The island's territory is 34,000 square meters. km. The name is translated into Russian as “island south of the sea.” The central and southern parts are covered with dense forests, mango, banana, pineapple, coffee, tea and coconut plantations.
Tourists in Hainan can expect picturesque landscapes and cultural and historical monuments, an azure sea, rich tropical vegetation and fauna, warm springs, as well as an acquaintance with the life of the local residents - the Li and Miao peoples.
Eight thousand years ago, volcanic activity ended in Hainan, as evidenced by extinct volcanoes and thermal springs.
Hainan received the status of a separate province in China only in 1988. Around this time, the development of the tourism industry on the island began.
Climate and weather
The climate in Hainan is tropical. In January and February, the average temperature ranges from + 16 to + 24, in August and July, from + 25 to +29. The rainy season lasts from May to October. The island is at the same latitude as Hawaii and has a similar climate, so it is often called "East Hawaii".
Sights of Hainan - what is worth visiting and where to relax
The capital of the island is the city Haikou. This is a city with modern architecture and a fast pace of life. But at the same time, many buildings of old South Chinese and Portuguese colonial architecture have been preserved here.
Sanya- a city in the southernmost part of the island, the most popular resort center in Hainan in China with many hotels of various categories.
Butterfly Gorge– an amazing park-reserve, home to many different butterflies brought from the countries of Southeast Asia, Africa and South America.
The end of the world- a park 23 km west of Sanya. This is a unique sandy beach with many strangely shaped stone blocks. Here you can see, for example, “The Stone that Supports the Sky”, “The Stone is a Broken Heart”, “A Labyrinth for Lovers”, “The Stone of Wealth”.
Nanshan Buddhist Center. There are several Buddhist temples on the territory of the huge park. One of the main attractions of the center is the golden statue of the thousand-armed Buddha Guanyin, decorated with precious stones. It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest Buddha statue made of pure gold (its weight is 140 kg).
Holidays in Hainan - tips for tourists
Hainan has some of the best golf courses in Southeast Asia. Here you can go rafting and fishing. There are several diving centers near Sanya. Russian specialists work at the Trophy center.
Fans of small arms can practice shooting with more than 20 types of military and sporting weapons at the open range.
The best beaches in Hainan are in Sanya.
Transport. The island has a developed transport network. The modern ring road encircling Hainan has connected all major cities and towns and opened the way to the island's inaccessible western coast.
Many establishments have menus in Russian. Several foreign restaurants have opened in Sanya: Korean, Japanese, Italian, Russian.
Also popular souvenirs from Hainan Island are shell items, pearls and crystal. In addition, since Hainan is also called the “coconut island,” you can buy a wide variety of coconut products here.
If you are interested in tours to Hainan, you can select options using the online tour search, and you can also leave a request to our managers by filling out the tour selection form.
Excursions to the resort of Hainan
Mount Olenikhi (5 km)
A picturesque park on the highest mountain in Sanya, which offers a bird's eye view of the city and adjacent picturesque bays. Sacred place of the Li people.
Mao Zedong's Sleeping Mountain (70 km)
Mountain in the form of sleeping Mao Zedong. Mao Zedong Memorial with a temple in his honor.
Mountain folk village of the L and Miao peoples
Getting to know the life, way of life and traditions of the ancient inhabitants of Hainan Island.
Mountain ethnographic village (25 km)
A village that has preserved the traditional way of life of the Li people, wedding ceremonies, ritual dances. Menagerie with animals. Hainan.
Tongzha Mountain Park (25 km)
Mount Wuzhishan is located in Qiongzhong County. The highest peak - height 1800 m, is the highest point of Hainan Island. The mountain slopes are densely covered with tropical forest; from the height of the main peak you can admire the sea and explore the surrounding area. The mountain area is home to the Li people, tourists can taste homemade vodka, tea growing on the mountain, and listen to folk legends.
Warm springs "nantian".
Warm springs "Xinglong".
Dragon Bay (30 km)
Relax on the shores of the most beautiful bay in Sanya, take a boat trip with an underwater view.
Zoo Safari (270 km)
The natural zoo on the shores of Dongshanhu Lake is the first tropical fauna reserve in China and one of the largest in Asia. Located on the shore of Lake Dongshanhu. The area is about 130 hectares. There are more than 1000 animals of 100 species.
Boat trip
Boat trip (3 hours).
Sea fishing
Sea fishing (3 hours).
Tropical Shell Museum (25 km)
The largest and first museum of its kind in China. The exhibition includes more than a hundred rare specimens of tropical shells. The museum also has a cinema hall where documentaries about the underwater world are shown.
