Excursions and interesting places in Hainan. Parks, clubs, golf: entertainment and attractions of Hainan Island. Holiday season in Hainan

Hainan Island, whose attractions are undeservedly forgotten amid interest in beach holidays, offers tourists not only seaside holidays, but also a variety of excursions. The ancient land combines unique historical sites and modern buildings, and all this against the backdrop of incredible southern Chinese nature, which is rightfully considered a separate attraction.

Hainan Island

Attractions

If we open a map of Hainan with attractions, we will see that the bulk of excursion sites are scattered along the coast. This means that sea adventures on the island are quite well combined with exciting walks that will introduce tourists to the centuries-old history and rich wildlife.

But it’s worth starting with one (or several) national parks, for example, Tropical Paradise Yalong Bay. This name is given to a huge territory of 1,500 hectares in the very heart of Hainan. The reserve is a relict evergreen forest, among which there are large-scale man-made buildings - the Lovers' Suspension Bridge and Dragon Square. You can move around the park on foot or by electric car.

Another must-see place for any excursion is the Dongshanhu Zoo - it is 10 times smaller, only 130 hectares, but it is home to about a thousand species of mammals, birds and reptiles, representing almost the entire fauna of China, Africa and Southeast Asia. Giraffes, elephants and ostriches can be fed, but it is better to watch the lives of the other inhabitants from cars and buses.

Dongshanhu Zoo

Similar establishments on the island also include:

• Yanoda Park
• Luheitou Park
• Xinglong Botanical Garden
• Zoo of crocodiles and tigers
• World of Tropical Birds

When choosing sightseeing walks in the Hainan area, you can see attractions not only on the central island. Pieces of land scattered within a radius of 20-30 km around are incredible places that have preserved pristine nature, rare species of birds, animals and plants:

• Dazhou Island
• Monkey Island
• Sea Turtle Island
• Pirate Island

Many people recommend starting an inspection of the man-made monuments of Hainan from Phoenix Island, which stands apart from other “satellites”. Firstly, the island itself is a creation of Chinese engineers, which was created from the time of the Olympics in 2008 to 2014. Secondly, the entire island is one large recreation area with hotels and skyscrapers of unusual architectural shape.

There are few spiritual centers in Hainan. Exclusively Buddhist temples and monasteries, which are valuable for sightseeing, are represented by only two buildings: Dong Tian and Nan Shan. But don’t think that they are not popular. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Buddhists flock here for major religious holidays - both ordinary Chinese and monastic novices, who can be recognized by their monochromatic capes of different shades.

Not enough history? Travel to the Li and Miao Ethnographic Village, named after the tribes from which the island's main ethnic groups descend. Time has really stopped here - the reconstruction of ancient Chinese life is so well done. Tourists will definitely be shown home, invited to try on national costumes and introduced to the crafts of the islanders - a master class will be shown by local grandmothers.

But craft excursions are not limited to one village. The pearl plantation, where there is a unique chance to see how pearls grow and are harvested, will interest everyone. Since 1997, there has been a museum attached to the farm, which sells the creations of local jewelers, which are quite expensive, but incredibly beautiful.

Well, you can put a beautiful end to your exploration of Hainan by visiting the Sanya Aquarium. This is not quite a standard aquarium. There are not only giant aquariums with marine life, but also stage areas where fur seals, dolphins and even crocodiles show the wonders of training.

Entertainment

Anyone who has flown to Hainan for the first time will be surprised by the number of attractions and entertainment. Visiting all the entertainment centers is not enough for any vacation. Conventionally, three areas can be distinguished - shopping, nightclubs with bars and active recreation, and the sunny Chinese island will have plenty of everything.

Before talking about how good Hainan’s entertainment is, it’s worth mentioning separately about entertainment for young people.

Shopping on the island is quite expensive, and prices are in no way tied to seasons or specific stores. Mainland China is much more democratic, and even in big cities there are sales seasons with more attractive price tags than in Hainan.

But with active recreation and nightclubs everything is in order.

Shopping in Hainan

Shopping life is vibrant everywhere, but the famous Sanya Pedestrian Street is its unspoken center. Well-kept shops in a traditional style, but with English-language signs, offer pearls, crystal, and thousands of souvenirs. Here you will find jade Buddha figurines, amulets, scented candles, and many other gifts. The prices are not the lowest, but the abundance of goods is amazing. If you are buying jewelry, we advise you to remember to ask for a copy of the receipt for the customs declaration.

