Different from other provinces, Hainan is the second largest ocean island and the smallest land province in China. Although scenery in Hainan lacks the grandness of the Great Wall and the mystery of the Terror-Cotta Warriors, its natural beauty has gained a good reputation among the visitors and has been widely known around the world. People call it "the Oriental Hawaii".
Hainan is located at south end of China, and occupies an area of 35,000 square kilometers (13,510 square miles). Its administrative regions are Hainan Island, Xisha archipelago, Zhongsha archipelago and Nansha archipelago. Its neighboring countries are Philippines towards the east, Malaysia and Brunei towards the south, Indonesia (Natuna Islands) towards the southwest, and Vietnam towards the west. The surrounding sea area totals 2,000,000 square kilometers (772,000 square miles). Due to the mild climate and favorable environment, Hainan is regarded as a long life island. The young often travel to Hainan seeking a return to nature and the old would rather live there to enjoy their lives. Hainan now has a population of 7.11 million, among which about one million are ethnic minorities.
Ethnic Minority Groups
Hainan is a multinational region, and there the ethnic villages of Li and Miao are very typical. The hospitable villagers will treat you to traditional food as well as wonderful singing and dancing performances. So the Li and Miao Villages are well worth a visit in Hainan. Nowadays, Hainan cuisine is very popular all over the world, especially the fresh and delicious seafood. Furthermore, Hainan is famous for their beautiful handicrafts, like shell carvings.
The capital of Hainan is Haikou City. Located in northern part of the island, it is the political, economic, cultural and transportation center of the whole province. In Hainan, the cities Haikou and Sanya are where most tourists congregate.
When to go
Hainan is an ideal place for you to be away from the cold winter. In January and February, the average temperature is 16
C to 24C, and 25C to 29C is in July and August. The rainy seasons are from May to October. The best time to visit Hainan is between November and March the next year. I suggest those who are fond of swimming had better come to Hainan. It's an excellent swimming and bathing place all the year around, and far away from the crowded cities, it is your best choice for relaxation and entertainment.
What to see
Sanya is famous for its tropical beach landscapes. Tianya Haijiao and Dadonghai are two well known beaches. Just imagine that you are lying on the soft beach under beautiful sunshine or that you are walking through the coconut plantation under the blue sky. How wonderful everything is! Historical heritages such as Hairui Tomb (Hairui (1514 - 1587) who was a compassionate and popular officer during the Ming Dynasty) and Wugong Temple (Fiver Officials' Temple) in Haikou are also worth a visit.
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Travelers' Voices on Hainan Province
1.
Jul. 2,2009 22:44 Reply
Mr.Dennis said:
I went there in 2007 and tell you it is the most beautifulist place in the world. As an American I would love to live there, it is that beautiful and the people there are the most niceset people you ever want to meet. Going back again this year(2009)to see family. For anyone who have not been there go there you won't regret it
2.
Jun. 30,2009 09:24 Reply
Mr.jiimaa(Mng) said:
Hi
is any college or university's loacated in Hainan Sanya?
from Haikou to Sanya how far is it?
how about cab fee?
and i wanna rent 2 ned room apartment. it will cost???
plz help me.
Jul. 1,2009 22:17
Mr.Jason replied:
Sanyan college of Hainan University and Broadcast Television University. Not well-known.
Sanya-Haikou: 270km via the East Expressway Route, 3.5 hours by bus
By taxi: about 400 yuan
3.
Jul. 1,2009 03:54 Reply
Mr.Gilbert(Malaysia) said:
Hi
I plan to visit Hainan island in December for 7 days, thingking of going to Guilin, can anyone tell me what is the best way to go there, or wht is the nearest city apart from Hainan island that i can visit
and also, i am looking for a land tour package, can anyone assist me on this
thanks and regards
Gilbert
Jul. 1,2009 22:00
Mr.Jamie replied:
You can fly to Guilin from Haikou; take bus from Haikou Long Distance Bus Station to Guilin
Take train to Zhanjiang first and then change to bus to Guilin. Haikou is the nearest.
Package tour? I know from others that this web has tour arrange services.
4.
Jun. 29,2009 06:36 Reply
Ms.Lilian Tan(Malaysia) said:
Hi Ms Joe,
My husband and I plan to visit Hainan Island this Nov, can u plaese recommend Haikou local tour agency that reliable. Thank you.
Jun. 30,2009 20:53
Ms.Jenny replied:
To Ms. Lilian
Sorry, I once went there, but it is not a English agent. It is not very easy to find a good one when you get there. Perhaps you can book a tour online.
5.