Crystal Museum (15 km)
Here you will learn everything about crystal: its varieties, history of origin, processing technology, etc.
Monkey Island (80 km)
A natural reserve on a picturesque island where monkeys live in natural conditions, fearlessly approach people, and take food from hands. Nearby is a settlement of “sea people”.
Sightseeing tour of Sanya (5 km)
Acquaintance with the city of Sanya, visiting the park "Lu Hui Tou" - "Mountain of the Turning Deer" - a sacred place of the Li people. Excursion around the city and to the “Valley of Pearls”, visiting shops, shops and the market.
Oceanarium (20 km)
Acquaintance with a collection of living marine inhabitants of the South China Tropical Sea. Trained seals and dolphins. Visit to a crocodile nursery.
Park "Tian Ya Hai Jiao" - "Edge of the World" (18 km)
A picturesque park on the seashore with the Wealth Stone depicted on the 2 yuan banknote, the "Bachelor's Hideaway", the "Broken Heart" Stone, the Li People's Historical and Folklore Museum - the most visited place in Sanya.
Park "Buddhism Center" (50 km)
Visit to the seaside park "Center of Buddhism", a Buddhist temple and a unique center of world culture of the tourist complex "Nanshansi" - the only tourist complex in the world that meets international environmental standards ISO 40001. Visit to the temple with the largest golden statue of the Buddha of Mercy in Asia - Guanyin (gold, precious stones , jade, Guinness Book of Records).
Trip to Pirate Island (40 km)
A trip to the pirate island.
Submarine ride (1 km)
Submarine ride.
Walk on the bottom of the sea
Walk along the bottom of the sea (1 hour).
Journey to the underwater world of Da Dong Hai Bay in the South China Sea
A boat trip on a submarine along the "Da Dong Xai" bay. The bizarre world of tropical coral reefs.
Shooting range (7 km)
Military and sporting weapons.
Xinglong Tropical Park (10 km)
Located in the Nanwan Reservoir area, it covers an area of about 300 hectares. The park contains a botanical garden of tropical plants, where many species close to extinction are collected, and work is underway to protect and propagate them. The park is one of four state bases that are exemplary in terms of maintaining environmental balance. This is one of the country's genetic banks. The Chinese government recommended this park to the United Nations for inclusion in the list of 500 model ecological bases in the world.
Butterfly Gorge (25 km)
A picturesque gorge with a mountain river. Tropical butterflies flutter free under a huge awning. It is also home to China's largest tropical butterfly museum.
Farm of crocodiles and peacocks (300 km)
Presentation of trained crocodiles, crocodile skin products, dishes made from crocodiles and peacocks.
Ostrich farm and fishing on the Southern Beauty lake (300 km)
Products made from leather, feathers and ostrich eggs.
Tea house (7 km)
Introduction to the Chinese tea ceremony.
Shopping tour to Haikou (270 km)
Shopping tour in Haikou:
administrative center of Hainan Island.
Hainan hotels
Hotel tours available
| Crowne Plaza Sanya 5* | Gloria Resort 5* | Grand Soluxe Hotel & Resort Sanya 5* |
| Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa 5* | Holiday Inn (yalong Bay) 5* | Horizon Resort & Spa 5* |
| Howard Johnson Resort Sanya Bay 5* | Mangrove Tree Resort (yalong Bay) 5* | Marriott Sanya Resort 5* |
History, geography and climate
For a long time, the inhabitants of the island did not even know about the amazing history of its origin, but the era of careful and accurate mapping allowed scientists to compare the coastline of Hainan and the Laizhou Peninsula. The results amazed everyone: it turned out that these lands were once a single whole, but the active tectonic movement of plates in the region led to their split, and the island began to gradually move away from the mainland.
Dadonghai BayFor centuries, waves of constant earthquakes and volcanic activity rolled through it, which completely subsided 8 thousand years ago. Calm Hainan with its amazing climate eventually began to attract the attention of residents of other areas, and now this island accommodates approximately 8 million people on its territory.
Physical map of the islandIt is no coincidence that Hainan is compared to Hawaii, because the weather here is truly heavenly. Even in January, when we are used to wrapping ourselves in warm fur coats and scarves, the inhabitants of the island bask in the rays of the sun at an air temperature of 25 °C. Of course, in such weather conditions, the water in the South China Sea hardly cools down, staying at 26 °C all year round. Thus, the climate itself would be enough for tourists from all over the world to come here, but Hainan presents many surprises both in the field of entertainment and in health opportunities.