Pedestrianized street

The best shopping centers on the island, according to travel observers, are:

• "Summer Mall"
• "Wang Hao"
• Mingzhu Square
• "Watsons"
• "Corner Deli"

Summer Mall Shopping Center

Since 2011, Hainan has joined the Tax Free system. The conditions for a refund of 11% VAT upon return check-in at the airport are simple - make a purchase in the amount of 800 to 5000 yuan and keep all receipts. The law applies to all goods except food, alcohol and tea.

Active holidays in Hainan

It is impossible to imagine entertainment in Hainan without active recreation. The authorities' attempt to make their own Cote d'Azur led to the emergence of golf courses, which wealthy tourists began to actively use. All conditions have been created for an elite sport - 5 clubs, combining 21 fields with the necessary infrastructure.

Fishing in Hainan is a separate conversation that can change our people’s understanding of fishing. You don’t need to buy a license, as in Europe, but according to the rules, fishing is allowed in strictly designated places, and if this is not one of the local bays, where there are no restrictions, but a lake on the island itself, then the tourist pays all damages for the fish caught “by weight” ", depending on how many he caught. Rental gear, by the way, is inexpensive.

Another popular activity in the waters of Hainan is diving. There are few clubs, no more than 5, but each of them works according to an international program. A full course will cost the guest only 2000 yuan, and for this money he will learn to snorkel or scuba dive and get several dives with an experienced instructor. Unfortunately, there is no training in Russian yet, but English is sufficient to obtain a diver certificate.

A boat trip around the waters of Hainan is not the cheapest service, but it promises a lot of impressions. One look at the snow-white yachts moored at the piers is enough to understand this. A four-hour cruise on a double-decker boat will cost 3,000 yuan, and the same time on a yacht will cost 5 times more. However, small motor boats also scurry between the islands, but you will have to find out the specific price for such a pleasure on the spot.

An unusual and truly Chinese way to spend a vacation will be offered by schools of Tai Chi, one of the oldest martial arts. Students in Hainan are accepted regardless of skin color, nationality and beliefs; the group lives “according to the rules” for at least a week, and during this period the sensei undertakes to fully explain the essence of spiritual practices, teach meditation and techniques for disarming the enemy.

Nightclubs in Hainan

Hainan Island is also famous for its nightlife. All clubs of value to tourists are located in Sanya, on Barnaya Street, and have a clear opening schedule: from 22:00 to 3:00. Almost everywhere - dance music and remixes in the mash-up style, less often - live performances of Chinese stars of the pop and hip-hop scene. But the Chinese love dance shows more, and we are not talking about banal go-go girls, but about serious performances with illumination and special effects.

The “Golden Triangle” of Hainan is represented by three establishments operating under a European franchise - “SOHO”, “M2” and “Feeling”. The repertoire and rules are the same for everyone: there is no face control, anyone can enter, but with a mandatory entrance deposit of 700 yuan or more. The money is credited to an electronic account from which you can spend it on drinks and other entertainment inside.

Night club "SOHO"

Other establishments in Sanya that are worth visiting for a loud party are not much different from the fashion flagships. The following took first place in the ratings:

• "66 LIVE"
• "Cof"
• "S' Muse"

In recent years, club management has increasingly begun to invite Russian artists to parties aimed at tourists. Decide for yourself whether or not to look at the faces that have become familiar on TV, but it is better to choose authentic Chinese programs, you will get much more impressions.

Tianya Haijiao, or “Edge of the World” is the name of the marvelously beautiful park, located between the azure sea and the foot of the mountains, the shore of which is strewn with huge stones randomly scattered along the coast. These huge boulders attract not only crowds of tourists, but also many local residents. We definitely recommend visiting this place!

Another very popular attraction in Hainan is the Yanoda Tropical Wildlife Park. It is located in the south of the island near the city of Sanya. Gifted with natural beauties and well adapted for excursions, this hospitable tropical forest is of great interest to tourists from all over the world.

Translated from Chinese, the name of the peninsula and the mountain on which the park is located means “turned deer.” That is why the picturesque park, located on Mount Luheitou, just over 275 meters high, has such an unusual name. Indeed, if you look closely at the map, the mountain range is somewhat similar to a deer stopping in front of the sea.

Pirates Island, with an area of ​​only one and a half square kilometers, is a very beautiful place. It is located about twenty minutes by boat from Hainan Island. Wuzhizhou Island became open to tourists quite recently, so this piece of paradise still delights tourists with its almost pristine beauty.

