HAINAN ISLAND
Hainan Island is China’s ultimate tropical escape, often dubbed the “Hawaii of China.” It is a land of endless summer, luxurious resorts, and spectacular coastline, blending modern sophistication with ancient Chinese culture.
This sub-tropical gem offers more than just sun and sand. The island is rich in culture, from ancient volcano parks to Buddhist temples and the unique heritage of the Li and Miao ethnic minorities.
Most Popular Attractions
Beaches and Coastal Wonders
Yalong Bay: Known for its crystal-clear water and powdery white sand, considered the finest beach in China.
Dadonghai Bay: A lively beach with a shaded boardwalk, popular for swimming and watersports close to the city center.
Haitang Bay: Home to luxury international resorts and beautiful, quiet stretches of sand.
Wuzhizhou Island: Dubbed the ‘Maldives of China’ for its exceptional clarity and coral reefs, a top spot for diving and snorkeling.
West Island (Xidao): A picturesque island near Sanya Bay, offering a relaxed vibe and excellent marine life.
Tianya Haijiao: A famous coastal scenic spot marked by massive, ancient, carved stones that represent the “Edge of the Sky and the Corner of the Sea.”
Sanya Bay: A long, beautiful stretch of beach, particularly famous for its spectacular sunsets.
Ri Yue Bay (Sun and Moon Bay): A top destination on the east coast, known for its consistent waves and surfing community.
Cultural and Historical Sites
Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone: An expansive Buddhist cultural park, home to the iconic Guanyin of Nanshan statue.
Guanyin of Nanshan: A colossal 108-meter-tall, three-faced statue of the Buddhist goddess of mercy, standing on an artificial island.
Luhuitou Park (Deer Turned Head Park): Located on a peninsula, this park offers panoramic city views and features a large stone sculpture based on a famous local Li minority legend about a deer and a hunter.
Binglanggu Li & Miao Cultural Heritage Park: An immersive park dedicated to showcasing the traditional culture, architecture, and customs of the Li and Miao ethnic minorities.
Sanya Nanshan Temple: A modern temple complex within the Nanshan Cultural Zone known for its grand scale and ocean-side setting.
Adventure and Nature
Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park: A massive rainforest park featuring suspension bridges, glass platforms, and scenic viewpoints over Yalong Bay.
Yanoda Tropical Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone: Known for its diverse tropical flora and opportunities for rainforest hiking and rappelling.
Nanwan Monkey Island: A nature reserve and the world’s only protected island for macaque monkeys, accessible by China’s longest oversea cable car.
Boundary Island (Fenjiezhou Island): Known for its rich marine biodiversity, clear water, and a wide array of diving and sea sports.
Seven Fairy Mountain (Qixianling): A prominent natural landmark for hiking and exploring the mountainous interior, also known for its hot springs.
Modern Attractions & Entertainment
Atlantis Sanya Resort: A massive resort complex featuring a huge waterpark (Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark) and a vast aquarium (Lost Chambers Aquarium).
Sanya Romance Park: A large theme park known for its elaborate cultural-historical stage show and unique themed areas.
Hainan R&F Ocean Paradise: A large, recently opened ocean-themed amusement park in the Lingshui county, near Sanya.
Houhai Village (Tenghai Village): A former fishing village turned surfing hot spot, offering a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere.
Activities & Experiences
Surf or Learn to Surf in Houhai: Head to Houhai Village near Sanya, the island’s emerging surf hub, for easy-to-catch waves perfect for beginners. Many local schools offer lessons.
Explore the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone: Visit the massive seaside Buddhist complex home to the 108-meter tall Guanyin of the South Sea statue, one of the world’s tallest statues.
Hike the Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park: Walk across the famous rope and suspension bridges, and trek through the lush tropical rainforest to enjoy panoramic views of Yalong Bay.
Scuba Dive or Snorkel at Wuzhizhou Island: Take a ferry to this small, pristine island known for its clear waters, rich coral reefs, and wide array of watersports.
Have a Seafood Feast: Go to a local market, like the Chunyuan Seafood Square in Sanya, to select your own fresh seafood (prawns, crab, sea urchins) and have a nearby stall cook it to your preference.
