Hainan Island Sightseeing

Spend a few relaxing days on the beach in Sanya then grab your camera and hop in your hire car, a taxi or on the bus and go check out some of the island’s most interesting sights. The majority are man made, however the Shishan Volcanic Crater is a fascinating natural phenomenon that is certainly worth seeing. Of those in the former category, be sure not to miss the Five Ministers Memorial Tower, which is considered one of the island’s most important historic monuments.

Dongjiao Coconut Plantation
A twenty-minute ferry ride from Qinglan Harbour brings visitors to the Dongjiao coconut plantation, a fascinating site that is home to an impressive half a million coconut trees with specimens from a large variety of species. Walk under the shady palms and marvel at the many different kinds of coconut growing above you then make your way to the log huts which are also in the shade and provide a comfortable place to take a rest and enjoy an ice cold coconut juice drink.

Five Ministers Memorial Tower
A must if visiting the city of Haikou, the Five Ministers Memorial Tower was constructed in the late 19^th century in order to pay homage to five famous ministers from Song and Tang dynasties, who were exiled by the imperial court following disagreements with the authorities on mainland China. Statues of Li Deyu, Hu Quan, Li Gang, Li Guang and Zhou Ding are housed within the tower and are considered among the island’s greatest cultural treasures.

Hairui Tomb
Situated in Bin Ya Village, five kilometres to the west of Haikou is the Hairui Tomb, a structure built in 1589 during the time of the Ming Dynasty. The tomb is named after a much revered Chinese official who is said to have discovered a well nearby which locals claim has provided water for over 400 years.

Qiongtai Academy
Located some five kilometres southeast of Haikou and constructed in the 18th century, the Qiongtai Academy is an historic building that experts believe was built as a tribute to Qiu Jun, the island’s leading scholar. In its heyday, the academy was the island’s most important educational institute; today it’s still used for teaching purposes but is a traditional school instead.

Shishan Volcanic Craters
Head for the Leishou Bandao region in the north of the island and you’ll discover 36 volcanoes which are now considered dormant. The craters give visitors the chance to get up close and see these interesting geological formations without any risk of eruptions. Solidified lava can be seen across the area and is easily recognisable by its unique bubbled surface.

Hit The Beach
When you first set eyes on Sanya’s beaches you’ll realise why they have the nickname ‘Oriental Hawaii’ and the reputation for the finest stretch of coastline in all China. Throughout the year, visitors flock there for the fine golden sands, the clear blue waters and the distinct lack of in your face commercialism. Relax with a good book while you catch a few rays or get involved in one of the many water sports on offer there.

Visit The Capital
You should not miss out on a chance to check out Haikou, the vibrant city which is located to the north of the island. Besides the obvious inherent cultural appeal of the city, there are a variety of attractions of historic interest plus things to see and do that are based more around the every day workings of a city that is home to some 631,179 residents. Enjoy shopping at the traditional markets and eating at some of the great restaurants in order to get a good feel for this fascinating city.

Take A Trip To The Nanli Lake
Located just 60kms from Haikou and hailed as one of the island’s largest fresh water lakes, it is a natural water garden that provides visitors with opportunities for relaxation and water-based activity. The outskirts of the lake feature leafy bamboo and rubber trees, while the lake itself has 13 small islands and five peninsulas within the spacious area it covers. Fishing, boating and other pursuits can be easily pursued on and around the small islands. Take the time to explore some of the bigger islands and you’ll find a variety of fascinating flora and fauna living there.

Check Out The Local Cuisine
While Hainan cuisine has a distinct personality of its own, even within the island there are regional differences in the food on offer. Sanya, being so close to the sea, tends to offer more seafood dishes at its restaurants while in the capital Haikou, some of the more archetypal Hainan dishes such as dongshan goat and wenchang chicken.