Phoenix Island can rightfully be considered one of the most beautiful sights in China created by man. This artificially created island is connected to Hainan Island by a 400-meter bridge and is interesting primarily for its egg-shaped multi-story buildings, somewhat reminiscent from a distance of the Dubai Sail Hotel.

Monkey Island is considered the largest reserve in the Celestial Empire, where monkeys are bred. In total, about 2,000 individuals live on its territory, and the reserve itself covers an area of ​​1,000 hectares. This is a truly amazing place that will appeal to all lovers of cheeky animals!

Nanshan is the largest Asian center of Buddhism. Its territory is a huge park in the form of a temple complex with amazing landscapes covering an area of ​​50 square kilometers. This place is a significant landmark of Hainan, very popular among tourists and Buddhist pilgrims.

The Sanya Crystal Museum is the largest museum on Hainan Island. It is housed in a gigantic pavilion covering over 4,000 square meters, making it one of China's largest mineralogical museums. By visiting the museum, tourists will be able to see with their own eyes a rich collection of crystal glass and numerous semi-precious stones.

Dong Tian is one of the oldest temple complexes in China that has survived to this day. Its history goes back more than 8 centuries. Dong Tian Temple plays a huge role in the religious life of the country; it is a sacred place for adherents of Taoism, the most widespread and revered Chinese faith.

Dongshanhu Natural Zoo is another record holder among attractions on Hainan Island. This reserve of tropical flora and fauna is by far the largest in all of Asia. The area of ​​its territory is about 130 hectares, it is home to more than 1000 exotic animals, birds and reptiles brought here from different parts of China and other Asian countries. A visit to this zoo will be interesting for adults and children.

Tourists vacationing on Hainan Island have a unique opportunity to see a real folk village of the Li and Miao peoples. It is called “Binlan Valley” and is located only 30 kilometers from Sanya.

Xinglong is a whole botanical complex with an area of ​​42 hectares, which contains many species of exotic plants, including very rare and unusual species. In addition to the tropical garden, there is a research and conservation scientific institution.

Tourists from all over the world come to see the diversity of butterflies collected in this museum-reserve. After all, here in a small gorge among tropical forests you can contemplate the true splendor of representatives of this species of the animal world. A visit to the butterfly museum in Hainan will be interesting for both adults and children.

The underwater world of the South China Sea is very rich and diverse. You don't have to go diving to get to know some of its inhabitants. Head to the Sanya Shell Museum and you'll be able to see a collection of over 5,000 shellfish and 200 species of coral inhabiting tropical seas. The museum is very popular among adults and children.

The tea ceremony, which represents the art of brewing and serving tea, is a mandatory part of the excursion program for almost all tourists visiting the island. Hainan. And this is no coincidence, because China is considered the birthplace of tea culture, which has centuries-old traditions. Tea has been grown in China for thousands of years, and this healthy drink is still very popular in the Middle Kingdom and other countries of the world.

Holidays on the West Island of Hainan will bring many unforgettable experiences. It is located just seven kilometers from the city of Sanya, in the Chinese district of Lizhiwan and is very popular among tourists who come here to sunbathe and admire the underwater beauty of the South China Sea.

Bird World Park is the largest bird park in China. In total, it is home to more than two hundred species of amazingly beautiful, small and large, talking and singing feathered creatures that amaze the imagination of visitors.

Thanks to the good climate of the South China Sea, China occupies one of the leading places among pearl-producing countries, and Hainan Island plays a primary role in this matter. Pearls in Hainan have been collected, grown and processed for many centuries, thanks to which the island received another name - “Pearl Rocks”.

Hainan is a fairly large island that attracts tourists from all over the world with its natural resources, clean environment, and excellent recreational infrastructure. Beach holidays on the island are possible all year round, which also adds to the tourist attractiveness of the place. If you decide to plan a trip to Hainan on your own, then our guide will help you with this. We will tell you how to get to the island on your own, how much it will cost, where to stay, which resort to choose, what to do, what food to try, and what souvenirs to buy.

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The island has a well-developed air transport network; there are two international airports that serve external and internal flights. Tourists from Russia, in order to get to a place with a transfer in Shanghai, need to use the services of Aeroflot. Flight time is about 15 hours!

