Hainan Island things to do
Haikou’s Lava Villages
Outside Haikou, you can visit the Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark, home to an extinct volcanic crater. From here, travel west to the ancient villages of Rong Tang and Mei She, where the buildings are constructed from volcanic stone. In Rong Tang, you can explore a system of lava tunnels, while in Mei She, you can view a five-storey gun tower.
Nanshan Temple
This Buddhist temple, just west of Sanya, is best known for its vast three-sided statue of the goddess Guanyin, which sits out at sea and is accessed by bridge. The temple complex itself is also well worth exploring, as is the neighbouring Cultural Tourist Zone, a protected area home to ancient tamarind trees, tree houses and elephant sculptures.
Wuzhizhou Island
Hop on a ferry and head to Wuzhizhou Island, which lies in Haitang Bay. Wuzhizhou Island’s northern coast is lined with white sand beaches, resorts and restaurants, making it ideal for a relaxing day trip. The island is also surrounded by coral reefs, which means it’s the perfect spot for a day of snorkelling or scuba diving.
Yalong Bay
The sun-splashed southern coasts of Hainan Island are a haven for beach lovers, with excellent stretches of sand found everywhere. One of the best lies along Yalong Bay – here you can unwind on white sandy beaches, while there are also plenty of opportunities for water sports.
Qi Xian Ling Forest Park
This mountainous region north of Sanya is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to the spectacular Seven Fairy Mountain, which is accessible by a rainforest trek and boasts amazing panoramic views from its summit. In addition, this region is peppered with natural, mineral-rich hot springs – which are best visited during the cooler, drier winter months.
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