Nestled in the embrace of the South China Sea, Hainan beckons with a promise of paradise. This tropical gem, often referred to as “China’s Hawaii,” is a destination where nature’s bounty, rich culture, and endless adventures come together to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re drawn to the sun-kissed beaches, eager to savor its delectable cuisine, or curious about its vibrant heritage, Hainan has something special to offer every traveller. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of this island haven, where relaxation, exploration, and discovery await at every turn.
Hainan’s Heavenly Beaches: Where Sun, Sand, and Surf Meet
Hainan, the tropical island, is situated at the same latitude as Hawaii. It’s so lush and beautiful that it’s become a popular tourist destination, with its forests, palm trees, mountains, and stunning bays. Plus, the underwater kingdom is an amazing sight to behold. The beaches of Hainan have all the comforts you’ll need for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.
Dadonghai – Dadonghai Bay on Hainan Island is a great spot for a vacation. Its natural beauty – a 3-kilometer crescent of soft sand bordered by tropical hills and a line of coconut trees – plus all the amenities like sun loungers, showers, toilets, and even “bananas” for riding, make it the perfect place to chill out. Get ready to dive, jet ski, fish, or just laze in the sunshine.
Sanya – Sanya is well-known for its beach of the same name, which is covered in velvety beige sand for 17 kilometers. The green of the slim coconut palms looks great against the crystal clear azure sea bay. People who like to hang out in a peaceful natural environment will love it here. The shallow warm sea is perfect for swimming, and there aren’t any stones to worry about.
Wuzhizhu Island – Not far from the resort of Hainan is Wuzhizhu Island, a really fertile land. Its coast has light yellow soft sand and the aquamarine waters of the South China Sea are crystal clear. The coral reefs make sure the beaches are protected from currents and waves, making the water nice and calm. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for visitors to relax on the sand.
Haytangbey – Haitangbey’s bay is super picturesque, with miles of white sand and lush tropical vegetation. There are lots of fancy hotels and resorts, plus some super cool landscaping. The water is crystal clear and full of colorful fish, turtles, and mollusks. Plus, the beach has tons of comfy chairs, umbrellas, and hammocks.
Delving into Hainan’s Culinary Delights: A Gastronomic Adventure
If you make your way to Hainan, you’ll be in for a treat – there’s a massive selection of seafood dishes to choose from, plus the best of fresh fruits and veggies, grown under the azure sky in the red soil with hardly any industrial pollution. Don’t miss out on the four most famous dishes either – they’re a must-try!
Wenchang Chicken – This chicken has a special history – it was invented in Wenchang City and it’s free-range and full of protein. The classic way to make it is ‘white cutting’, which means it’s boiled in hot water and then dipped in a mix of spices like ginger and salt before you eat it. If you’re looking for a fancy dish, this is the one – you can get it in all fancy hotels and Hainan-style restaurants.
Jiaji Duck – The Jiaji Duck is raised near the Wanquan River in Jiaji Town, Qionghai City. As it grows, it’s kept in pens and fed with rice, grain, sweet potato, and chaff. This special breed has thick meat, thin skin, soft bones and little fat. The cooking method for the Jiaji Duck is also special – the traditional way to prepare it is to boil it in water, then dice it up and eat it with a mixture of vinegar, chopped ginger and sesame oil.
Hele Crab – The Hele Crab comes from Hele Town, which is close to Wanning on the southeast side of Hainan. The yellow meat of the crab has a buttery feel and a really strong smell. If you steam it with a bit of ginger and vinegar, you get the best flavor of the Hele Crab – it’s really fresh and delicate. Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy it!
Dongshan Mutton – The mutton from Dongshan Mountain in Wanning City is a real treat – the meat is so tender and the soup is so thick! It’s really fresh and doesn’t have that strong mutton smell. You can cook it in so many ways – stewed, roasted, or even braised in coconut milk. Yum!
Journey Through Hainan: Discovering the Iconic Landmarks of China’s Tropical Paradise
Join us on an exploration of this captivating island’s iconic landmarks, each brimming with history and beauty. Whether you’re drawn to pristine beaches, ancient temples, or vibrant markets, Hainan offers a world of enchantment waiting to be discovered.
Daxiao Dongtian Scenic Spot – Daxiao Dongtian Scenic Spot is about 40 kilometres away from Sanya and has been around for over 800 years. It’s a huge area of 22.5 square kilometres with amazing sunsets, caves, lush mountains and interesting stones. It’s the perfect place to appreciate a beautiful sunset on the beach and the rocks that have seen so much history.
Nanshan Culture Tourism Zone – Nanshan Culture Tourism Zone is popular for its incredible Buddhist culture and gorgeous scenery. Every year, millions of people make the trip to check out the three main theme parks – Buddhism Culture Park, Blessing and Longevity Park and Hainan Custom Culture Park.
Tianyahaijiao – Tianyahaijiao is situated in the southwest of Sanya, and it’s well-known for its stunning sights. The name, which translates as “the end of the sky and the edge of the sea” in Chinese, gives you an idea of what to expect. Covering 10.4 square km of land and 6 square km of sea, the spot is decorated with giant stones that stand as tall as two people.
Monkey Island – Sitting on the Nanwan peninsula, 14km south of Lingshui County, Monkey Island is a state-protected nature reserve just for macaque monkeys – and it’s the only one in the world! Since 1965, it’s become a huge tourist spot. It’s got over 400 types of plants and fruits, 100 animals, and tons of caves, so it’s basically paradise for monkeys.
Luxury Retreats and Resorts: Unwinding in Hainan’s Tranquil Oases
In the serene embrace of Hainan’s lush landscapes, luxury retreats and resorts beckon travelers to a world of tranquility and indulgence. Here, amid nature’s beauty, you’ll find a respite from the bustle of everyday life. These oases offer not only opulent accommodations but also a chance to connect with the island’s rich cultural heritage.
InterContinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort – The InterContinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort is an amazing beachside resort situated on China’s stunning National Coast. You can easily access various nearby shopping havens with the CDF Mall. The resort is shaped like a dragon and spans a whopping 150,000 square meters.
The Sanya EDITION – The Sanya EDITION is an amazing getaway spot on Hainan Island, close to the southern coast of China. It’s a 50-acre paradise, with a private ocean, two pools, and plenty of ocean views from the 506 guest rooms and 11 villas. Plus, the area is filled with luxury shopping and other attractions.
Mandarin Oriental – Hainan is a tropical getaway with miles of stunning beaches, gorgeous mountains and the Mandarin Oriental, Sanya. The rooms, suites and villas are decked out in modern décor mixed with traditional touches. From beachside food to exquisite Cantonese dishes, the restaurants and bars have delicious menus and amazing views.
Crowne Plaza Resort Sanya Bay – If you’re searching for a kid-friendly hotel in Sanya, then Crowne Plaza Resort Sanya Bay is the place for you. It’s like a second home with a minibar, air con and free WiFi. Plus, you can get room service and take advantage of the free breakfast, pool and parking.
The allure of Hainan, with its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, is an experience that transcends the ordinary. It’s a reminder that in this corner of the world, tranquility and adventure coexist harmoniously. Whether you seek relaxation on sun-kissed shores, cultural immersion in ancient traditions, or the thrill of exploring natural wonders, Hainan offers a taste of paradise that lingers in your heart.
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