Wanning is incredibly beautiful, but I honestly don’t recommend going in August because.............

Wanning Travel Guide (with Price Reference): Explore Hainan’s “Surfing Paradise” on a Budget of 1500 RMB per Person
Hainan Wanning, a coastal town located between Sanya and Haikou, has become a popular travel destination in recent years thanks to its clear waters, long coastline, and rich tropical vibe. Compared to the bustling Sanya, Wanning is quieter and better suited for travelers seeking cost-effectiveness and a deeper experience. Below is a practical guide covering transportation, accommodation, food, and attractions, with a budget of 1500-2000 RMB per person (based on 5 days and 4 nights).
1. Preparation: Budget and Season Choice
Best travel time: November to March (warm climate, ideal for surfing); May to October is the rainy season, but there are fewer tourists and lower costs.
Budget allocation (for one person over 5 days):
Transportation: 500-800 RMB (including round-trip flight/train + local transport)
Accommodation: 400-800 RMB (hostels/economy hotels)
Food: 300-500 RMB (snacks + meals)
Attractions/Activities: 300-500 RMB (surfing, entrance fees, etc.)
2. Transportation Guide: How to Get to Wanning?
By plane: Direct flights to Haikou Meilan Airport or Sanya Phoenix Airport, then transfer to high-speed train to Wanning Station (Haikou to Wanning about 1 hour, ticket 50 RMB; Sanya to Wanning about 40 minutes, ticket 30 RMB).
Booking flights in advance offers discounts; off-season round-trip tickets cost about 800-1200 RMB.
By high-speed train: The Hainan Island Ring High-Speed Rail passes through Wanning, with direct trains from Haikou or Sanya, tickets 30-80 RMB, frequent departures.
Local transport:
Bus: Limited routes from city center to attractions, fares 2-5 RMB, suitable for travelers with ample time.
Electric scooter rental: 50-80 RMB/day, good for short trips (e.g., Riyue Bay, Shimei Bay).
Taxi: Starting fare 8 RMB; city to Riyue Bay about 30 RMB, Shenzhou Peninsula about 50 RMB.
3. Accommodation Recommendations: From Hostels to Seaview Rooms
Budget options: Hostels/homestays: Beds near Riyue Bay and Shimei Bay cost about 50-80 RMB/night; entire homestays 200-300 RMB/night (suitable for 2-3 people).
Chain hotels: Brands like Hanting, 7 Days, city prices 150-250 RMB/night, including breakfast.
Mid-to-high-end options: Seaview hotels like The Westin Shimei Bay, Le Méridien, off-season prices 800-1500 RMB/night, with pools, beaches, and other facilities.
Surf-themed homestays: Riyue Bay Forest Inn, Jielang No Surf Inn, etc., 400-600 RMB/night, offering surfboard rental services.
Money-saving tips: Book one month in advance, watch for hotel promotions; choosing non-seaview rooms or traveling in the off-season can save 30%-50%.
4. Must-Visit Attractions and Activities (with Prices)
1. Riyue Bay: Surfer’s Paradise
Surfing experience: 2-hour course about 300-500 RMB (includes coach, board, wetsuit), suitable for beginners; private lessons with professional coach about 600-800 RMB.
Free spots: Riyue Bay coastline (for photos, walks), Jielang No Surf Club (watch competitions, have coffee).
Nearby food: Shaxian snacks, coconut chicken hotpot (50-80 RMB per person).
2. Shimei Bay: Tranquil Glass Sea
Phoenix Jiuli Bookstore: Free entry, a literary bookstore facing the sea, great for photos.
Jiajing Island: One-day snorkeling tour about 300-500 RMB (includes boat, gear, lunch), reservation required.
Shimei Bay beach: Free, with water activities like jet skiing (150 RMB/10 minutes), banana boat (100 RMB/person).
3. Shenzhou Peninsula: Lighthouse and Sunset
Shenzhou Peninsula Lighthouse: Free, popular photo spot, recommended to visit before sunset (taxi about 20 RMB).
Corona Surf Experience Bar: 80-120 RMB per person (includes drinks + snacks), a seaside leisure bar.
4. Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden: Great for Family Science Education
Entrance fee: 50 RMB per person, half price for students; electric cart 30 RMB per person (optional).
Special experiences: Chocolate making class (80 RMB per person), coffee tasting (free).
5. Bali Village: Exotic Photo Spot
Entrance fee: 30 RMB per person, discount if wearing Dai ethnic costumes.
Show times: Daily at 10:00 and 15:00 (free), featuring Indonesian dance and culture.
5. Food Guide: Eat Around Wanning for 50 RMB per Person
Dongshan Goat: Wanning specialty, stewed or braised about 80-120 RMB per serving (recommended “Dongshanling Yangzhuang”).
Hele Crab: Full of roe and fat, steamed or stir-fried with ginger and scallions about 100-150 RMB each (cheaper at seafood markets).
Hou’an Rice Noodles: Breakfast favorite, 10-15 RMB per bowl (recommended “Old City Hou’an Rice Noodle Soup”).
Qingbuliang: Coconut milk + fruit + red beans, 8-12 RMB per serving (more authentic at night market stalls).
Nanyang Flavor: “Nanyang Flavor Restaurant” in Xinglong Town, 40-60 RMB per person, recommended curry fish balls, seven-layer cake.
Zao Po Vinegar Hotpot: Sour and spicy appetizer, 60-80 RMB per person (recommended “Old Narrow Alley Zao Po Vinegar Hotpot”).
Money-saving tips: Avoid tourist restaurants, choose local favorite small eateries; seafood markets allow bargaining, but be sure to drain water before weighing.
6. 5 Days 4 Nights Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Wanning
Morning: Arrive at Wanning Station by high-speed train, check in at Riyue Bay hostel (80 RMB/night).
Afternoon: Surfing experience at Riyue Bay beach (300 RMB/2 hours).
Evening: Shaxian snacks (20 RMB per person), night walk by the sea.
Day 2: Shimei Bay + Jiajing Island
Morning: Phoenix Jiuli Bookstore (free), beach stroll at Shimei Bay.
Afternoon: Jiajing Island snorkeling day tour (400 RMB per person, including lunch).
Evening: Nanyang Flavor Restaurant in Xinglong (50 RMB per person).
Day 3: Shenzhou Peninsula + Lighthouse
Morning: Photo shoot at Shenzhou Peninsula Lighthouse (taxi 20 RMB).
Afternoon: Corona Surf Experience Bar (100 RMB per person).
Evening: Hou’an rice noodles + Qingbuliang (15 RMB per person).
Day 4: Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden + Bali Village
Morning: Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden (50 RMB entrance + 30 RMB electric cart).
Afternoon: Bali Village photo shoot (30 RMB entrance), watch performances.
Evening: Dongshan goat hotpot (80 RMB per person).
Day 5: Return
Morning: Buy local specialties at Riyue Bay market (coconut candy, coffee, etc.).
Afternoon: Return by high-speed train (Wanning to Haikou/Sanya).
Total cost: About 1500-1800 RMB (including surfing, snorkeling, and other activities).
7. Notes
Sun protection: Hainan has strong UV rays; bring SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
Transportation: Wanning’s attractions are spread out; renting an electric scooter or carpooling is recommended.
Safety: Follow instructors’ guidance for surfing and snorkeling; do not go into the water alone.
Bargaining: You can bargain at seafood markets and night market stalls to avoid overpaying.
Wanning’s charm lies in its relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty. You don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy the leisurely tropical island life. Take this guide and start your cost-effective journey!