Dongjiao Coconut Plantation

Coconut grove

When thinking about the charming seaside Province of Hainan, a lush image of leafy coconut plantations, blue waters and silver sands springs to mind. Known variously as the 'Kingdom of Coconuts', 'Golden Seashore', and 'Forest Park over the Sea', Dongjiao Coconut Plantation is a delightful choice for a holiday visit. Just imagine how nice it would be bathing in the tropical sea with the juices from sweet coconuts running down your chin.
 Dongjiao Coconut Plantation is located on the seaside of Dongjiao Town, Wenchang City in Hainan and is most well-known for its broad coconut plantation. There goes a saying that coconuts of Wenchang yield half of those grown in Hainan and the most famous is Dongjiao Coconut Plantation. The plantation is literally a forest with over 500,000 coconut trees including the red, green, well-bred, short, tall and other varieties. Some short arecas are immingled among them, which quite resemble the coconuts, so the Hainan people call them 'Trees of Lovers', coconuts the heroes and arecas the beauties. The trees not only provide a scenic backdrop and savory fruit, but they also act as a shield against the frequent typhoons here.

Walking along the shady paths in the forest, special scenic spots provide a feast for the senses. Coconut Bayou, whose scenery is pictured on the famous series of stamps named 'Seashore Scenery', engenders a peaceful and idyllic feeling of nature. In the Coconut Park, you'll be inundated in a sea of coconuts of different shapes and sizes, including the uniquely 'King Three Branches of Coconuts' named for the grotesquely large branches in the tree. Dongjiao is also home to a thriving fishing industry. Facilities have been established to ensure maritime safety including an ancient beacon to guide the passing boats. Also noteworthy is Shuiwei Shengniang Miao, a temple for praying to the believed goddess Shuiwei Shengniang to protect the fishermen.
 

Coconut kingdom

The people who live in Wenchang City are known to be broad-minded and enterprising. The area is the birthplace of many well-known politicians, entrepreneurs and literati. Residents tend to be hospitable, easy-going and kind and you can usually find smiles on their faces. Interestingly, the talented wives of three of China's most famous leaders in the first half of the twentieth century were born here. Song Qingling, wife of Sun Yat Sen, Song Meiling, wife of Chiang Kai-shek and Xie Fei, wife of the old revolutionist and first Cochairman of the PRC Liu Shaoqi epitomize the heroines native to this region. Statues honoring this trio can be viewed at the Hainan Prima Resort inside Dongjiao Coconut Plantation. The Former Residence of Song Qingling is also nearby.
 The sea next to the Dongjiao Coconut Plantation is limpid and warm providing a natural bathing experience for tourists. There're a variety of activities available from rowing, bike riding and taking wavering umbrellas over the sea to picking shells or strolling barefoot on the silver sand. Small wooden cabins are accessible for rest and a respite from the sun. While enjoying the scenery, you can sip some fragrant Chinese tea as being gently touched by the sea breeze. This place is a wonderfully relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

If you want to let your appetite loose, Dongjiao will not disappoint you. Enormous varieties of seafood are available - in fact, you are allowed by the nearby restaurants to select your favorite directly from the fishing boats and ask them to cook them for you. After getting your fill of seafood, try some sweet coconuts to freshen your taste buds. If you want to buy some special product, like coconuts and seafood in Hainan here, Coconut Plantation Long Street is probably the best choice.

Dongjiao Coconut Plantation

Dongjiao Coconut Plantation was developed as Hainan Province's first tourist resort in 1989, the second year it was recognized as a province. Now, many docks, vacation resorts, seafood shops and hotels for tourists dot the area. With the gradual expansion and improvement of facilities, this enchanting place is sure to attract an increasing number of visitors.
 Take a bus from Haikou East Bus Station to Wenchang and then transfer to a bus to Wenchang Dongjiao Bus Station. Upon arrival, take a taxi to the plantation.