This summer vacation, I'm only taking my kids to one place: Lingshui!

**Lingshui Li Autonomous County** (Lingshui County), located in the southeastern part of Hainan Province and adjacent to Sanya, is renowned for its tropical coastal scenery, Li ethnic culture, and diving spots. Here’s a detailed travel guide to Lingshui County: --- **1. Overview of Lingshui** - **Location**: Southeastern Hainan Island, about 80 km from Sanya, accessible by high-speed train in 30 minutes. - **Highlights**: Features attractions like Clearwater Bay, Boundary Island, and Coconut Palm Ancient Village, with crystal-clear waters ideal for vacationing, diving, and experiencing Li culture. - **Best Season**: November to April (avoid typhoon season; warm and dry climate). --- **2. Must-Visit Attractions** **1. Boundary Island** - **Highlights**: A national 5A-level scenic area with underwater visibility exceeding 10 meters, perfect for diving, fishing, and jet skiing. - **Must-Do**: - Diving (reef diving/open-water diving). - Marine Theater (interact with dolphins and sea lions). - **Ticket**: Around ¥128 (includes ferry). **2. Clearwater Bay** - **Highlights**: Known as the "singing sand beach" (fine sand that makes sounds when stepped on), it’s less crowded and great for photos and relaxation. - **Photo Spots**: - **Freedom Lighthouse**: Perfect for sunrise/sunset shots. - **Agile Beach**: Free access, with a popular photo studio nearby. **3. Nanwan Monkey Island** - **Highlights**: The world’s only tropical island macaque nature reserve, featuring a cable car ride overlooking the Tanka fishing villages. - **Tips**: - Do not feed the monkeys to avoid scratches. - The cable car offers stunning views—best taken on sunny days. - **Ticket**: Around ¥154 (includes cable car). **4. Coconut Palm Ancient Village** - **Highlights**: A Li and Miao ethnic culture theme park, offering hands-on experiences like pottery-making, weaving, and bamboo pole dancing. - **Ideal For**: Families or culture enthusiasts. **5. Tanka Fishing Villages** - **Highlights**: Floating fishing villages where you can take boat tours and enjoy fresh seafood (try the "porcupine fish porridge"). --- **3. Food Recommendations** 1. **Lingshui Sour Rice Noodles** - A local specialty with a tangy, spicy flavor, featuring dried sandworms and small fish. Try "Wang Haifa Sour Noodles" (a famous old shop in town). 2. **Seafood** - Fresh catches at Xincun Pier or Tanka fishing villages—recommend lobster, Hele crab, and steamed egg with sea urchin. 3. **Tropical Fruits** - Mangoes, wax apples, and jackfruit (buy at local markets like Central Farmers' Market). --- **4. Accommodation Suggestions** - **Clearwater Bay**: Luxury resorts, such as: - **The Westin Blue Bay Resort**: Oceanfront views, family-friendly. - **Arroha Oceanview Suites**: Budget-friendly for families. - **Boundary Island**: Stay in island cabins (~¥800/night) for a tranquil night. - **Downtown**: Budget hotels (e.g., Lingshui Leyi Yujia Hotel), convenient for local snacks. --- **5. Transportation Guide** - **Getting There**: - **By Air**: Fly to Sanya Phoenix Airport, then take a high-speed train to Lingshui Station (~30 mins). - **By Train**: Direct access via Hainan’s high-speed rail "Lingshui Station." - **Local Transport**: - Rent a car (~¥200/day) or hire a private car (~¥300/day) for inter-attraction travel. - Ferries/cable cars required for Boundary Island and Nanwan Monkey Island. --- **6. Itinerary Ideas** - **2-Day Classic Route**: - **Day 1**: Diving at Boundary Island → Lunch at Tanka Fishing Villages → Nanwan Monkey Island → Stay at Clearwater Bay. - **Day 2**: Clearwater Bay beach → Coconut Palm Ancient Village → Departure. - **3-Day In-Depth Trip**: Add Diaoluo Mountain Forest Park (tropical rainforest hiking). --- **7. Tips** 1. Sun protection! Pack high-SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. 2. Avoid flying within 24 hours after diving. 3. Respect Li and Miao customs—ask before photographing locals. --- For niche activities (like tide-pooling spots or surfing tips) or a combined Sanya + Lingshui itinerary, let me know!