Well, how did we go to Hainan Island? Beach holiday in China, which was cheaper than Turkey. Beach holidays in China: not only Hainan Transport links on Hainan Island

It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced traveler or have just begun to conquer the expanses of our magnificent planet, China is a country that will definitely remain in your heart forever, and you will want to return here again and again. You can combine business with pleasure and go to the south of China, where you can see plenty of beautiful landscapes, soak up the sun and at the same time touch on the history of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Perhaps the most popular destination is the tropical island of Hainan, and in this article we will take a closer look at it and find out why it attracts many tourists to its expanses every year.

Sunbathe, explore, heal

Holidays in China on the island of Hainan are not only about the presence of snow-white beaches with umbrellas. On the island you can learn about the culture of local peoples, admire the views of the mountains, improve your health in springs with hot healing water, and also try unusual exotic fruits. And the cleanest ecological situation, which is closely monitored, the presence of a huge network of interesting routes for tourists and high-quality roads will make your vacation incredibly comfortable.

Where is the island

Hainan Island is a province of the People's Republic of China, which is located in the south of the state; for convenience, below you can see where it is located on the map.
The island covers an area of ​​33,920 square meters. km, the length of the coast is 1500 km. The name of the island, if translated into Russian, will sound like “an island south of the sea.”

Hainan Island Map

How to get there from Moscow

There are two international airports in Hainan - in the cities of Haikou and Sanya. They accept not only international flights, but also domestic ones. Charter flights from a variety of airlines from different cities fly to the island, and Moscow is no exception. Basically, they all end their route at Sanya Airport, as this place is the center of tourism on the tropical island. You can also fly on a regular Moscow - Sanya flight, which is operated by Transaero. The flight time will take approximately 10 hours. There is another way - to get to Hainan with transfers. These could be the following options:

• Fly to one of the major cities of China (Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai) and transfer to a domestic flight to the island. Hainan.
• Take a connecting flight with a transfer in other Asian cities - Dubai, Seoul, etc.

Most often, if it is not a direct flight, they fly with a stop in Beijing. This way you can combine a visit to the capital of China and a vacation at sea, but the choice, of course, is yours.

Best holiday destinations

This tropical island has several resorts that not only boast pristine blue water beaches, but also the attractions and entertainment options that have made China popular in the beach holiday scene. Let's look at the best of them.

Sanya

Sanya used to serve as a refuge for officials who fell out of favor with the Chinese emperor, and this is hard to believe, because now this city has all the infrastructure for tourism. The excellent ecology and local climate make holidays here possible all year round. The cleanest beach area and gentle clear water attract family vacation lovers here, and diving enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the unparalleled beauty of the underwater world.

If you love shopping, then the central part of the Sanya City resort will be the best place for this. It is here that a large number of fashion boutiques, shops, restaurants, markets of various types, as well as a large number of fast food establishments are concentrated. Around Sanya City there are other recreational areas - Dadonghai, Yalongwan and Sanyawan.

Sanyawan is the longest zone and is located closest to the airport and city center. Sanyavan attracts many with its prices for accommodation, food, and entertainment. Here they are quite affordable, not as overpriced as in other places.

Dadonghai is popular among people who prefer active recreation. There are plenty of diving training centers and water equipment rentals here, and Russian tourists feel almost at home, because there are many establishments with Russian names and cuisine.

The Yalongwan resort area is located east of the center and is the most expensive in Sanya. People on a limited budget do not come here, as the atmosphere of wealth and luxury reigns here. Huge villas, private apartments and luxurious expensive hotels - this is all Yalongwan.

Haikou

Haikou City is the island's capital and is where most tourists come by bus and train. Many of them immediately go further to southern resorts, but it also makes sense to stay here. It is in this city that you can touch upon ancient history if you go to the historical center, where ancient buildings are located.

If you drive a little further from the city, you can see historical monuments of the famous Ming dynasty, which ruled the Chinese Empire for almost 300 years: Wugong Temple, Hai Rui's tomb, and the academy named after Qiu Jin (a famous Chinese scientist). 30 kilometers away there is another interesting place - an observation deck on the edge of the crater of the long-inactive Ma An volcano.