With a transfer in Beijing, you can get to Sanya using the services of the following companies: China Eastern, China Southern, Air China, Aeroflot. The price for a ticket starts from 20 thousand rubles, the upper limit is 72 thousand rubles. Travel time ranges from thirteen hours to several days, depending on the waiting time for transfers.

There is another airport on Hainan Island that accepts external international flights - Camellia Airport in Haikou. This place can only be reached with a transfer in Beijing; flights are operated by China Southern, Aeroflot, Air China. The travel time is quite long - from thirteen to eighteen hours, the ticket price starts from 27 thousand rubles. Transfers can also be made in other cities in China; flights to Hainan Island are available from almost any major center!

The most convenient options with transfers are the cities of Hong Kong and Shanghai. Flights from Russia in this direction are also operated from many cities - St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Rostov-on-Don, Kazan and many other regional centers.

You can buy an inexpensive tour to Hainan.

Resorts in Hainan

Hainan is a combination of beautiful gently sloping beaches and the purity of the sea, so when choosing a resort you don’t have to worry too much, any one will do. Thus, Russian tourists most of all chose the southern coast of the island. Here, Yalongwan, Dadonghai, Sanyavan and Sanya are located not far from each other. In the Yalongwan resort, tourists will receive a combination of fashionable resorts, beautiful vegetation and, of course, a long clean sea coast.

Geographically, the beaches stretch for seven long kilometers. A variety of bars, discos, and shopping centers attract travelers with their attractiveness and luxury. The number of hotels and resort areas is increasing every year, which makes it possible to satisfy the requirements of any, even the most selective tourist.

The staff of hotel complexes speaks fluent English; many hotels have a manager who speaks Russian. The place is great for divers; a scuba diving station has only recently opened on Pirates Island. Only here you can see pristine coral reefs.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists have chosen a tourist town called Dadonghai, which is located in an ecologically clean area, between two mountains. The nature is unique - golden sandy beaches, warm clear sea water, dense vegetation. It should be noted that the bay is the most party place on the entire coast.

Hundreds of bars and nightclubs welcome tourists. For gourmets, there is a range of fish restaurants, where dishes are prepared exclusively from fresh seafood. The resort has many places for scuba diving, surfing and other beach activities.

If you need a budget holiday option, feel free to go to the southeastern part - the city of Sanyawan. Here tourists can be pleased not only with optimal prices, but also with a small number of people. With all this, Sanyavan has a well-developed infrastructure; a cafe or restaurant of any cuisine can be found throughout the city. The place began to actively develop only recently, and this is its main charm. Many corners of the resort remain unexplored to this day!

The city of Sanya is the center of premium class hotels. The place is rightly called “Chinese Hawaii”, since tropical forests grow on the territory, which practically hang over the white sandy beaches. If you step aside, the tourist can enjoy solitude and peace; you won’t find a soul around.

Comfortable weather conditions are an important factor when choosing a place to relax; the temperature, even in the winter months of the year, does not fall below twenty-five degrees. Sanya is recognized as the best city in the surrounding area for the quality of its pearls, therefore, jewelry for women from it is sold throughout the island! In general, Sanya is one of the fastest growing resorts in Hainan and a major tourist destination for the Russian traveler.

Where to stay on Hainan Island

In general, all mid-level hotels offer a similar list of services for tourists. The complex, included in the price, includes the use of swimming pools and Wi-Fi. Also, tourists are often provided with a buffet breakfast, the time of which is strictly limited. Hotel areas most often have their own green areas and coastal strip of the sea. The hotel area has its own restaurants, cafes and bars, and a variety of shops.

In general, Yalongwan is considered the most fashionable hotel zone, while an economical holiday option awaits tourists in Dadong Hai Bay. Depending on the star level, location and other indicators, you can choose the best option.

Sheraton Sanya Resort

5 swimming pools, spa center

411 reviews

Booked 4 times today

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Ocean Sonic Resort Sanya

Water park, outdoor pool, spa center

864 reviews

Booked 6 times today

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Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort

With indoor and outdoor pools

245 reviews

Booked 3 times today

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Outdoor pool and sauna

663 reviews

Booked 4 times today

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Shangri-La's Sanya Resort & Spa

Private beach, outdoor pool, spa

Booked 4 times today

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Holiday Inn Resort Sanya Yalong Bay

In the Yalong Bay resort area

285 reviews

Booked 2 times today

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Sanya Marriott Yalong Bay Resort & Spa

2 outdoor pools, yoga classes and various types of massages

Booked 6 times today

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Beaches of Hainan

On the coast of Sanya there is rightfully the best beach on the entire coast - Yalong Bay, which stretches for a long seven kilometers. The beach is famous primarily for its magnificent views of nature. Yalong Bay is an equipped and modern place for relaxation, there is a rental of sun loungers and mattresses. It is also worth noting that entrance to the territory is paid.

