The Lung of Hainan—Wuzhishan! Complete Guide to Rainforest Rafting and Li & Miao Culture

Escape the hustle and bustle, dive into the rainforest secret realm, and become a wild mountain traveler Wuzhishan, Hainan’s "natural oxygen bar," is not only the breathing center of the tropical rainforest but also a living museum of Li and Miao culture. Come here, say “Bolong” (Li language for “hello”), and start a unique mountain adventure. Transportation Guide From Haikou or Sanya, take the high-speed train to Tongshi Station (Haikou → Wuzhishan about 1.5 hours/87 RMB; Sanya → Wuzhishan about 1 hour/65 RMB). After arrival, take a taxi into the city to begin your rainforest journey. If driving, it takes about 1.5 hours from Sanya via the Shanhai Expressway. Travel Tips Day 1: Check into your hotel upon arrival. In the afternoon, stroll around the March 3rd Square and visit the local market to experience the local lifestyle. In the evening, enjoy Li ethnic specialty dishes; the “Hemu Renjia” restaurant is recommended. Day 2: Spend the whole day exploring Wuzhishan Tropical Rainforest National Park (ticket + electric cart about 95 RMB). Hike the rainforest boardwalk, cross valleys and rainforest, and breathe the natural oxygen bar. In the afternoon, experience the “No.1 Rafting in Southern China” — Red Canyon Rafting (198 RMB/person), thrilling and exciting. Remember to bring dry clothes for changing. Day 3: In the morning, visit Chubao Village or Yahu Terraces (free), step into traditional Li boat-shaped houses, and learn about intangible cultural heritage weaving crafts. You can also try handmade Li pottery or bamboo weaving (50-80 RMB). Food Recommendations Wuzhishan’s cuisine is full of wild mountain flavors: five-legged pig, lingzhi chicken, and Shanlan wine are must-try Li ethnic specialties. Also try bamboo tube rice (about 30 RMB/serving), rainforest wild vegetable stew (30 RMB per pot), and other wild delicacies, authentic and flavorful. Accommodation Options In the city, there are boutique rainforest guesthouses or forest hotels (such as Yujing Mountain, Weibo Hostel, about 600 RMB/night). You can also choose business hotels in the city, about 160 RMB per night with breakfast, which is half the price of guesthouses near the scenic area. Notes 1. The rainforest is slippery; be sure to wear non-slip shoes and bring mosquito repellent. 2. Rafting requires changing clothes; bring dry clothes. 3. Strictly prohibited to enter unopened or undeveloped tropical rainforest areas to avoid accidents. 4. Check the weather forecast before traveling; be cautious with outdoor activities on rainy days. 5. Li culture experiences are recommended to be booked in advance. 6. Do not trust “wild guides” offering low-price tours at the scenic entrance; be cautious when buying mountain herbs and medicines. Wuzhishan is not a beach resort but the breathing center of the tropical rainforest and a living museum of Li and Miao culture. Come here to climb the primeval forest, raft through wild gorges, and encounter the most original Hainan.