Sunset on the shore of the South China SeaRecreation and wellness: hospitals of Hainan
Fruit vendor on Sanya beachVacation time is the only period of the year when a person remembers the most important resource of his body - health. When going on a trip, many tourists plan their route in such a way as to be sure to visit health-improving places that can replenish their vitality for the entire coming year. Of course, Western medicines in the form of tablets or procedures with drugs are familiar to us. But the pharmaceutical effect on the body does not cover the entire variety of existing techniques, especially when it comes to oriental medicine.
Acupuncture is one of the popular areas in traditional Chinese medicine.Hainan Island is one of the most popular centers of alternative medicine throughout Asia. It organically combines comfortable hotel complexes on the seashore and various medical institutions. A special advantage of health procedures on the island is the materials with which doctors work. The fact is that the flora of the island is so diverse that local residents have been perfecting their ability to extract the most useful substances from each plant for centuries. Thanks to this painstaking experimental work, Hainan was able to become famous throughout the world for its phytotherapeutic practices.
The range of diseases that doctors work with on Hainan Island is extremely wide. Every year hundreds of thousands of people come to these places who want to overcome their ailments. The most popular areas of treatment are the following:
- Diseases of the joints, in the fight against which compresses from herbal infusions, acupuncture and bamboo sticks are used. These procedures restore blood circulation in problem areas and can completely eliminate pain in 10 sessions.
- Combating nicotine addiction with inhalations and chest warming.
- Fast and effective weight loss, carried out through acupressure, which helps break up and reduce subcutaneous fat deposits.
- Elimination of pain symptoms during menopause. After a full examination, specialists develop an individual program that combines herbal compresses, acupuncture and bathing in thermal springs, which helps normalize the functioning of the female body.
- Reducing the effects of a recent stroke, which is achieved by stimulating the nerve endings with special needles.
Water procedures deserve special attention. The fact is that previous volcanic activity on the island of Hainan gave local residents many springs with enriched waters, swimming in which gives incredible results.
Most often, tourists go to the Xinglong Valley, where there are many thermal streams. Here you can simultaneously find both radon and potassium-sodium thermal baths, the water in which ranges from +45 °C to +65 °C. The small town is surrounded by tea and coffee plantations, the products of which can be easily purchased at local markets. Despite the compact size of the settlement, travelers can stay in comfortable villas and hotels, the level of service in which is in no way inferior to European hotels.
Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest ParkAnother popular destination for thermal water treatments is Nantian. The attractiveness of the springs lies in the fact that they are designed in the form of many small hot pools. Having received preliminary consultation from a specialist, patients soak in the thermal baths for hours, relaxing and saturating their bodies with health.
Old people talkingOf course, there are many places on Earth known for their health resorts, but what makes Hainan Island so special? Firstly, incredibly low prices for procedures and related services; holidays in this area are very affordable for tourists. Secondly, and this is the most important thing - the amazing health of the inhabitants of the island. The fact is that a huge number of centenarians live here who have passed their 100th birthday and continue to be in good health. And this is perhaps the most important indicator of the effectiveness of local procedures.
Beach holidays and entertainment in resort towns
Hainan attracts not only those who want to improve their health, but also those who prefer a beach holiday. To understand the geography of the island, it is most convenient to divide it into three zones in accordance with the bays along which they are located.
Dadonghai Bay is one of the most popular holiday destinations. There are hotels of all categories here, and snow-white beaches from afar attract those who want to plunge into the azure waters of the sea. Along the entire coastline there are shops, cafes and markets where you can buy anything. This place is a favorite among young people, as it is easy to find bars and discos of various styles and formats.
Yalong Bay is aimed at wealthy tourists, so most hotels have 5-star status. Leaving the hotel, you immediately find yourself on a private beach with white sand and clear water. The cleanliness of this area immediately led to the emergence of diving clubs. Exciting dives to the bottom are regularly held here, where you can watch the fantastic life of exotic marine life.
Sanyavan Bay is the most economical option for a beach holiday. This is due to the not-so-convenient infrastructure, because in order to get to the sea, tourists are forced to cross the road every time. But saving money on a hotel allows travelers to visit more attractions and unique places on Hainan Island.
Cultural and natural attractions
The center of the island's tourist life is the city of Sanya. It features convenient transportation, which allows you to visit any corner of Hainan. After driving just 20 minutes along the coastline, you can find an amazing park with a curious name - “Edge of the World”. In our understanding, the park area should be covered with lawns and trees, but in China there are completely different ideas on this matter. “Edge of the World” is a huge beach on which giant boulders are randomly scattered, left as a memory of past volcanic activity on the island. Almost every cobblestone has its own name, and some of them are so popular that they are depicted on local banknotes. And the name of the park itself duplicates the inscription on one of the stones. It says that this place is the most extreme point of the land part of all of China.