The best place for outdoor enthusiasts is Sidao Island. Due to the absence of strong currents and the presence of a rich underwater world, the place is in great demand among divers. You can also try yourself in other types of active recreation - hang gliding, water skiing, scooters. Due to strict nature conservation regulations, only two types of transport are allowed on the island - bicycles and electric trams!

Yalongwan Beach attracts tourists with its clean white sands, year-round hot sun and clear turquoise waters of the sea. Tourists can boast of a wonderful tan after visiting Yalongwan Beach. A good two-kilometer beach is located on the territory of the famous Dadonghai resort. Tropical palm trees, pineapples and coconuts grow close to the coastline, which makes it possible to combine hot sun and cool shade when relaxing. In the coastal area towards the beach, you can go diving and surfing.

What to see in Hainan

Not far from the city of Sanya is one of the main attractions of Hainan - Monkey Island. The area of ​​the island is quite impressive; more than two thousand monkeys live on its territory, which belong to the species Guangzhou macaques. In order to enjoy the beautiful views of the island, a cable car has been built. In addition to visiting wild monkeys, it is recommended to go to the circus, where these animals play the main roles.

You can get acquainted with the folklore and customs of the local population in the village called Li and Miao. The village is still inhabited by aborigines, whose way of life has changed little over the past centuries. Clothing is made here exclusively by hand, food is traditionally prepared from natural, self-grown products. In the village, the tourist will definitely get acquainted with the life and culture of the ancient people, will be able to attend a wedding ceremony, see national dances and holidays.

You can enjoy the original nature of the region by visiting the botanical garden of tropical plants. There is a huge collection of rare plant species here, which numbers more than a thousand species. The event also includes a visit to the garden of Asian traditions, where the traveler can get acquainted with the customs of the countries of the East. A visit to the garden will not leave indifferent people who treat nature with reverence and care.

Another natural attraction is the Crocodile and Tiger Park. It began its work quite recently, but during this time it has become a favorite place to visit for tourists. The inhabitants of the park were brought from Thailand; these are thousands of crocodiles and hundreds of tigers!

Where to go in Hainan

There is an opera house and several puppet theaters on the island. The Opera House is the oldest; it has a long history of its activity. The productions of the Qiongshan Gongzi Puppet Theater are performed exclusively in the style of the Qiong Opera. The Linggao Theater offers an interesting combination of live actors and puppet shows. The role is one for two characters, this is an unusual and exciting spectacle.

Spa treatments are very popular among Russian tourists, which are truly unique on the island, but nevertheless very effective. Modern salons are pleased to offer visitors body wraps and whitening. Many types of massage, including aromatic massage, hot stone massage, a special type of local massage “Tui-na”, as well as simple traditional massage from the countries of the East.

The island is famous all over the world for its thermal springs. The origin of the springs is different, they are found in almost every corner of the island - in wild tropical forests, in distant mountains or closer to the coast. The sources have different chemical compositions, as well as a wide range of degrees, due to which the beneficial effects on the human body are different!

A wide range of dishes from different parts of China can be enjoyed on the island. Each restaurant offers the best dishes of Beijing, Szechuan and many other types of cuisines. Traditional Hainanese cuisine is full of fish delicacies. The most popular and delicious dish is khele crab. This is a large crab, very meaty and most often with caviar! It is boiled and served with a sauce made from a garlic mixture.

Also popular are more traditional seafood delicacies - shrimp, squid, and various types of fish. A traditional meat dish is Wenchang chicken. The meat, prepared according to a local recipe, has a delicate taste. It is served with a sauce made from a mixture of hot peppers, aromatic herbs and peanuts.

It is worth noting that dishes on the island are served by weight, and the price on the menu is the cost of five hundred grams. Therefore, when receiving an invoice, do not miss these points in order to avoid unpleasant conflicts!

Vacation prices

The cost of housing on the island varies, generally catering for any budget. If a tourist is looking for a budget option, then the best option would be to rent a studio apartment, the payment per day will be about $50, if three or more people are going on vacation, then you won’t find more economical housing.