As for the beaches, there are both paid and free beaches. For example, it is worth visiting Holiday Beach, where you can get there by bus or taxi. Admission is free, but an additional fee will be charged for an umbrella and sun lounger. In the west of the city there is a free beach called Xixiu, where surfers love to spend time.

Wenchang

The city of Wenchang is located in the northeast of the island. Hainan has a beautiful crescent shape. A city with warm sunny weather, washed by the sea on all sides. It itself is considered a landmark of the island. Previously, tourists rarely visited this city, and it was only popular among the Chinese, but every year more and more tourists from different countries visit it. All thanks to the fact that there are many beautiful sea bays and picturesque nature.

Here you can also visit many interesting and beautiful places, for example, the rock park, the Tonggu Great Barrier Reef, coconut plantations, the Temple of Confucius, the mango tree nature reserve, the spaceport, as well as Gaulun Bay, which will certainly amaze you with its beauty and azure shores.

The city's cuisine is also popular among tourists. Here you can try the famous Hainanese tea, delicious seafood dishes and Wenchang-style chicken. Relaxing on the beach along with trips to picturesque places in the city and suburbs will definitely make your vacation unforgettable.

Qionghai

Located in the east of the province. The city is mainly populated by immigrants from Macau. In addition to colorful beaches, there are several famous historical monuments and simply interesting places. These are coconut rural courtyards, the picturesque areas of Baishiling and Boao, Guantang warm springs, the Baishi and Jingniu ridges, as well as the sculptural ensemble of the Red Army Women's Detachment.

There is good news for extreme sports enthusiasts, because one of the main entertainments on the island is drifting along the gorge of the picturesque Wanquanhe River. You can also play shooting games using water pumps if you wish. In general, in Qionghai you can relax on the beach, soak in a hot spring, enjoy picturesque nature, and try extreme entertainment. It’s not for nothing that it is called the bright pearl of the East Coast.

Weather and climate throughout the year

On about. Hainan has bright sunny weather almost all year round, and the question of when is the best time to go there on vacation can only be asked by tourists who are going there for the first time. If this sounds like you, then read on and find out all the details about the weather in this province.

On the land

The average annual temperature on the island is +24 °C; in winter, the average air temperature does not exceed +22 degrees; many may think that this is cool, but due to humidity, this temperature turns into a comfortable one. But in summer, the thermometer can reach +30 °C and above, so for those who cannot tolerate the heat, it is better not to visit the island at this time. The golden season lasts from November to May, when the flow of tourists is highest. The island is considered a “typhoon corridor”, so windsurfing fans can often be found here.

Water temperature

The average water temperature on the island is +24 °C, but varies depending on the time of year. In winter - +23...+24 degrees, in summer - +29...+30 degrees.

The best beaches on the island

All resorts in tropical China have many municipal beaches with umbrellas, sun loungers and showers. They are all smooth, with white sand and warm, azure-colored water. The concentration of Russian tourists is in four bays in the south of the island: Sanya, Sanyavan, Dadonghai and Yalongwan. It is very convenient to enter the water, no matter where you rest, due to the gentle and smooth slope. So, if you have small children, you can safely go to any beach.

By the way, once you get to the beach, you will understand that its territory is divided between hotels that overlook it. But don’t rush to leave, because you can sunbathe and swim wherever you want, and no one has the right to prohibit you from doing so. Entrance, showers, changing rooms and toilets are free almost everywhere, with the exception of sun loungers and umbrellas, for which you will have to pay about 20-50 CNY. Typical beach activities, such as a banana boat or a boat, are also available; for them you will have to pay from 150 CNY, and for fishing on a boat - all 1000 CNY.

More specifically, for the cleanest water and diving, go to Yalong Bay, because here are the largest diving centers on the island. But if you are a surfing enthusiast, then the beaches in Dadonghai are suitable for you. But, unfortunately, at the height of the season, the beaches of Dadonghai are crowded, because, in addition to tourists, the Chinese like to relax here, which cannot be said about the beaches of Yalongwan.