Visit the Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark: Explore the over 40 ancient, extinct volcanoes in this geopark, offering unique geological landscapes and hiking trails near the capital.
Relax on the Beaches of Yalong Bay: Spend a day on this long, crescent-shaped beach famous for its fine, pale sand and clear waters, considered one of the best in China.
Experience the Li and Miao Minority Culture: Visit a heritage park like the Binglanggu Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park to learn about the indigenous people of Hainan through traditional performances, architecture, and crafts like weaving.
Discover Sanya’s Atlantis Resort: Spend a day at the Aquaventure Waterpark with thrilling slides or explore the vast marine life at The Lost Chambers Aquarium.
Take a Night Cruise in Haikou: Embark on a serene evening cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf to see the city’s illuminated landmarks, including the Century Bridge.
Try Tropical Fruit Picking: Visit a local farm or market for the chance to sample and pick some of Hainan’s unique tropical fruits, such as wax apples, jackfruit, and rambutan.
Local Tips & Transport
High-Speed Rail is Key: The Hainan Eastern Ring High-Speed Railway is the most efficient way to travel between the island’s major coastal cities like Haikou (north) and Sanya (south). The journey between the two main hubs takes about 1.5–2 hours.
Airport Connections: The two main international airports are Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) and Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX). Both have corresponding high-speed rail stations, making onward travel fast and simple.
City Transport: Taxis and ride-sharing apps (like Didi, the local equivalent) are readily available in the cities. In Sanya, local buses are an affordable way to hop between the different bays (Sanya Bay, Dadonghai, Yalong Bay).
Rental Cars: Renting a car offers the flexibility to explore the more remote central mountains and western parts of the island. A unique advantage is that there are no toll stations on the highways, as the toll is included in the gasoline price. Note: Foreign visitors will need a Chinese driving license or a temporary driving permit.
Dining on “Four Famous Dishes”: Don’t leave without trying the four classic Hainanese dishes: Wenchang Chicken (poached chicken often served with rice and dipping sauces), Hele Crab, Jiaji Duck, and Dongshan Lamb. The food is generally lighter and fresher than on the mainland.
Best Time to Visit: The optimal time is during the dry season, November to March, which offers pleasant, moderate temperatures (around 23ºC to 26ºC) and lots of sunshine. The summer months (June to October) are very hot, humid, and are the peak typhoon season.
Embrace the “Tropical Hawaii” Vibe: Hainan is often referred to as “China’s Hawaii.” Tipping is generally not customary in restaurants or for services. The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). While Mandarin is the official language, the local dialect is Hainanese, and you will encounter many Russian speakers in the Sanya area.
Language Barrier: English is not widely spoken outside of major international resorts and tourist hubs like Yalong Bay. Be sure to have a translation app or the name of your destination written in Chinese characters to show taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Hidden Gems:
- Bo’ao Forum for Asia (BFA) Permanent Site: Visit the location of a major international conference near Qionghai on the east coast, often called “Asia’s Davos.”
- Nanwan Monkey Island: A state-protected nature reserve and the world’s only island home to a large population of free-roaming macaque monkeys. Reachable by a scenic cable car.
- Qilou Old Street (Haikou): Wander through the historic city center of Haikou, known for its unique Qilou architecture—arcade houses that blend European and Southeast Asian colonial styles.
Top Restaurants
YAN JIANG HAINAN CUISINE [$15-$25] – Established in 1936, this restaurant is highly regarded for its traditional Hainan specialties, particularly its award-winning Wenchang roasted chicken.
Hai Ya Hotel Restaurant [$15-$25] – A popular local spot in the city center known for authentic Hainan “Four Great Dishes,” including Wenchang Chicken, Dongshan Mutton, Hele Crab, and Jiaji Duck, served in a classic Chinese eatery environment.
A LANG HAI XIAN [$20-$35] – A long-standing and highly recommended seafood restaurant, known for fresh catches and preparing seafood with traditional local methods, offering an authentic Sanya experience.
