Wanning is stunning, but I honestly don't recommend visiting in July because...

Wanning: The Wild Romance of China's Surf Capital, A Utopia Where Ocean Meets Fire
—Dancing on the waves of Riyue Bay, daydreaming on the beaches of Shimei Bay, unlocking Hainan's most untamed side
While Sanya's beaches are packed with tourists and Haikou's arcades drown in urban noise, Wanning on Hainan's east coast has quietly become a utopia for young escapists as "China's Surf Capital." Here, Riyue Bay's snow-like waves offer 200 surfable days annually; Shimei Bay's crystal-clear "glass sea" reveals dancing corals and fish; Xinglong's coffee plantations waft with Southeast Asian aromas. Wanning's charm lies in its wild coastal spirit blended with multicultural tolerance—you can surf by day, enjoy live music at bars by night, then soak in rainforest hot springs at dawn. This "anti-rat-race" city heals urban souls with waves, coffee, rainforests, and slow living.

I. Geographic Symphony at 18°N Latitude
Wanning's 109km coastline connects China's most dynamic seascapes, while inland rainforests and hot springs hide unexpected serenity.

1. Riyue Bay: Jerusalem of Chinese Surfing
Surfer's Paradise: 10-month surf season (best Oct-Mar), 1.5-3m waves suit beginners to pros.
Surf Culture: 20+ clubs (e.g., Shaka, Jie Lang Bu); board rental ~¥150/day, lessons ¥400-600/2hrs.
Hosts December's "Wanning International Surfing Open," a global pilgrimage.
Hidden Gems: Sunrise boat trips at 6am or sunset beers at Forest Inn's rooftop.

2. Shimei Bay: Underrated Glasswater Utopia
6km silver beach with 10m visibility, adjacent to China Resources Shimei Bay Yacht Club.
Must-do: Island-hopping sailboat trips (Jiajing/Zhouzai Islands for snorkeling/fishing).
Hike to "Shimei Bay Ocean View Pavilion" for half-ocean-half-rainforest vistas.

3. Dazhou Island: China's "Shipwreck Beach"
Adventure: Hainan's largest uninhabited island with Ming Dynasty shipwreck (80% coral coverage).
Activities: Charter boats (~¥800), camping, diving, "shipwreck photography."

4. Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden: Kingdom of Coffee & Spices
Southeast Asian plantations (cocoa, vanilla, pepper); DIY chocolate/coffee workshops.
Must-try: Xinglong coffee (Robusta beans, charcoal-roasted), pandan cake, golden coconut rolls.

II. Cultural Code: Surfers, Rainforests & Diaspora
Wanning's culture blends ocean and land—Tanka fishing villages, Xinglong's Nanyang heritage, and surf clubs' free spirit.

1. Xinglong Diaspora: Living Southeast Asian Relic
Nanyang architecture: Bali Village (Indonesian gates/dances), Overseas Chinese Farm (settled 1951).
Fusion cuisine: Curry crab, kueh lapis, nasi goreng at "Nanyang Flavors" (¥50/person feast).

2. Tanka Culture: Sea Nomads' Epic
Wuchang Fishing Port: Watch predawn net-pulling/seafood auctions; buy fresh mackerel/grouper.
Experience: Floating seafood hotpot meals on Tanka fish rafts (¥100/person).

3. Surf Culture: From Rebellion to Mainstream
Surfer ethos: Club walls declare "No Fear, Just Ride"; midnight surf film screenings.
Full Moon Parties: Monthly beach bonfires with reggae and beer till dawn.

III. 48-Hour Itinerary: From Waves to Rainforests
Day1: Surf & Coastal Adventure
07:00-09:00 Beginner surf at Shaka Surf Club (stands in 2hrs).
12:00-13:30 Lunch: Surf-themed tacos (¥25) & iced americano (¥15) at Surfers' Cafe.
15:00-17:00 Snorkeling at Jiajing Island (¥300/person, gear included).
19:00-21:00 Nightlife: "Surfer's Special" rum cocktail with reggae at Forest Inn.

Day2: Rainforest & Heritage Slowdown
08:00-10:00 Coffee-making workshop (¥50) at Xinglong garden.
12:00-13:30 Lunch: Curry fish balls & layered cakes at Nanyang Flavors.
15:00-17:00 Bali Village photoshoot + chocolate-making (¥80) at Longyuan Estate.
18:00-20:00 Seafood feast at Wuchang Port (steamed grouper ¥30/jin).

IV. Food Guide: Street Eats to Luxury Seafood
1. Must-Try Snacks
Hou'an Noodles: Pork bone broth with offal (¥12 at Lao Zhai Xiang).
Dongshan Goat: Tender braised mutton (¥80/person at Xinglong Dongshan).
Hele Crab: Best steamed (market processing fee ¥15/jin).

2. Surfers' Cafes
GROM: Aussie brunch (avocado toast ¥48) with ocean views.
Corona Sunset Bar: Instagrammable beach cocktails (¥45).

3. Night Markets
Shenzhou Peninsula: Grilled oysters (¥10/3), qingbuliang dessert (¥12), zaocuo hotpot (¥60/person).

V. Lodging: Surf Hostels to Glamping
1. Riyue Bay
Forest Inn: Surf-themed (¥300-500/night), rooftop ocean views.
The Found Hotel: Designer luxury with infinity pool (¥1500-3000).

2. Shimei Bay
Westin: Private beach + surf lessons (¥1000-2000).
Jinshi Hostel: Retro bunk beds (¥80/night).

3. Xinglong
Hilton: Sun River views with bathtub balconies (¥600-1200).

VI. Pro Tips
Transport: Rent cars (¥200-400/day) or take tourist buses (¥10, infrequent).
Gear: Rent wetsuits/surf shoes to avoid coral cuts.
Avoid: "Free surf lessons" scams charging ¥50/photo.
Test seafood scales with water bottles at Wuchang.
Best Seasons: Surf (Oct-Mar); dive (Apr-Oct, 28°C+ water).

VII. Wanning's Dual Soul
Wild & Healing: Riyue's waves and Shimei's glass sea balance thrill and chill.
Traditional & Trendy: Nanyang shophouses meet surf graffiti.
Wanning redefines freedom—battling ocean winds, listening to rainforest cicadas, sipping sunrise coffee. Utopia is simply a sea where souls run wild. Pack your bikini and surfboard for an oceanic daydream!
Surfers assemble, Wanning awaits! 🌊🏄‍♂