The People's Republic of China has a wonderful place - the center of numerous cultural and tourist attractions, which is simply called Hainan. In fact, this is a province that includes a large island of the same name (33.9 thousand sq. m) and several significantly smaller locations (Simaozhou, Qizhou, etc.) adjacent to it. In Hainan, there are excursions and entertainment for every taste.
What to see on the island of Hainan first of all
It is quite simple to spend time with benefit and it is very interesting here, since almost all the famous local places can be walked around in a day or two, but if you wish, nothing prevents you from staying longer.
A step-by-step guide will be a good help. The following attractions are of the greatest interest in Hainan.
Nanshan Buddhist Center
Temple complex area 40 sq. m was built over 3 centuries in the Tang era (618-907 n. eh.). The territory is decorated with a statue of the goddess Guanyin tall 108 m, which is the hallmark of Hainan. It was erected on a man-made island connected to the park by a small dam. At the base of the statue is a temple. It houses another unique Guanyin statue made of gold and precious stones, in which the ashes of the Buddha are sealed.
The entrance for tourists to the territory of the complex runs through the main gate, behind which opens up a huge space, which is a picturesque park filled with temple buildings. There are graceful gazebos, delicate bridges, and ponds with fish and turtles.
All paths lead up the mountain, from the slope of which a waterfall descends. Climbing the stairs, visitors enter the Longevity Buddha Temple. The famous "Bell of the Pure Mind" is also located here.
Note! According to legend, everyone who hits him three times will gain good luck and longevity.
Object operating mode: from 8.00 h to 18.00 h... Tickets here cost RMB 150 *.
Phoenix island
The man-made structure, connected to Hainan by a 395 m long bridge, was erected in 16 years, but the construction of tourist facilities on it continues to this day.
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Island area - 365,013 sq. m... It houses a complex of high-rise buildings filled with offices, hotels, boutiques and luxury restaurants.
Every day at 19.00 with the arrival of dusk, a light show starts. The facades of elliptical skyscrapers lined up are covered with glowing images of animals, paintings, ornaments, etc.
Those who intend to go here should take bus No. 25 in Dadonghai Bay, or take the route in Sanyavan Bay № 26... When entering the territory of the island, tourists pass the checkpoint, where they change to electric cars, which carry out a transfer to the doors of hotels. In other words, only guests of hotels, restaurants, or those who have booked an excursion from any tour operator have access to this place (minimum price 130 yuan + 40 yuan for travel).
Dongshan Safari Park
The largest zoo in China with an area 340 ha located on the shores of Dongshanhu Lake. The territory of the botanical garden also belongs to it. The entire park is divided into 2 zones: in one, visitors walk between enclosures in which animals live, and in the other, they move by car, since large wild animals dangerous to humans (tigers, lions, panthers, bears) live here in their natural environment. In total, 200 species of them live here, including the unique ligers - a cross between a lion and a tiger. Next to the entrance is a dinopark with many interactive dinosaur sculptures. The infrastructure includes a cafe and a large restaurant where you can dine.
Opening hours of the facility: from 8.00 am to 5.30 pm Tickets will cost 128 yuan (for adults) and 64 yuan (for children).
Hainan - what to see on the island
An overview of interesting places can require a lot of effort, so it is worthwhile to draw up an instruction plan for a walk. Many go directly to Sanya - the attractions are very numerous there. Here is a list of must-see things to do in Sanya.
Pearl Museum
She founded this interesting museum in 1997... the largest mining and processing company "Jingrun" is a leading Chinese supplier of pearl products. Its products are exported to many countries of the world and are known to everyone in China. In 6 halls, visitors consistently get acquainted with the history of the stone, its cultivation and processing, the manufacture of jewelry, the use of pearls in various spheres of life, including cosmetology and medicine.
Opening hours: from 8:00 to 17:30. The ticket costs 125 yuan.
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Note! Russian tourists are given the opportunity to purchase a ticket for an excursion with a Russian-speaking guide, which lasts about an hour, and during it a film will be shown and the whole process of obtaining jewelry will be demonstrated - from the extraction of pearls to their arrival at the store counter.
Crystal museum
In Sanya, on the southern tip of the island, there is a museum at the Sanya Dijia Crystal factory. Huge pavilion area 4500 sq. m demonstrates how products are stored, processed and sold not only from crystal, but also other precious and semi-precious stones.
Natural crystal mined in the vicinity of Sanya, according to the description, is considered one of the most transparent. It is used in the production of jewelry and eyeglasses. Crystals of all colors of the rainbow can be seen here, but the rarest natural shade is purple. Factory products can be bought right there in the store.
Opening hours: from 8:00 to 18:00. The ticket will cost 170 yuan.
Hainan attractions on the map
Considering the huge variety of entertainment and historical sites on the island, it is better to think over a walking route in advance.