嗲嗲的椰子鸡 (Diadia’s Coconut Chicken) [$15-$25] – Famous for the signature Coconut Chicken Hot Pot, a local delicacy where Wenchang chicken is cooked in fresh coconut water, offering a naturally sweet and nourishing broth.
太琼糟粕醋·海南酸汤火锅 (Tai Qiong Zao Po Vinegar Hot Pot) [$15-$25] – A favorite with locals for its traditional Zao Po Vinegar Hot Pot, a unique sour and appetizing Hainan specialty soup base.
墨脱石锅椰子鸡•糟粕醋•东山羊 (Motuo Stone Pot) [$15-$25] – A cozy courtyard restaurant serving local delicacies, including the Coconut Chicken and Zao Po Vinegar Hot Pot, often served in a traditional stone pot.
老何家后安粉·糟粕醋海鲜火锅 (Lao He Jia Hou’an Fen) [$10-$20] – Known for both its seafood hotpot and their secret recipe Hou’an noodles, this spot has a decade-long legacy and is popular with locals on Sanya Bay.
PINJU HAINAN RESTAURANT [$25-$40] – Located in the MGM Grand Sanya, this is a great place to experience elevated local Hainan cuisine with a talented chef, offering a slightly more refined setting than street-side venues.
Moustache Seafood [$15-$25] – A seafood spot open for over 25 years, famous for its Typhoon Shelter Crab and a strong presence in the local dining scene, with a less tourist-heavy feel than some larger squares.
Mingji Stall [$15-$25] – Noted for its seafood gruel and fried seafood, this classic spot is popular with locals, and their Lailiao shrimp quick-fried with chilies is a recommended dish.
Zheng Zong Bao Luo Fen [$5-$10] – A must-try for local breakfast or snack, specializing in Luo Fen, a type of rice noodle in a tasty soup, offering a very authentic, no-frills, and budget-friendly experience near the First Market.
Sanya Qiongcai King · Hainan Cuisine [$20-$35] – A local favorite that specializes in a variety of traditional Hainan dishes like stir-fried mountain fern with eggs and Braised Fish with Lentil Sauce.
Sanya Hu Po Vanilla Duck [$20-$35] – One of the recommended spots for trying the Vanilla Duck, a local specialty where the meat is firm and flavorful from the duck’s aquatic herb-based diet.
MS. LIN’S SEAFOOD [$25-$40] – A highly praised seafood spot known for sincere service and quality seafood cuisine, offering a popular local option slightly removed from the biggest tourist seafood markets.
Coconut Chicken (Island Breeze Courtyard) [$15-$25] – Tucked away in a plant-surrounded courtyard, this spot is praised for its authentic Coconut Chicken Hot Pot made with natural ingredients, offering a tranquil setting.
Chunyuan Haixian Square [$15-$30] – A massive, bustling square with numerous vendors where you buy your fresh seafood at the market and then select a separate stall to have it cooked, an authentic and customizable experience. Note: Choose a reputable stall and negotiate well.
Mangrove Tree Seafood Street [$20-$40] – A large seafood street that operates all day (unlike some night markets), offering a mix of seafood hot pot, BBQ, and street snacks, often with cultural performances.
Fresh [$80-$120] – Located in the Mandarin Oriental, Sanya, this is a refined Western-style restaurant offering modern cuisine with spectacular coral bay and sunset views, focusing on high-quality ingredients.
OSSIANNO UNDERWATER RESTAURANT & BAR [$150-$250] – An immersive and highly-prized fine dining experience in Atlantis Sanya, featuring innovative global cuisine with stunning views into the Ambassador Lagoon, surrounded by marine life.
The Jade Egret [$60-$90] – Located in The Sanya EDITION, this elegant restaurant offers modern European cuisine with a steak-focused menu in a sophisticated, yacht-inspired space near the ocean.
Chop House [$70-$110] – A seaside dining experience at Rosewood Sanya, specializing in the freshest produce grilled to perfection, offering an elegant culinary indulgence under the stars.
The Fishmonger [$70-$100] – Also at Rosewood Sanya, this market-style restaurant provides the day’s freshest catch with open kitchens, a sophisticated way to enjoy top-quality seafood.
