Xinglong Hot Spring Hotel** (classic budget option).

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## **💰 Money-Saving Tips**
1. **Transport**: Rent e-bikes (¥50-80/day) or drive—public transit is spotty.
2. **Tickets**: Most beaches are free; book paid attractions (e.g., botanical garden) online.
3. **Eats**: Xinglong has lowest prices; seafood is cheaper downtown than at tourist spots.

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## **📅 Best Time to Visit**
- **Peak (Nov-Mar)**: Cool weather, great surf, pricier stays.
- **Off-peak (Apr-Oct)**: Fewer crowds, lower costs, but hotter with occasional typhoons.

Wanning is perfect for travelers who love **off-the-beaten-path, nature, and value**. Save this and go! 🌴