Unlike Russian tourists, they do not particularly like to swim and sunbathe, but live further from the sea because it is not so expensive. Their favorite thing to do on the beach is to admire the expanses of the sea and watch the visitors. This is the difference in mentality. In Sanyavan Bay, the water is not as clean as in the above-mentioned places, and in order to get to the sea, you will have to constantly cross the road. But all this is compensated by unique landscapes that you will not find in other parts of the island.

Sights and excursions

Relax exclusively on the beach while on the island. Hainan is a crime, because there are a large number of places that are worth seeing with your own eyes.

To get acquainted with the culture and customs of Buddhism, you should go to Nanshan Temple. In addition to the temple itself, you should definitely visit the observation deck, which offers a wonderful view of the sea and a huge statue of the bodhisattva. Not far from Nanshan Temple stands the tallest statue of the goddess Guanyin in the world, next to which there is a sanctuary where you will see many sculptures of the Buddha himself.

If you drive 30 km from Sanya, you will find the Bethel Nat Ethnic Park, which is dedicated to the traditions and customs of the local Li and Meow peoples. Throughout the park there are houses where you can get to know these peoples and their culture better.

By the way, there are a lot of parks and nature reserves in Hainan, because the nature here is worth admiring and protecting. One of them is called “Monkey Island,” where more than 2,000 representatives of our tailed friends live. If you ask what is the most picturesque place in China, then this is it, because you can only get to this park by cable car, which offers a magnificent view of the island and the South China Sea.

Here you can go fishing on rafts, and then try your own caught fish in restaurants nearby or try other seafood dishes.

Another must-see place is the Heavenly Grottoes.

The Heavenly Grottoes are one of the most ancient places in all of China. This natural park was founded over 1000 years ago!

The South Mountain located there attracts people from all over the world not only with its beautiful views, but also with historical monuments. Among them is the Temple of the Dragon King of the South China Sea, which houses his statue, the Wall of Records at the very top of the mountain, and in the Taoist Park there is an entire Sanya Natural History Museum.

There are also many more beautiful places that you can’t visit in one day - this is the “Edge of the World” park, which is a beach with fancy stones, the butterfly museum-reserve (a great pastime for children), “Pirate Island” with beautiful beaches and many entertainment for every taste, “Western Island” for lovers of diving and other sea activities (fishing, scooter, water skiing), the “Flying World” bird park, where you can see the most unusual species of tropical birds, a zoo of crocodiles and tigers, a pearl museum with pearl plantation, a crystal museum, and many more zoos and nature reserves where you can enjoy the abundance of tropical plants and the diversity of the animal world.

Among tourists, a very popular excursion to the crater of the Ma An volcano, which is located 14 km southwest of Qiongshan and 27 km from Haikou. The Ma An volcano was extinct more than 40-50 thousand years ago, and now it is one of the best-preserved inactive volcanoes. Not far from it are the active craters of the Leihuling and Luojingpan volcanoes. The entire area around the volcano and on the volcano itself is equipped. Artificially made steps made of magma lead to the crater; the crater was surrounded by railings along the edges and an observation deck was made, from where you can clearly see the dense bushes and tropical relict plants that grew directly on the solidified lava. If you go downstairs, there is a palm grove with an open-air restaurant, where there is a large stage where folklore performances by the local Li and Meow peoples are given.

Active life and entertainment

If nature and historical monuments are not enough for you, then we will compile a guide to entertainment on Hainan Island especially for you and find out what you can do here for both adults and children.

For adults

If you want to be culturally enriched and have a pleasant evening, then welcome to the theaters of Hainan. Among them are the Qiong Opera, which has a history of more than 300 years, the Qionshan Gongzi Puppet Theater, which gives performances of the traditions of the Qiong Opera, as well as the Linggao Puppet Theater, in which a person and a puppet play the same role and periodically replace each other.

Golf lovers will also be pleased, with 18 golf courses spread across the province. All courses meet international standards and will satisfy the needs of the most experienced golfer.