Park "Edge of the World"
After driving another 10 km in the same direction, you can reach Mount Nanshan, at the foot of which is the largest center of Buddhism on the continent. On a huge territory of 50 sq. km there is a unique park, the landscape of which is made according to all the laws of the Eastern tradition. An artificial island was built not far from the coastline, and a huge temple was erected on it to worship the Goddess of Mercy. The real highlight of the island is the golden statue of Guanyin, encrusted with precious stones and pearls. The height of the sculpture with the pedestal is 108 m, which allows the stone image of the goddess to be ranked among the five tallest statues in the world.
Li and Miao VillageAlso 35 kilometers from Sanya there is a huge temple complex, where Taoist monks - representatives of one of the most revered beliefs in China - constantly gather. According to legend, it is in this place that the southern dragon lives, ruling a quarter of the world. A visit to this zone does not require any involvement in religion, but allows you to get acquainted with such unusual rituals of a completely different culture.
Villagers at workFor those interested in the cultural characteristics and folklore of the Chinese, a must-see is the village of the Li and Miao people. The inhabitants of this settlement are descendants of the island’s aborigines; they attract tourists by demonstrating the life of their ancestors. Here you can see buildings made using ancient technologies of mixing grass and clay, dances, weddings and other everyday and festive rituals. It is worth finding out in advance about the schedule of events in order to get to the brightest of them.
Fans of exotic flora and fauna will be interested in visiting the botanical gardens and zoos of Hainan. Near Sanya there is a nature reserve where you can see thousands of species of butterflies. In one part, visitors are introduced to the museum’s classical collection, but the “live” component is of greatest interest. Next to the building there is a tropical forest with a gorge in which many rare species flutter.
How to get to Hainan Island
There are two international airports on the territory, which receive several dozen planes from different parts of the world every day. Several flight methods are available to residents of the Russian Federation, each of which has its own advantages.
It is convenient to fly to Hainan to the airport in Haikou, where Hainan Airlines operates direct flights from Moscow. Typically, such a flight takes about 10 hours; its main advantage is the ability to obtain a visa right at the airport. To do this, you must have with you a foreign passport (received no later than 6 months before departure), one color photograph 3.5x4.5 cm, an invitation from an individual or legal entity and $65 to pay for the visa itself. Thus, by choosing a direct flight, you will be freed from the need to visit the Chinese Embassy and, moreover, you will be able to extend your visa two more times for a total of 30 days, simply by going to the airport.
In addition, many flights are accepted by the city of Sanya. The recently reconstructed building of the local air gate is equipped with all the technological achievements of modern science, and the new terminal has made it possible to increase the flow of tourists several times.
There are two easy ways to get from airports to resort towns on Hainan Island. For passengers whose plane lands in Haikou, some airlines provide free shuttle buses. If the ticket does not include an additional service, you can go to the hotel by bus or taxi, the parking lot of which is located right next to the exit. Sanya Airport provides the same opportunities, but due to its close location to resort towns, transportation usually takes about 15–20 minutes and costs about $2.
Moving around the island itself while on vacation will also not be difficult. Buses constantly run between the cities, transporting tourists to the most popular places, and for those who wish to visit remote corners of Hainan, taxi services are always available. The easiest way to get around inside cities is on foot or by using the services of so-called pedicabs, which will take you to the right place for a reasonable fee.
What is a vacation on Hainan Island like and what are the prices for tourists in 2019 for: food, food in shops and markets, hotels, how much does an air ticket to China cost? Let's find out reviews from vacationers about their holidays in Hainan and the resort of Sanya, which beaches are a must-see.
Initially, the island in southern China was an exile for the nobility and nobles, but over time the authorities noticed that prisoners on the island became healthier, their illnesses were cured, and their life expectancy was longer than that of residents of the mainland. Since then, Hainan has acquired the status of a major health resort.
The island is separated from China by a narrow strait and is its province. The center and capital is Haikou. The island has tropical forests with dense thickets, beaches as if from pictures, white sand, emerald sea with clear water, gracefully curved palm trees.
Residents of Russian Siberia and the Far East have chosen this place; here they warm up in the warm southern sun and undergo health procedures.
Having studied the information and reviews about Hainan, we described in detail: what a holiday in China in Hainan is like; how and at what cost to get here; cost of accommodation, food and entertainment; interesting excursions and what time of year is best to go.
The first thing that tourists are concerned about, based on reviews and questions on forums, is the flight to Hainan from Moscow, how to get there and prices for tours in 2019.
Recently, this resort has become a popular destination among our compatriots, especially among residents of the north and east of the country.
