A Hainanese Local’s Guide to Hainan

Planning a trip to Hainan? Save this guide to get the most out of your trip for less. For budget travelers, I recommend booking flights to Haikou. Round-trip flights to Haikou are much cheaper than to Sanya, but you'll need to add the cost of a high-speed train ticket from Haikou to Sanya, which is about CNY 120 each way. Day 1: Arrive in Haikou, the Coconut City + Qilou Old Street + Snacks at Xitian Temple + Sunset at the Cloud Gallery Library Day 2: Take the high-speed train from Haikou + 2-hour trip to Sanya + Check in to hotel + Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park + Yalong Bay Beach Day 3: Option 1: Wuzhizhou Island + Houhai / Option 2: West Island + Dadonghai & Xiaodonghai Day 4: Visit the 108-meter Guanyin Statue at Nanshan Temple + Tianya Haijiao + Buy high-speed train tickets back to Haikou + Haida South Gate Snack Street Day 5: Depart from Haikou [Prices] Paid attractions: Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park (approx. CNY 150), Wuzhizhou Island (approx. CNY 140), West Island (approx. CNY 98), Nanshan Temple (approx. CNY 124) Most scenic spots in Sanya are entertainment-based. The entrance ticket only covers the initial entry. Many entertainment activities inside require additional fees, such as the sightseeing bus and water sports at Wuzhizhou Island, and the glass walkway and rope bridge at Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park. Sightseeing buses at Nanshan Temple, Tianya Haijiao, and Dadonghai & Xiaodonghai cost around CNY 30. [Attractions Guide] Qilou Old Street: Featuring traditional Chinese architecture and Southeast Asian influences. Zhen Da Fu’s salted yellow skin juice and Wu Ribiao’s garlic pork ribs are nearby and worth trying. Cloud Gallery Library: Especially beautiful at sunset, with many people strolling and street musicians performing. Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park: Sanya's natural oxygen bar, offering "ocean views, mountain backdrop, and year-round blossoms." There are many activities, including the panoramic glass walkway. Yalong Bay Beach: Much more beautiful than Sanya Bay and Dadonghai Beach, with clearer water, perfect for photos. Wuzhizhou Island: A must-visit island with clear waters and 6–27 meters of visibility, ideal for water sports. Houhai: Houhai Snack Street and beach bars are lively, especially at night, attracting many young people. It's right at the entrance of Wuzhizhou Island, making it easy to visit after the island. West Island: A 400-year-old fishing village with an artistic atmosphere, half island and half village. My favorite spot in Sanya. Nanshan Temple: Visit the 108-meter Guanyin Statue for blessings and good health. Tianya Haijiao: A landmark in Hainan, with beautiful scenery of blue sea, green mountains, white sand, giant rocks, and reefs, capturing the unique charm of the south. [Accommodation Recommendations] Day 1: Near Qilou Old Street Day 2: Yalong Bay Hotel Day 3: If you choose Wuzhizhou Island, stay in Houhai. If you choose West Island, consider a homestay on the island. Day 4: Depending on your plans For a hassle-free and relaxing trip, consider joining a group tour! You'll save the trouble of planning your itinerary, as a professional guide will arrange everything for you, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and sightseeing. Group tours often offer discounted prices, making them more affordable than independent travel. Click the link below to choose a group tour and make your trip easier, more convenient, and worry-free!