Wanning: 5 visits and counting! Avoid these pitfalls

🚨【Heads up! Don't do these 5 things】 As a five-time visitor to Wanning, practically an honorary islander, let me share some hard-earned lessons: ❌ Don't rent surfboards at the scenic spot entrance! The small shops along Riyue Bay beach offer much better deals. Beginners should take a lesson (RMB 200-300/session). The instructor will help you choose a board and catch waves, 100 times safer than floundering on your own. ❌ Don't trust "wild tide-pooling groups"! I once paid RMB 200 to dig around in some mudflats and found nothing. Later, I discovered Laoyehai (free!), where the beach is covered in small crabs and shells at low tide. A small shovel is all you need! ❌ Don't wear flip-flops while riding an electric scooter! The coastal winds are strong, and flip-flops can fly off (don't ask how I know 😭). Sneakers or Crocs are best. Rent a scooter with a trunk and always wear a helmet securely. ❌ Don't buy fruit at tourist spots! Xiaojinyue at the Wanning No. 1 Market in the city center sells 3 for RMB 10. Sugar apples are sold by the box and are half the price of those on the beach. Ask the vendor to cut them into pieces for easy snacking. ❌ Don't stay too far out! Beginners should choose Riyue Bay/Shenzhou Peninsula. The beach is right outside your door, with plenty of restaurants and surf shops nearby. Even if you crave late-night skewers, you'll find a place. 🌊【Surfing for Beginners: 3 Days to "Wave Rider"】 ✅ Day 1: Choose the shallows of Riyue Bay. The waves are gentlest between 9-11 am. Wear a long-sleeved rash guard and surf shorts (not a bikini! The rocks will scrape your legs). The instructor will teach you the basics on the beach before you hit the water, guiding you the whole time. Don't be afraid to fall! ✅ Day 2: Head to Shimei Bay to try "green waves" (gentle, long waves). Check the "Global Surf" app for wave height (1-1.5 meters is ideal). After surfing, grab an iced Americano at the "Jielang Bu" coffee shop on the shore and watch the pros ride shortboards at "Wave Rider Bridge." Super cool! ✅ Day 3: If you don't feel like surfing, rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and paddle out to sea. Bring some sparkling water, lie down, and watch the clouds drift by. Even more relaxing than surfing. 🍜【100 Restaurants Tested: 8 Must-Tries】 🥥 Breakfast: ▪️ Houan Noodles across from "Shaka Surf" in Riyue Bay. The broth is simmered for 8 hours with pork bones, topped with crispy intestines and yellow lantern chili peppers. Spicy and delicious! ▪️ "Nanyang Flavor" in Xinglong Town. The RMB 20 coconut milk dessert is overflowing with pandan jelly, jackfruit, and sago. Perfect for a hot summer day. 🍤 Lunch/Dinner: ▪️ "Singapore Banana Leaf" in Shenzhou Peninsula. Curry crab with baguette for dipping. The bread soaks up the coconut-flavored sauce. All-you-can-eat for around RMB 100. ▪️ "Old Indonesian Restaurant" at the Xinglong Night Market. The RMB 38 satay skewers are incredibly tender, served with peanut sauce and cucumber slices to cut through the richness. I couldn't stop at just three! 🍧 Sweet Treats: On the way to Qiaohai Ranch, stop by "Dongshan Goat Coffee" for coconut jelly. The owner cracks open fresh coconuts, scoops out the flesh, and layers it on top of milk jelly with crispy coconut flakes. Every spoonful is a taste of the ocean. 📸【5 Hidden Photo Spots: Escape the Crowds】 1. Riyue Bay Road Sign: The best lighting is around 10 am. Stand next to the "Hainan · Wanning" road sign with the waves and coconut trees behind you. Wear a bright dress and let your hair fly for a dynamic shot. 2. Phoenix Nine Mile Bookstore in Shimei Bay: The bookstore's second-floor terrace overlooks the sea. Lean against the white railing and gaze into the distance for a perfect profile shot. Wear light colors to complement the blue and white background. 3. Qiaohai Ranch: Navigate to "Dongshan Goat Village." Walk along the stone path through the rice paddies, where cows graze by the water. Crouch down for a low-angle shot and transform into a Miyazaki heroine. 4. Dazhou Island: Take a local boat tour to this uninhabited island (RMB 200/person round trip). The sand is blindingly white. Find a piece of coral as a prop and create a "Survivor" vibe. 5. Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden: The "Cocoa Forest" on the right as you enter is magical. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating dappled patterns on the ground. Wear a floral dress and twirl around for a dreamy photo. ⚠️【Local Tips: Take Note】 1. Check the "Global Tide" app for tide times (don't buy tide-pooling tools at the scenic spots; a RMB 10 set of shovel and bucket is enough). 2. Rent a car from "Liandongyun" or a car rental affiliated with your homestay. Check the brakes and battery beforehand. Bring a power bank for coastal drives. 3. Buy seafood at the central market in Hele Town. Fishermen return around 3 pm with fresh catches of grouper and mantis shrimp. Have them cooked at a nearby restaurant (steaming is around RMB 30/serving). 4. Watch the sunset from the beach at the "Le Méridien Hotel" after surfing. The sand is fine, the crowds are thin, and the setting sun turns the water into a shimmering orange. Bring a light jacket as the sea breeze can be cool in the evening. ✨ Wanning's charm lies in its relaxed atmosphere, where you can "waste time" without rushing to see every sight. Five visits aren't enough! Next time, I'll watch the sunrise at Chunyuan Bay and go diving in Nanyan Bay.