Hainan - something new all year round

Over 1,900 kilometers of coastline with nine coastal tourism resort areas, three national and province level tourism resort areas, and 217 rural coconut tourism destinations lie dotted here and there across the island of Hainan like wildflowers springing up in a green field.

In addition to its vast sea area, Hainan is also home to large swathes of tropical rainforests. There’s so much to see and do here, from relaxing on the beach to hiking in the jungles and devouring the tropical island cuisine.

More importantly, there is always something different to enjoy in each of the four seasons ---- from viewing the crimson kapok flowers in the spring to cooling off in the rainforest in the summer, listening to the music of the sea under the palm trees in the fall, and basking in the warm sunshine on the beach in the winter.

Paragliding in Wanning

Spring: view the bright red flowers

Kayaking in in Sanya

Photo: Hainan Tourism

In the springtime here in Hainan, take a walk under the bright red flowers of the kapok trees in Changjiang, or look for a blooming redbud in the city. Every year from around February to March, photo hounds flock to the countryside to shoot spectacular kapok photos. On the terraced rice paddies of Qicha Town, the brilliant red of the blooms forms a stunning contrast with the jade green of the gracefully curving lines of the fields.

You can also visit traditional Li and Miao villages to join the Sanyuesan Festival celebrations, where the locals honor their ancestors and toast to life. Everyone both young and old joins in the songs and dances around the campfire and sits together at the long table for a traditional feast.

Did you know that Hainan is also a tea-producing area? The tea of Shuiman Village, Wuzhishan gains its distinctive flavor from the area’s unique geography. Every spring the area holds folk culture and tea-picking activities, and you are invited to join in the fun!

Spring is a great time to take a hike through Hainan’s mangrove wetland forests, and enjoy the natural beauty of these vital ecological environments. Other options include visiting the floating fishing village of the Tanka people in Lingshui, riding the cable car to Nanwan Monkey Island, the world’s only tropical island macaque nature reserve, and more.

Summer: cool off in the rainforest

A little girl enjoys the food at a long table feast

Photo: Hainan Tourism

Although Hainan is the only tropical island province in China, it’s not too hot in the summer. There are 4,269 square kilometers of rainforest that provide a cool shady retreat to heal both the body and spirit. Immersing yourself in this leafy green paradise is like going on a visit to a natural spa.

When visiting Hainan in the summer, take a trip to Yanoda Rainforest Park to hike up the stream and climb the waterfall. You’ll be soaked through but refreshed, happy, and energized by the experience as well as by the incredible nature scenery along the way.

Red Canyon in Wuzhishan City is a popular white-water rafting destination. The 3.8 km. long course involves a total elevation drop of nearly 100 meters. This thrilling adventure takes you on a ride through the very heart of the rainforest.

Summer is also the best season to enjoy water sports. Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya, Boundary Island in Lingshui, and other scenic destinations offer many exciting water sports, such as motorboating, parasailing, yachting, surfing, diving, and more. There are so many ways to enjoy a cool holiday!

Autumn: listen to the music of the ocean under a palm tree

Relaxing at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Sanya

Photo: Hainan Tourism

When comes to Hainan, it’s essential to have a close connection with the ubiquitous palm trees. In the Dongjiao Coconut Forest in Wenchang, Hainan, lush palm groves form a natural green barrier along the coast. Here, you can ride a bike with your family and friends, take a leisurely hike along the winding paths, and drink a sweet, cool coconut, listening quietly to the music of the waves as you sit under the shade of a palm tree.

The unique location of Boundary Island means it sits at the border of two different climate zones, creating unique conditions on the island. Here, you can stay in a wooden cottage overlooking the sea on one side and facing the mountains on the other. It’s almost as if you have the island all to yourself!

In the fall, take a yacht out on the water and bask in the brisk sea breezes as you drink in the blue skies and seas that surround you. Ready for some excitement? Check out the nightlife, go back in time to the Southeast Asia of yesteryear in the historic Qilou streets of Haikou, head out to Sanya’s Haichang Fantasy Town, and try all kinds of local treats in the snack street at the south gate of Hainan University in Haikou. Take a class to learn how to make traditional Li Pottery, a ‘world-class cultural heritage’ art. Where should you stay? Take your pick of the excellent hotels that line the island’s coast, and get up in the morning to take a trip out to sea with the local fishermen!

Winter: enjoy the warm sunshine on the coast

Watching the sun set on the Wenchang section of the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway

Photo: Hainan Tourism

In winter, Hainan is as warm as spring, making it the perfect place to get away from the winter blues. Along the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway, every bend brings you within sight of another beautiful beach where you can stop and enjoy the warmth of the winter sun.

As a well-known tropical island health destination, Hainan is gaining a reputation for medical tourism and health vacations. The medical tourism resources and high-end health spas offer top-notch facilities and care for those who wish to both relax and improve their health in a relaxing, beautiful environment.

When most of the world lies frozen under the chilly grip of winter, Hainan’s golf courses are still lush and green. The excellent environment and warm weather here mean that you can swing for a round whenever you like.

What’s the best way to see Hainan? Hop on your bike and travel anywhere, anytime! The great weather, beautiful scenery, and excellent road conditions make Hainan one of the best cycling destinations in China. Ride from the beach into the mountains and back down again along the thrilling curves of the roads that wind through the thick forests of the island. Turn into country lanes, fly along the fields, stop for a dip in the rivers, and learn about the customs of the Li and Miao minority people that you are sure to meet along the way.

In Hainan, every season is the right time for a visit. See you there!