Xianhai by the Sea [$60-$100] – Situated on the water at The Sanya EDITION, this Cantonese restaurant is known for its culinary art on the water and offers upscale fine dining in a beautiful, lantern-like setting.
Gordon Ramsay-Bread Street Kitchen [$50-$80] – Located in Atlantis Sanya, this is the first Mainland China location for the famous chef’s kitchen, offering high-quality Western cuisine with views of Haitang Bay.
Tea House [$40-$70] – Situated in the Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort, this restaurant features Cantonese cuisine with local Hainan ingredients in a beautiful, traditional Jiangnan-style courtyard setting.
Mingxuan [$40-$70] – An elegant dining venue within The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort, known for its exquisite details and high-quality Chinese cuisine in a luxurious atmosphere.
Beach Barbacoa at EDITION [$60-$90] – Offers a romantic beachside barbeque dining experience at The Sanya EDITION with sand underfoot, a live band, and an impressive culinary feast focused on grill and seafood.
达叔海鲜糟粕醋 (Da Shu Seafood Zao Po Vinegar) [$20-$35] – A well-known spot, particularly in the Yalong Bay area, famous for combining fresh seafood with the traditional Zao Po vinegar hotpot, a signature sour-spicy fusion.
Coconut Chicken & Seafood (Haitian Banquet Store) [$20-$35] – Another excellent and highly-regarded option for the local specialty Coconut Chicken Hot Pot, often with a good selection of side seafood dishes.
Mediterranea [$30-$50] – A unique spot offering authentic Mediterranean food in Sanya, including Italian pizza and pasta, Spanish tapas, and Greek grilled meat, run by an Italian, catering to a wider palate.
Nanshan Vegetarian Restaurant [$15-$30] – Located near Nanshan Temple, this restaurant offers meticulously cooked, high-quality vegetarian and Buddhist cuisine in a traditional and peaceful temple setting.
Market at EDITION (Hot Pot Buffet) [$40-$70] – A vibrant all-day dining destination in The Sanya EDITION that references the ancient maritime Silk Road, offering a seafood Hot Pot Buffet in the evenings.
Lantingxuan [$30-$50] – Located in the Yalong Bay Villa area, this restaurant focuses on authentic Hainan Local Specials in a beautiful resort setting, providing a relaxing dining experience.
MEI JIE [$20-$35] – An atmospheric sea-view restaurant that specializes in spicy Sichuan-style seafood, offering a flavorful change of pace from traditional Hainan preparation.
Dong Bei Ren [$15-$25] – Located in the Dadonghai area, this is a popular spot for Northeastern Chinese cuisine, particularly known for its authentic noodles and dumplings, offering a regional Chinese experience.
Siluhuayu [$15-$30] – A Muslim restaurant located in Sanya Bay, providing an excellent option for Halal Chinese food and a taste of diverse Chinese regional cuisine.
Dolphin Bar [$30-$50] – Situated in the Dadonghai area, this is a recommended Western-style restaurant/bar, perfect for a casual meal or drinks with a view.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Flair Rooftop Bar (Sanya Bay): Located on the 29th floor of the Four Points by Sheraton, this classy terrace provides one of the best panoramic views of Sanya Bay. It’s an upscale venue perfect for relaxing with classic cocktails, beers, or fine wine.
ENJOY LOUNGE (Fisherman’s Wharf, Jiefang 1st Road): This spot promises a new lifestyle experience where guests connect through wine, music, and art. It’s known for its unique atmosphere and is a great place to start a sophisticated evening.
TIKI COCOTAIL & WHISKY & COFFEE (Haikou – Wanlv Park/Friendship Sunshine City): An American-style jazz bar popular in the Haikou area for its unique “blind box” cocktails and a strong focus on whisky and coffee during the day.
Hidden Tavern (Haikou – Wanlv Park/Friendship Sunshine City): This high-end, grand European-style bar in Haikou offers a sophisticated setting, sometimes with private rooms suitable for business or intimate gatherings.