Also, at a short distance from the sea, it is possible to rent a double room, here the price will include room cleaning and breakfast. The general advice is this: plan your vacation in advance, then you can rent a good option for a small fee. In order to become an active visitor to excursions, a tourist will need from 20 to 50 dollars per person. The price varies depending on the distance of the excursion sites, popularity and other factors.

The average check for dinner at a restaurant will cost no less than $20. Food prices in street places are much cheaper. Thus, fast food will cost about $7 per serving, a bottle of water costs $3, and traditional Chinese dishes start at $10 per serving.

What to bring from the island

Truly Chinese things are sold in huge quantities on the island. First of all, tourists buy sea pearls mined near the island. Pearls can be bought anywhere on the island - in shopping centers, small shops, in tents, near the sea. The jewelry here is of high quality and is exported all over the world.

Another bestseller is the world-famous Chinese silk; products made from it also fill store shelves. A traveler can bring natural coffee, porcelain, or rock crystal as a gift to his family!

Hainan Island is a discovery for a tourist who has visited many places! Go here and have a lot of fun.

In order to independently explore the sights of Hainan and not waste time on vacation, you need to first make a list of the places that you would like to visit first. And then plan which of them you will visit on the first day, which on the second, etc. it will depend on what part of the island they are located in, this way you can save the time it takes to get to the attractions. The best way to get around is by public transport (it’s not expensive here) or renting a car. True, you can only rent it with a driver. It will cost approximately $180-200/8 hours. The main attractions of Hainan are its unique nature. You should definitely visit the cape “The Edge of Sky and Sea”, “Deer Mountain”, “Monkey Island” (this is a nature reserve), “Mountain of the Sleeping Mao Zedong” and the Butterfly Gorge. The Ma An Volcano is the hallmark of Hainan; it is located in the very center of the island, 15 km from Haikou (the capital). At its top there is an observation deck for tourists. The neck is solidified lava, overgrown with dense bushes and rare tropical trees. The Dongshan Zoo is also very popular among tourists. What sets it apart from other zoos is that it is divided into two parts. In one part, lions, tigers and bears are collected, which are not housed in enclosures as usual, but walk freely around the perimeter, allowing tourists to view them only from a car. And in the second part of the zoo you can safely stroll on foot, since the representatives of tropical flora and fauna collected there pose absolutely no threat to humans. You can also see tigers there; this rare animal has been bred on the zoo’s territory since 2001. The tiger lion is a bit like a liger, the weight of an adult animal is 150 kg. And I would advise you to pay special attention to diving, since the rich underwater world of the South China Sea deserves special attention and will definitely not leave you indifferent. The water of the South China Sea is very clear, so visibility underwater is approximately 20 meters. Diving in Hainan is possible throughout the year due to its mild climate. The most successful and popular places for diving are Yalongwan, which consists of densely populated coral colonies located at a depth of 18 meters, Xiao Dong Hai Bay with a depth of 15 meters, Hou Hai Bay, where very beautiful corals live at a depth of 30 meters and underwater rocks with grottoes and the island of Fen-Dze-Jou-Dao - there are rocks and wrecks, the diving depth is 25 meters.

Hainan is famous for the fact that the Chinese themselves consider this island to be elite. The nickname "Hawaii of the East" speaks for itself: the spectacular landscapes and immaculate beaches provide all the prerequisites for a wonderful vacation. And Hainan’s luxurious park areas and rich cultural heritage give travelers the opportunity to combine a beach holiday with educational tourism in one trip. There are also water parks, attractions, and opportunities for active recreation.

Description and climate

Today Hainan (Hainan means “sea south”) is the main health resort of the Celestial Empire. In history, this island is known as a place of exile for guilty nobles.

Subequatorial. Three hundred sunny days a year and the average annual temperature (air - +24 °C, water - + 26 °C) attract tourists from all over the world to Hainan. The resort center is located in the bay of the same name. There are conditions for beach pleasures, diving, surfing, fishing and paragliding.

• alternative Chinese medicine centers;
• healing springs, including thermal ones;
• tea and coffee plantations;
• exotic parks;
• ritual shows of the Li and Miao peoples;
• an abundance of delicious fruits.

What to see in Hainan on your own?

They are open to tourists, so it is not necessary to explore them all with a guide. Sometimes a guidebook or audio guide is enough. Among the places recommended for independent travel are the following:

• Yanoda Park with its extreme jungle treks;
• extinct volcano Ma An;
• water parks "Amazon" and "Sanya Dream" with extreme water attractions;
• zoos and bird parks.