Tours to Hainan are regularly carried out from Moscow; the price depends on the desired conditions, the level of the hotel, its location, and the season of arrival.
The bay in which the property is located has a big influence on the price.
There are plenty of hotels on the island, you can choose to suit every taste, from the most expensive five-star hotels located by the sea to economy class housing.
When buying tours to Hainan from Moscow and other Russian cities with three-star hotels, you should prepare from 65,000 to 100,000 rubles for two. Hotels of this star level have fairly good service; most have swimming pools and well-groomed grounds with tropical plantings.
Prices for tours with a four-star hotel start from 70,000 rubles to 140,000 rubles with a double room, the buildings are preferably located by the sea.
A tour with accommodation in a five-star hotel on an all-inclusive basis will cost from 80,000 to 180,000 rubles.
Tourists love an all-inclusive holiday in Hainan; although the prices for travel packages are expensive, the holiday will be at a high level. Reviews about the All inclusive system on the island, including at the Sanya resort, are only positive.
Two search engines will help you find cheap tours: or. The search is carried out across all major tour operators (Coral, Pegas, TEZ and others).
Renting private housing, cost
Rent private housing in Hainan? Most tourists move to the sea for “wintering” or a long vacation.
If you are flying without a travel agency, you can find cheaper accommodation options. On the Internet, special search engines provide information about the rental of private housing. In the standard case, a decent apartment costs 30,000-60,000 rubles per week. This option is especially convenient if you are going on a trip with a large group.
You can find offers for villas, apartments, houses and other accommodation in Chinese resorts without intermediaries using Booking.com.
Airplane tickets to Hainan, prices
Having chosen to travel independently, you need to buy plane tickets. Remember that among direct flights only charters fly. Therefore, lovers of independent travel will have to make transfers.
It is better to buy air tickets to China through Aviasales, the search engine even searches among low-cost airlines and offers the best flight options.
With one connection you can fly to China from Moscow and Khabarovsk. From other cities with only two transfers.
Flight time from Moscow is 10 hours.
Flights with transfers from Beijing to Sanya are regular; planes fly from different cities in Russia. It takes 4 hours to fly from Beijing to Hainan. Flights also connect to Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Transfers can be made not only in Chinese cities. Seoul, Dubai and several other Asian cities allow such maneuvers.
Prices for tickets from Moscow to Hainan Island depend mainly on travel time and convenient flight connections.
The cheapest ones cost from 37 thousand to 50 thousand rubles, while the travel time with a transfer will be 20-35 hours. Flight connections are often made in Guangzhou. If you want to get there faster, a ticket will cost 40 thousand - 120 thousand rubles, the journey will take about 12 hours.
The advantage of long layovers is the opportunity to walk around Chinese cities and see the sights not only of resort areas.
Price calendar for air tickets to Sanya by month
Holidays in Hainan, hotel prices
When you go to Hainan Island, you can consider a variety of hotels. The cost of a room or apartment depends on which bay they are located in. The most popular bays are Dadonghai, Yalongwan And Sanyavan. There are much fewer hotels in the capital of the island - only 19.
Dadonghai Bay is considered a budget option, although there are expensive accommodations here too. The large beach is surrounded on both sides by mountains; the place is favored by divers due to the abundance of corals.
Yalong Bay is the most expensive, because it is the cleanest, and the views are considered the most beautiful on the island. There are many restaurants and expensive hotels of famous world brands on the coast. On the second line there are hotels with more affordable prices.
Sanyavan is an excellent option in terms of price and quality. The bay has both affordable five-star hotels and more budget options. The infrastructure of the area is developed, there are cafes, restaurants, many shops and entertainment venues. The beaches are quite spacious and the sea is clean.
Holidays on Hainan Island, housing prices 2019:
- 150 – 550 yuan/day in a three-star hotel or apartment;
- 350 – 1000 yuan/day in a four-star hotel;
- 800 – 3000 yuan/day in five stars. It’s convenient that these hotels have an all-inclusive system, and the price includes some wellness treatments.
If you want to rent an apartment, it will not cost much - from 100 to 300 yuan per day. The prices for apartments are higher; they are profitable for a large family or group to live in.
In Haikou, prices are the cheapest; you can rent private accommodation for one night for 30-60 yuan. Hotels are also significantly cheaper.
There are hostels at the resort, the conditions in them are quite different; when choosing, be sure to read reviews about holidays on Hainan Island, in this case you can avoid troubles.
The RoomGuru.ru search engine will help you find inexpensive hotels in Hainan (China).
You can see the location of the best hotels on the island on the map.
Food on Hainan Island, food prices
In the tropics it is always warm and there is a lot of fruit, Hainan is no exception. The island has an abundance of exotic delicacies; be sure to try lychee, passion fruit and rambutan.