Sand (Yalong Bay): Found at The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya, this fresh-faced beach bar offers a pristine, laid-back setting right on the oceanfront of Yalong Bay, complete with lounge-worthy couches, fresh seafood, and summery cocktails with live bands.
Vue Lounge (Haitang Bay): Located at the Conrad Sanya Haitang Bay resort, this handsome, sophisticated bar offers sweeping panoramas of the South China Sea, featuring a stylish design and creative cocktails like their popular margarita.
NO. 11 Coast Bar (Binhai Road, Hexi District): Situated by the sea, this quiet and peaceful two-story bar is designed in the style of fishing boats and features resident singers, providing a relaxing ambiance with the sound of waves in the background.
Dolphin American Restaurant & Bar (Dadonghai): An authentic, North American-style restaurant and bar in the Dadonghai tourist area. It primarily serves foreign guests and hosts lively parties every weekend night.
Freegen Bar (Dadonghai): Highly recommended for its great cocktails and a more international-friendly vibe, this bar in the Dadonghai beach area offers a pleasant spot for a refined drink.
Oasis Rooftop (Sanya Bay, Coconut Dream Corridor): A popular rooftop destination with a beautiful view over Sanya Bay, often cited as one of the best bars in the city for enjoying a sunset cocktail.
Sunset Bar (Dadonghai Beach/Luhuitou Square): Ranked highly among local bars, this venue provides great views in the Dadonghai area, making it a favorite for evening drinks.
Eurasian and African Multicultural Restaurant & Bar (Yuya Avenue): A place for cultural exchanges in Sanya, gathering foreign friends. It features a foreign band and bartender, offering delicious food, iced beer, and a blend of international and local culture.
Highland whisky & cocktail & coffee (Haikou – Wanlv Park/Friendship Sunshine City): A popular Haikou bar known for its professional, eye-catching bartenders who craft excellent classic cocktails.
Discover (Haikou – Wanlv Park/Friendship Sunshine City): A bar in Haikou where the atmosphere encourages you to lightly hold your glass and simply enjoy the moment with ease.
WOS Beach Bar (Dadonghai Beach): A low-key, no-frills outpost right on Dadonghai Beach. It’s a convenient and popular spot for a casual, beachfront night out with reasonably priced drinks and a friendly mix of people.
M2 Club (Times Coast Bar Street): A popular, high-energy club located in the vibrant hub of Times Coast Bar Street, known for being a central figure in Sanya’s trendy nightlife.
SOHO Bar (Times Coast Bar Street): Part of a prominent Chinese bar chain, the Sanya branch in Times Coast Bar Street is a famous and popular choice for young people looking for a lively, healthy nightlife experience.
Muse Bar (Times Coast Bar Street): Another highly recommended venue on Times Coast Bar Street, contributing to the area’s reputation as a focal point for bars and KTV in Sanya.
88 Bar (Times Coast Bar Street): A classic, major Chinese club located on Time Coast Bar Street. It is known for its energetic, sometimes “crazy” atmosphere, with erratic dancing and typical Chinese clubbing rituals like dice games.
BPM CLUB (Sanya Railway Station/HT Duty Free/Sanya Romance Park): A highly-rated club in Sanya, known for its very good music and vibrant atmosphere, often listed among the city’s top nightlife destinations.
BIG SHARK (Sanya Railway Station/HT Duty Free/Sanya Romance Park): A large, high-energy establishment in Sanya, often listed as a top spot for those looking for a lively dance and party experience.
CENTER WALK (Sanya Railway Station/HT Duty Free/Sanya Romance Park): Another highly-regarded club in the area near the Sanya Railway Station, known for its excellent clubbing experience.
Grand Shanghai Club (Haikou – Longkun North Road): A well-known nightclub in Haikou, providing a large-scale option for dancing and high-energy nightlife in the city center.
China Town Club (Haikou – Longkun South Road): Another major nightclub located in Haikou, offering a classic Chinese clubbing experience in the city.
LV (Haikou – Wuzhishan Road, inside Fulong Mansion): Not related to the luxury brand, this centrally-located Haikou bar-club is known for its unique creativity, stirring dance music, and a totally new, distinct atmosphere upon entering.