Attractions

The list of popular entertainment places among tourists in Hainan is quite long. A description of the main attractions to go and see on Hainan Island is below.

Nanshan Buddhism Center

The largest center of Buddhism in Asia - a huge park with a temple complex - is always crowded with pilgrims and tourists. The central figure that guests of Nanshan strive to see is the statue of the goddess Guanyin. A majestic figure 108 meters high is installed above the temple. In addition to it, there are several attractions on the territory of the complex that require attention:

• symbolizing the entrance to the world of Buddhism “Heavenly Gate of Non-Duality”;
• “Park of Merciful Liberation”, built in the style of Chinese gardens;
• “Valley of Longevity” with a rock hieroglyph and a symbol of a happy old age - a cute turtle family on the main square.

The island is familiar to the whole world for its large-scale fifty-meter figure of a fiery phoenix, which became a symbol of the Beijing Olympics. But this is not the main highlight of Phoenix. The island is a man-made landmark connected to Hainan by a bridge several hundred meters long. The first to attract attention are the egg-shaped skyscrapers, similar to the Dubai “Sail”.

Several areas of the resort include:

• ferry terminal, pier for yachts and cruise ships;
• hotels and residential buildings with luxury apartments;
• sports complex;
• and restaurants.

Rather, it is an imitation of a village located in a picturesque park area; no one lives here permanently. All local inhabitants are actors whose task is to introduce travelers to the traditions of the Li and Miao peoples. In numerous houses, tourists will be able to plunge into the original folklore atmosphere, experience authentic life, and taste masterpieces of national cuisine.

Since all this luxury is hidden in the shade of tropical trees, local guides recommend that visiting the village to escape the sweltering heat is a productive idea.

The collection of the local museum (Hainan Museum) is a unique exhibition of cultural and art objects from different eras, starting from 2000 BC. Porcelain and jade items, ancient bronze statues, ancient scrolls, clothes of former times, weapons, paintings, horse harnesses - lovers of antiquity will find something to see.

Created in 1984, the museum moved its collections to a new building equipped with the latest technology in 2008.

Dragon Coast - this is exactly the translation of the name of the gorgeous bay, located approximately 30 km from. This is the most prestigious place in Hainan: luxury hotels are built in colorful tropical gardens against the backdrop of incredible landscapes. Heaven on earth is exactly how the locals imagine it.

Dadonghai Bay

In contrast to the aristocratic splendor of Yalong, it is famous for its affordable prices. Beautiful and comfortable beaches, excellent surfing conditions, not too expensive hotels - a holiday in this place is excellent value for money. The nature here is also beautiful. The bay is located between mountains that have unusual names: “The Turning Deer” and “The Hare’s Tail.”

The zoo here is combined with a botanical garden; the total area of ​​the nearby attraction is 340 hectares. A similar lion park cannot be found throughout Asia. In total, about 4,000 thousand pets of two hundred different species live on the territory of the safari park. But the most interesting thing that awaits guests of the zoo is a real liger, a hybrid of a lion and a tiger.

Zoologists draw the attention of tourists: you cannot feed the animals your own food, purchased outside the park, as this can only harm the local inhabitants.

Monkey Island

Guangxi macaques are bred in this reserve. In total, about two thousand individuals live here. It’s really worth getting to know these cute animals, but you just need to take care of your things: macaques are thieves.

Going to the butterfly park located in Yalong Bay is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge about the world of insects. The exhibition hall houses a rich exhibition of stuffed butterflies. Separately, you can admire the living representatives of this wonderful family. Finding the park is not difficult: even the entrance to it is designed in the shape of a huge butterfly.

Park "The Deer Turned its Head"

The meaning of the name of the park and the mountain of the same name (another translation option is “The Turning Deer” - already mentioned above) is revealed in an ancient legend. It tells the story of an evil landowner who ordered the main character, a young man, to kill a deer and about the beautiful girl into whom this graceful animal turned. The characters of the legend are depicted in sculptures. In addition to these figures, totem stones and the tree of love are worthy of tourists’ attention. But the main thing is at the top, where you must climb. From here you can enjoy amazing panoramas of the sea and the sea.

The smooth road up is practically not tiring. Experienced tourists advise: since the ascent to the mountain is usually planned for the second half of the day, when it is not so hot, you should not postpone taking photos until the way back, when it will be already dark to take pictures.