Any cafe or restaurant serves fresh seafood. Having bought seafood at the local market, you can cook it, provided that you live in private housing.
The cheapest food is in Dadonghai; you can have lunch for 60-80 yuan.
In Yalunwan it is more expensive, the restaurants are located in expensive hotels, the dishes in them are excellent and of the best quality. On average, dinner will cost 150 yuan.
For those who prefer traditional food, there is a cafe with European and Russian cuisine. And those who like something new will like Chinese cafes; the local population often eats there.
About the stores
The shops sell local products; there are some that are understandable and some that are unusual for our tourists. The largest and most popular supermarkets are “Wanhao” and “Tiancheng”. Entertainment and shopping centers:
- "Summer";
- “Minju”;
- “Tianhong”;
- “Ifan.”
Be sure to visit the “First Market”, it sells local agricultural products, fish, fruits, and tea. It is better to buy fish in the morning.
Excursions in Hainan, what to see
Let's look at prices for sightseeing tours, find out what to see and prices. There are many attractions in Hainan, you won’t have time to see everything, but at least spend a few days on it. The island has amazing nature and architecture that reflects Buddhist culture.
In Hainan you can see the “Edge of the World”, this park is located by the sea, there are huge stones of unusual appearance and shape. The only negative is that you won’t be able to stay in solitude here, there are always a lot of tourists, even taking a photo is problematic. An organized excursion will cost $25-30.
A trip to the Nanshan Buddhism Center will cost $45 per person.
If you want to see the wedding ceremony of the Li and Miao people, go to their village. Customs and life are well represented here.
Monkey Island and the Crocodile Zoo will definitely appeal to children, and fishing on the lake from rafts will appeal to the male half.
Transport to Hainan, travel prices
If you like to travel independently, without resorting to the services of guides, you will like Hainan. There is transport for every taste, you can use a bus or even a train, and for short trips, auto rickshaws are suitable.
It is convenient to travel between cities by rail; the ticket price is about 80 yuan. If you take a taxi, you will have to pay 10 yuan plus 2 yuan for each kilometer.
Buses run regularly, there are routes to the Nanshan Temple and to the “Edge of the World” park. The fare costs 1-2 yuan.
Pedicabs are not the cheapest transport, upon boarding the payment is 8 - 9 yuan, and 2-3 yuan for each kilometer. Remember, negotiability is always possible.
Beaches of the island
In Hainan, all the beaches are sandy; they are located in the south of the island. You can visit absolutely everything, they are public. At the same time, they are well equipped, there are changing rooms, showers, sun loungers and umbrellas.
Holidays in the resort of Sanya are in demand among foreigners. Comfortable hotels, restaurants, shops, convenient transport links - everything is here. Many people recommend vacationing here.
Yalong Beach is considered the cleanest and most prestigious, but also the most expensive. There is azure water, snow-white sand and amazing scenery. There are diving centers and plenty of entertainment.
Dadonghai is no less beautiful. You can calmly sunbathe near the spreading palm trees; the beach is not crowded and there is almost no entertainment.
Map from yourcitymap website
Weather and climate in Hainan
As befits a tropical island, Hainan is always warm. The hottest months are summer, and it can rain during this time. The coldest are winter ones, about +20 - +23 degrees. But from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn is a very comfortable period, the air warms up to + 25. In general, the sun shines at the resort 300 days a year and pleases vacationers.
Average temperatures by month
Overview of Hainan Island - climate and temperature, nature and attractions. The island's population and main resorts, transport links, famous Hainanese cuisine.
Hainan is the southernmost province of China, which includes the island of the same name, located in the South China Sea. There are 10 major cities on the island, the most famous of which is the tourist resort of Sanya.
The island measures 155 x 162 kilometers, which is comparable in area to Belgium. The highest point of the island, Mount Wuji, or as it is called “Mountain of Five Fingers,” is located in the very center of the island, at an altitude of 1840 meters above sea level.
Hainan Island - Overview of Famous Chinese Resort The island is pierced by several large rivers, originating in the central part of the island and flowing in a radial direction. The largest river, Vanning, is 350 km long, followed by the Nandu River, 314 km long. During the dry season, the rivers become noticeably shallower and their flow decreases.
Compared to mainland China, the air quality in Hainan is significantly higher, as shown by a study conducted in 2012 - the air was recognized as the cleanest for 351 days. These results were achieved thanks to an environmental campaign organized by the provincial government. A number of industrial enterprises were expelled from the island, and the licenses of several factories involved in illegal waste dumping were revoked.