Most of the most interesting of them are concentrated around the town of Sanya, but other corners can also delight you with parks and entertainment centers. The map-scheme will help to plan possible travel options.
Hainan (China) self-guided attractions
The resulting free time should not be wasted. There are places where you should go without a guide, so as not to be distracted by conversations and try to see as much as possible with your own eyes.
Dadonghai bay
A tropical resort 3 km from Sanya is a crescent-shaped bay surrounded by gentle mountains. The beach is a snow-white sandy strip 4 km long and up to 70 m wide. Admission is free.
There are hotels nearby (only about 230), cafes and restaurants. Within walking distance is the "Deer turned his head" park (entrance 45 yuan). It is worth coming here in order to take a walk in the fresh air, without setting any specific goal in front of you. The locals themselves are very fond of this bay and will certainly try to come to it for the weekend.
Ma An Volcano
At the northern tip of Hainan Island is the Shishan Crater Geological Park with an area 118 sq. m, the main attraction of which is the extinct Ma An volcano (one of 40) with a height of 222 m. From its summit, the entire district is visible. The park is included in the UNESCO list. Walking here will be a pleasure even without a guide. From the entrance to the park there is a path that ascends a slope covered with steps of solidified lava. You can slowly climb to the very top and go down into the crater.
Opening hours: from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Admission costs 60 yuan (students get a 50% discount, and children under 120 cm tall - free of charge).
Sanya (China): attractions free
Alas, there are none on the island. Entrance to parks, museums, entertainment centers is paid. Almost everyone has a working schedule from 8.00 am to sunset.The ticket price starts from 50 yuan and does not exceed 200.
Attractions & activities for kids in Hainan
Not every tourist attraction is interesting for children and safe for kids: in some there is a crowd of tourists, in others it is difficult to find a place to eat or go to the toilet. But there are also those where adults should definitely go with a child in order to get real pleasure and an unforgettable experience.
Li and Miao Ethnographic Village
The artificially recreated settlement demonstrates the customs and lifestyle of the indigenous population of Hainan Island. Li and Miao are the names of local peoples who lived here 3 millennia ago. They are dedicated to 2 independent zones, between which the amusement park is spread. Here you can see houses made of clay, covered with grass and bamboo, as well as colorful theatrical performances with fire shows, walking barefoot on coals and imitating a traditional wedding ceremony.
There are cafes and souvenir kiosks in the park, where accessories made here from buffalo horn, birch bark, stone, and silver are sold. Anything you like can be bought, prices are quite affordable, and each item presented is made by hand by craftsmen working on the territory of the complex.
Opening hours: from 8:00 to 18:30. The ticket costs 125 yuan.
Oceanarium Atlantis
The urban resort complex includes a water park, hotel, restaurant and an aquarium. The aquariums, from floor to ceiling on 2 floors, are said to be home to 86,000 inhabitants. Here you can see stingrays, belugas, piranhas, jellyfish, sharks and many others.
Separate show - feeding of fish and animals by employees in scuba diving. Even those who have already visited the aquariums of other cities in the world will not leave indifferent a visit. By creating this space filled with glass and water, the architects tried to achieve the effect of “no back wall”. Visitors have the complete illusion that they are wandering on the seabed, and behind the glass is the endless ocean.
Working hours: from 10.00 to 18.00 (the ticket office is open from 9.30 to 17.00). The ticket costs 188 yuan.
Pirate Island
A small island near Hainan - a corner of pristine tropical nature. Here you can spend time with children, watching rare animals and birds, surrounded by a beautiful white sandy beach. Of the interesting things, there is a stunning and very picturesque ancient temple of the goddess Mazu, who patronizes fishermen.
In April or May, on the third day of the third lunar month, a colorful carnival is held here and in other parts of Hainan in honor of the goddess's birthday. On the island there are bars and restaurants, the Lovers' pier, a picturesque iron bridge, so beautiful photos and a memorable video are guaranteed.
The working hours are as follows: departure to the island is from 8.00 to 16.00, and the return trip is from 8.30 to 18.30.
The cost of a roundtrip tour by ferry is 150 yuan (children under 120 cm tall are admitted free).
Private guides in Hainan
It is very convenient to use the services of a guide to see the sights of the city of Sanya in Hainan. By agreement, he meets tourists at the airport or from the ferry, accompanies them throughout their stay on the island, provides translation and guide services. This is especially important for those of them who do not speak either English or Chinese, since it will be difficult for such people to negotiate with the locals.
Note! It is more profitable to hire a guide in a joint arrangement by negotiating with fellow travelers.
It is a great idea to spend an interesting vacation or vacation with the whole family on Hainan Island. Here everyone can find entertainment to their liking. The resort place offers a colossal selection of all kinds of attractions, including unique ones. Knowing what to see on Hainan Island, you can plan every day yourself.
* Prices are valid for February 2020.