Taoist Park "Heavenly Grottoes"

The Temple of the Dragon, grottoes symbolizing the gates to another world, trees considered sacred - first of all, pilgrims and followers of Taoism strive to see this. But ordinary tourists also have something to see.

Zhujiang Nantian Hot Springs

The name of the springs translates as “Pearl River”. In 2005 they were recognized as the best thermal springs in the Middle Kingdom. This is a great reason to take care of your health. There are a total of 36 baths in the complex. They differ in the composition of the water, its temperature, as well as various additives: rose and chrysanthemum petals, ginseng and aloe, red or white wine. Each bath has an effect on certain organs and systems of the body, as evidenced by information signs.

A favorite place for divers, because the clean, clear water provides ideal visibility. Divers will find amazing coral reefs and colorful marine life.

Not far from Haikou there is a volcano that was supposedly extinct 40 thousand years ago. Now there is an unusual park here: picturesque grottoes, frozen lava, volcanic magma. You can climb directly to the crater, designed as an observation deck, and take amazing photos. And, according to the descriptions in the guidebook, not far from Ma An there are a couple of active volcanoes Leihuling and Lojingpan.

Five Fingers Mountain gets its name from the five hills that evoke an open palm. Excursions designed for ordinary tourists follow a short route - to the Fairy Bridge, which connects the two lower hills. For those who prefer active recreation and are ready for serious physical activity, you can go around the mountain completely, go down into the caves located here, or spend time rafting: a six-kilometer rafting with rapids and whirlpools will give extreme sports lovers a good dose of adrenaline. But you shouldn’t do this without special training.

The Xinglong Tropical Garden is, in fact, a natural park preserved by scientists in its original form. Active scientific work is carried out here, research in the field of selection is carried out, and conferences are organized.

For tourists, a huge equipped space is open, where there is something to do. You can take a walk to your heart's content, admire the luxurious flora of the tropics, improve your knowledge of botany and take a boat ride on the picturesque lake.

Yanoda Rainforest

Yanoda is a real relict jungle that has been improved. Travelers can expect vivid impressions from a rope crossing over the gorge and walks along suspension bridges. Those wishing to spend at least a couple of days here will enjoy the tent camp. Here you can simply walk and enjoy nature; you can admire the quiet lake with lotuses and rushing waterfalls. And botany lovers should check out the greenhouse where tropical orchids are grown.

Pirate Island

You need to get here by boat, it will take about twenty minutes. This place has not yet been spoiled by civilization, and the beautiful local beaches attract with their cleanliness. Coral reefs along the coast, tropical forests untouched by human presence - here sometimes it seems that you are out of time.

An unusual fact: the beach, although more precisely the place where it is located, is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. This is a narrow and long strip of snow-white sand that separates fresh river waters from salty sea waters.

An ideal place for romantic dreamers and lovers of leisurely contemplation of nature. The boulders on the coast are associated with sad legends and have unusual poetic names. In the western part of the park you can visit the beach.

How to get to the island?

There are no direct flights from Russia to Hainan. You will have to fly with a transfer at one of the airports in mainland China: this opportunity can also be used to get acquainted with the interesting sights of other regions of the Celestial Empire. You can plan a long trip around the country and get to Hainan by train or bus.

Hainan Island on the world map

Hainan is the southernmost province of the Celestial Empire. The island is separated from the mainland by a strait and the map clearly shows that this is the largest island in the Celestial Empire.

The three largest cities on the island are popular:

• the capital Haikou, located on the northern coastline;
• transit city on the way to the beaches of the southern coast of Sanya;
• the site of the famous Asian Forum, the main city of the eastern shore of Boao.

Where to stop and eat?

Mostly located on the first line of the coast. the second line was given. You can find cheaper accommodation in a prestigious resort area, but more often this is a place in the common room of a hostel. There are inexpensive hotels and apartments in the north of the island.

Apartments in the private sector are suitable for those interested. Local residents who rent out apartments will inundate those arriving on vacation with interesting offers already at the airport. However, experts recommend: it is better to book an apartment through the appropriate websites and for a long term. You can team up with other families and companies who have planned a visit to the island and distribute your vacation dates.

• upscale and correspondingly expensive hotel restaurants;
• resort catering outlets near hotels;
• sea ​​restaurants with aquariums;
• European cuisine establishments;
• grill bars;
• international fast food chains.