Hainan Island is home to more than 1,500 km2 of tropical forests, which are home to 4,600 plant species and more than 570 animal species. Forests cover more than 61.5% of the island's territory.
Climate and temperature of Hainan Island
The climate of Hainan Island ranges from subtropical to tropical. The northern part of Hainan, including the island's capital Haikou, has a humid subtropical climate, while the larger island has a tropical monsoon climate.
The coldest months are January and February, when temperatures drop to 16 – 21 °C. The hottest months are July and August, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 29 °C.
With the exception of the mountainous areas of the central part of the island, the average daily temperature in Hainan in any of the months is well above 10 °C.
The north of the island has fairly hot summers, with temperatures above 35°C throughout the month. The average annual rainfall ranges from 1500 to 2000 mm and can reach 2400 mm in the central and eastern regions of the island. During the rainy season, floods occur as a result of typhoons passing through the island.
From January to February, Hainan is shrouded in dense fog, especially in the coastal areas and in the northern part of the island. Fog causes cold winter air from the north to come into contact with the warm sea, causing the moisture evaporating from the sea to become fog. During this period, residents usually keep their house windows closed. The air humidity is so high that drops of water collect on the walls.
Local population and religion
Hainan's population density is low compared to most provinces in mainland China. Ethnic groups include: Han (84%), Li (14.7%), Miao (0.7%) and Zhuang (0.6%). Also identified are the Utsuls, descendants of refugees, and the Tanka community living in the Sanya Bay area.
The population receives education in colleges and universities, including: Haikou College of Economics, Hainan University, Hainan Normal University, Hainan Medical Institute and others.
Most of the Hainanese population professes the traditional Chinese branch of Buddhism - Mahayana. The Li people adhere to Theravada teachings. The Utsul people living near the city of Sanya profess Islam. Since Hainan was one of the points on the route of the missionary procession, followers of Christianity are also present here.
Nanshan Park is the main center of Buddhism on Hainan Island. It includes over 50 km2 of tropical forest, and countless great temples, statues and gardens teeming with lotus flowers. The lotus is a highly revered symbol in Buddhism, signifying strength or purity.
Transport connection
Hainan Province has two international airports, as well as two domestic airports, Qionghai and Danzhou.
The island has rail connections to the mainland via a train ferry. The ferry terminal is located near Haikou Railway Station, serving freight and passenger trains arriving from the mainland.
Seaports: Haikou Xiuying, serves as the main passenger and cargo center. Matsun Port is located in Chengmei County. Basuo Port in Dongfang City is a small port on the west coast of Hainan. One of its main purposes is to transport iron ore from the Shilu mine.
Local dishes
The Hainanese cuisine menu is dominated by seafood such as shrimp, crab and fish.
One of the famous dishes of the province is chicken based on a recipe from the eastern region of the island - Wenchang. A small free-range chicken is used for preparation. Unlike factory cage chicken, its meat has a nicer texture and is less fatty.
Local chicken dish - Wenchang Hainanese chicken rice is also a very famous dish in Southeast Asia. For quick cooking, many cheap restaurants use chicken fat to add flavor to the dish, but the real recipe calls for marinating the rice in chicken broth to give the dish a richer, fuller flavor.
Before your trip, it is useful to plan a budget, a significant part of which is food in cafes and restaurants. Our article shows the average cost of the bill and the addresses of popular establishments where you can try national Chinese dishes and exotic seafood dishes.
Tourism and recreation on Hainan Island
More than 30 million tourists visit Hainan Island every year. These are mainly vacationers arriving from mainland China. There are more than 800,000 foreign tourists, and about 220,000 from Russia, and the number of our compatriots is growing every year. Total annual tourism income exceeds 32 billion yuan (4.3 billion US dollars).
In order to stimulate the tourist flow to Hainan, visas were canceled for a number of countries when organizing group tours. Visitors to the island can claim a tax refund on luxury goods (up to 8,000 yuan) purchased within the province.
Hainan Island is divided into eight tourist regions: Haikou and region, Northeast (Wenchang), Central East Coast, Southeast Coast, South (Sanya City), West Coast (Chinese Riviera), Northwest (Danzhou, Chengmei), and the Central Highlands (Baisha, Wujishan).
The main resort of the island is Sanya
Yalong Bay is the most expensive and prestigious place in the vicinity of the Sanya resort on Hainan Island, where many 5-star hotels are located.
Dadonghai Beach is very popular - a long, wide and clean beach with coral sand and palm trees. There is a line of cafes and restaurants along the beach.
Air tickets to Hainan Island (the resort city of Sanya), from Moscow and St. Petersburg during sales organized by China Southern can be purchased at a price of 19,000 rubles (round trip).
