Hainan Island Off-the-Beaten-Path Itinerary

7 Days to Explore the Essence of Hainan｜Comfortable Self-Drive Tour, Offbeat + Classic All in One

If you have a week, I would avoid the crowds and take a self-driving loop tour around Hainan—East Line for sea views, Central Line to explore rainforests, West Line to seek culture. No rushing, no detours, 6 days and 5 nights of pure leisure design, relaxed pace, perfect for family or friends.

📍Day 1-2: Haikou → Danzhou Eman (3-hour drive)
Arrive in Haikou on the first day, stroll through Qilou Old Street, and enjoy Dad’s Tea. The next day, drive west to check out the thousand-year-old ancient salt fields and Eman volcanic coast (both free). Black reefs collide with waves, perfect for photography. Stay at Baima Well Homestay (¥90/night). ⚠️Avoid pitfalls: No lighting in west line scenic spots, do not stay after dusk; many mosquitoes at salt fields, bring insect repellent.

📍Day 3: Changjiang Bawangling (2.5-hour drive)
Dive into the tropical primeval rainforest—Bawangling National Forest Park (entrance ¥58), hike the “Tree King Valley” boardwalk, listen to birdsong and gibbon calls, breathe the “natural oxygen bar.” Stay at the forest area guesthouse (¥100/night), peaceful and secluded at night.

📍Day 4: Dongfang Yulinzou (1.5-hour drive)
Visit “Hainan’s loneliest lighthouse”—Yulinzou (free), with jagged basalt rocks, stunning light and shadow at sunset. ⚠️Reminder: Strong winds and waves at the seaside, swimming is prohibited! Stay at an economical hotel in the city (¥100/night).

📍Day 5: Sanya Yalong Bay (3-hour drive)
Head to the east line, avoid the crowds at Dadonghai, choose Yalong Bay—white sand and clear water, free entry. Rent a lounge chair to sunbathe, nearby seafood stalls cost about ¥80 per person for a hearty meal. Stay at a homestay (¥130/night).

📍Day 6: Wanning Riyue Bay + Shenzhou Peninsula (1.5-hour drive)
China’s surfing hotspot! Riyue Bay offers half-day surfing lessons (¥280), beginner-friendly. In the afternoon, stroll along the Shenzhou Peninsula lighthouse coastal trail, collect shells at low tide. Stay at a cost-effective homestay in Shimei Bay (¥120/night).

📍Day 7: Return to Haikou or Sanya Airport
Stop by the Boao Forum for Asia venue exterior for photos along the way, ending your mountain and sea journey.

💰Budget Control (7 days 6 nights):
- Accommodation: ¥110/night × 6 = ¥660
- Meals: ¥70/day × 7 = ¥490
- Fuel + tolls + entrance fees ≈ ¥350
👉Total per person around ¥1500, affordable for most!

💡Tips:
- Prefer new energy vehicles for self-driving (Hainan has dense charging stations);
- No lifeguards on wild beaches, do not swim;
- Weak signal in rainforest areas, download offline maps in advance.

In this week,
you’re not just passing through the scenery,
you’re stepping into the breath of Hainan—
from the vastness of the west coast to the brightness of the east line,
from the depth of the rainforest to the lively fishing ports.
This is the real Hainan.