Jun. 27,2009 04:08 Reply
Mr.Paul(Singapore) said:
Hi,Mr.Peter, Thank. I have send E-mail to Ms.joe,she has reply my E-mail.My family & i has went to Hai nan Island Last Year June 2008,the temperature was hot.we has went to the Town & Village. Good Day,Paul.
6.
May. 18,2009 01:39 Reply
Ms.Joe(Malaysia) said:
Hi is me again. I just came back from HAIKOU few days ago. I went there alone this time. I travelled to Sanya again. I joined the local tour to Sanya. The weather is getting hot now, up to 37 Degree in Sanya.
While I travelled to sanya, I met up with visitors from different provinces in China. They felt surprised, I speak Mandarin. I have a different experience this time. Although the food and hotels are not as good as I have like last time but I have a professional Tour Guide this time. With his explaination, I enjoyed the tour so much as I have a better understanding, know what to buy and what not to.
Besides, I joined the local travel agency's tour to Guilin & Guang Zhou. I feel great as the I can experience the differences from one place to another. There are good and bad. I did make some friends.
I will try my best to provide the information that I know to some of you. Please give me some times to gather the information, thank you :)
Jun. 19,2009 20:45
Mr.Jaguar69(Malaysia) replied:
Hi Ms Joe.
I am planning to Hainan from 15-19July with my dad. Plan to stay in Haikou one night and then travel to Sanya for another night stay and then come back to Wenchang where my grandpa village is(HouFangYuanChun in HuiWenZhen). Do you know how far this is from the nearest Wenchang city that I could take a bus from Sanya to? I plan to travel by myself without engaging any drivers/tour. How safe you think this is? Thanks
Jun. 23,2009 03:19
Ms.Joe(Malaysia) replied:
Hi Jaguar,
What I know is from Sanya to WenChang will take about 5-6 hours drive. I didn't try taking thier buses before. I don't know whether they have buses go direct from Sanya to WenChang or not, else then you have to stop in Haikou and take another bus to Wenchang. I am not sure how convenience is it.
Regarding to safety issue, it really depend on your luck. I met up with nice people and enjoyed my trip so much. Of course some friends really got cheated as well, which it happens every where.
If this is your first time and you don't have anyone with you or have none that you can call up in Hainan then I will suggest you to at least engage a tour agency, either local or from Malaysia to do some arrangement for you.
7.
Jun. 21,2009 06:02 Reply
Mr.Paul(Singapore) said:
Hi Ms.Joe,Do you know the Hotel Rate in Hai Kou City During Chinese New Year? Thank.(paul)
Jun. 22,2009 22:02
Mr.peter(us) replied:
hi, mr. paul
i think you need to reply under Ms. joe. In that way he will see your question in his email. am i right?
Jun. 23,2009 02:44
Ms.Joe(Malaysia) replied:
Hi Peter,
Thanks. I think Paul has my email and he can send email to me.
Good Day,
Joe
8.
Jun. 15,2009 13:07 Reply
Mr.Miskovics(Hungary) said:
I would like to go to Hainan with my family at the end of July 2009. /24.07-01.08.2009./- Sanya Bay.
What is the weather like in this time? As I know, the temperature is high and rainy.
Can anybody tell me exactly what's the weather like at this time?
Is everyday a rainfall there?
Jun. 15,2009 22:17
Mr.Derek(China) replied:
Yes, it's very hot, especially in the early afternoon. The temperature is more than 86 F. You should avoid going out at noon. It rains very often. Usually, it rains in the morning. But still it's very hot.
9.
Jun. 11,2009 02:20 Reply
Mr.Md. Shahidullah(Bangladesh) said:
I want to visit Hainan Island end of june this year with My Wife & Three kids, Please let Me know turist spot detailes , five Hotels etc.
Jun. 11,2009 03:51
Mr.Leo replied:
The essence of Hainan Island is positioned in Haikou City and Sanya City. Well, you could find the detailed introduction respectively at http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/hainan/haikou/
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/hainan/sanya/
I prefer Sanya where the tropical seashore and excellent 5-star hotels interest me so much~ You may see a list of these luxurious hotel at http://www.travelchinaguide.com/hotel/sanya-hotels.htm
10.
Jun. 7,2009 08:04 Reply
Ms.Sonomura(USA) said:
I'll be going to Hainan this summer and was told that the food is pretty normal. I'm a foodie and am looking for a food adventure. Do you have any advice or recommendations?
Jun. 8,2009 02:09
Mr.Andy replied:
In Hainan, the most mouth-watering food should be fruit and seafood. So, are you asking a food adventure to some places else?!