Attractions in Sanya District
Phoenix Island is an artificial island in Sanya Bay.
Phoenix Island - Sanya Monkey Island - near the famous Perfume Bay, a popular tourist destination in Lingshui County, is a natural reserve for macaques.
Xiangshui Bay is a picturesque area, 48 km from Sanya.
Lubi Dong is a cave 15 km north of Sanya city.
Lubi Dong Cave - Sanya Nanshan Temple is a Buddhist cultural area west of Sanya, where the 108-meter-high article of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy Guanyin is located.
Yanoda is an area of tropical forests. The reserve is open to visitors traveling with a guide (walking excursions), there is a zip line, and a waterfall with the possibility of mountaineering.
Visa to Hainan. Chinese visa for Russians
Citizens of the Russian Federation must obtain a Chinese visa to enter Hainan Island. For the purpose of a tourist trip, a visa can be issued at any consulate general of the People's Republic of China in the Russian Federation.
In order to get rid of paperwork and tedious standing in queues, you can use the service through our partner - the TravelToHome company.
If you book a tour through a tour operator, he can arrange a group trip that does not require a visa. For residents of Russia, the group must consist of at least 2 people, for Ukrainians and Kazakhs - from 5 people. The visa-free regime applies only to participants of organized groups.
Historical places of Hainan Island
Haikou City is the capital of the province and contains many interesting attractions. Also known as Coconut City, Haikou is a major port. Here is the revered Temple of the Five Officials, consisting of five traditional temples and halls that were built in honor of five officials of the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties. These officials were exiled to Hainan for periods ranging from 11 days to 11 years for speaking out against the emperor's policies.
Fort Xuyin Barbet was built in 1891 to defend the southeastern coast of China during the Sino-French War. Xuyin Fort covers an area of about a third of an acre. Five large cannons remain intact and can be viewed by tourists.
The Hai Rui Tomb is one of the key national symbols of the island's defense. Hai Rui was a compassionate and popular official of Hainanese origin who lived during the Ming Dynasty. He was known for his integrity throughout his life and his willingness to speak up on behalf of local residents. In later stages of life, Hai Rui was persecuted and fell out of favor with the emperor. His admirers built a tomb in 1589 after his death, in memory of his great exploits.
An ancient salt field is a heritage site in Yantian Village on the Yangpu Peninsula. The field includes more than 1,000 stones, with flat tops, which are used to evaporate seawater and thus produce salt.
Salt production - Yangpu Salt Field Sailing
To join the international yachting community, new provincial regulations now allow foreign yachts to stay a total of 183 days each year, with a maximum single stay of 30 days. To develop sailing, it is planned to build 13 additional ports.
Since ancient times, no one cared about Hainan Island. There were no mineral resources or arable land here; it never had any important strategic significance. Around 100 BC, the Chinese Han Empire decided to conquer the island and even built several fortresses on the shore. But, in the end, it was decided that “the game was not worth the candle,” and the Chinese retreated.
From that moment on, Hainan became a refuge for fugitive Chinese who were hiding from political repression or from justice. There were no authorities here, and they never looked for anyone here.
Hainan was originally inhabited by the Li people, but gradually the island was colonized by the Chinese - the Han people. This colonization took 2000 years and was very peaceful. Even now, representatives of the Li people make up 15% of the local population.
Tourists like to show elements of Li culture, this gives the island an additional flavor. Their culture resembles a cross between Chinese and Polynesian (see photo on the left).
Compare this with what the Spanish and British did during the colonization of America, and you will understand that the Chinese are a traditionally peaceful nation.
The first shock here occurred in 1939, when the Japanese captured this territory. The island's inhabitants fought a guerrilla war, and the Japanese responded by killing everyone they could get their hands on. Between 1939 and 1945, a third of the population died here. The Japanese used the island as a base for their invasion of Thailand and the Malay Peninsula. Success awaited Japan; Thailand and Singapore were captured by them.
After World War II, the island was under the control of the Chinese Kuomintang party, but in 1950 Mao Zedong's communists retook it. It is believed that this was the main rehearsal for the assault on the stronghold of the Kuomintang party - the island of Taiwan, but the conquest of Taiwan never took place.
Until the 80s, everything was quiet in Hainan, until a special economic zone was founded here, and the rapid development of tourism began. Now highways, railway lines and other infrastructure facilities are being actively built here.
It is thanks to the lack of useful resources that Hainan has remained a “paradise on Earth”, where everyone can come and spend an unforgettable vacation. No factories were built here, and they did not have time to destroy nature.
However, there are minerals in this land; iron ore, copper, gold and silver are mined here. But these resources became available for development only recently.