Guests of the island are also invited to a variety of water activities to suit every taste and budget. This includes spearfishing, sea fishing, and diving with a variety of programs depending on the level of training. It is worth highlighting the thermal springs and spa treatments. Most tourists will tell you that it is worth trying at least one healing treatment in the tradition of Chinese medicine. Believe me, you will remember these procedures for a long time, because it is not for nothing that Chinese treatment methods are known throughout the world for their effectiveness.

And, of course, you shouldn’t leave China without learning how a real Chinese tea ceremony is performed. This is a special Chinese art with strict rules that the Chinese have been keeping for many centuries. In addition to participating in the ceremony itself, you can also learn about the beneficial properties of different types of tea and how to brew them correctly. There you can buy the tea you like and bring it home, so that from time to time you can remember your Chinese adventures.

Hainan for children

Children will definitely not be bored at the resorts of Hainan. Most hotels have equipped playgrounds, small pools with slides, a daytime entertainment program for children and children's menus in cafes and restaurants.

With children you can visit the recently opened water park in Sanya. It is divided into three zones: children's, children's and adolescents' and adults'. There is also a wave pool that kids will definitely love. It is also divided into two parts: in the first, small waves form, and in the other, the waves are more reminiscent of a storm at sea.

Various parks and zoos are a must for visiting with children, but one of them is worth special attention. It is located on the shores of Lake Dongshanhu and is the largest zoo in Asia. Here you can see animals from all over the world. The peculiarity of this zoo is that the animals do not live in cramped cages, but walk around the vast territory of the zoo, which is as close as possible to the animals’ natural habitat. Peace-loving animals can be petted and fed, but dangerous predators such as tigers and lions can only be viewed from a jeep or bus.

Night clubs and establishments

For lovers of nightlife, Hainan has plenty of places where you can spend time until dawn. There are bars, clubs and restaurants that operate at night in every resort on the island, but the city of Sanya deserves special mention. It is in this place that a large number of night entertainment venues are concentrated, where life begins at 8 pm and ends at 5 am. Admission is free, but in some clubs you need to pre-book a table in advance, which, of course, is not free. But the money you deposit in advance can be spent on drinks and snacks later.

If you are going to spend a noisy night somewhere, we advise you to decide in advance what you need. The point is that all establishments are very different. There are clubs and bars aimed at the Chinese, who are very fond of karaoke, and there are no discotheques or DJs. And there are places where they play very good music, you can dance, drink alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. It must be said that all establishments have a modern and comfortable environment.

The resort of Sanya has a Bar Street in the city center. This is where most of the night entertainment spots are concentrated. The most popular nightclubs among tourists are SOHO and M2. You can also find similar establishments at some hotels, where you can go without problems, even if you are not a guest.

In a word, if you want night entertainment, then there should be no problems with this.

Cafes, restaurants, housing, transport

For every tourist, before traveling, it is necessary to decide on three important aspects. The cost of your vacation and its quality will depend on them. These are housing, food and internal movement. Let's consider the possible options.

Where to live

There are several accommodation options on the island:

• Hotels (rooms, apartments).
• Private housing (villas, apartments).
• Hostels.

As for hotels, in principle, you can choose accommodation for any budget. The cost of living directly depends on the level of the hotel, distance from the sea and the holiday season. An important factor is in which bay of the island the hotel is located.

Dadonghai Bay is an “economy” option, although there are also expensive offers. This place is ideal for diving.

Sanyavan Bay is the “golden mean”. The service here is very good and you can find very interesting hotel accommodation options for any budget.

But Yalong Bay is the most expensive option. It is considered the cleanest, with the most beautiful landscapes. This place is home to famous world-class brand hotels, and the housing prices are accordingly.

At any of the island's resorts you can choose private housing options. Typically, these options are used by tourists who travel independently without travel agencies or for a long period of time or in a large group.

Private owners have offers at different prices. These can be villas, houses, apartments. The cheapest housing options in the private sector are in the north of the island. Hainan, where the city of Haikou is located, also has the most inexpensive hotels.

There are also hostels in the province. The conditions in them are different, not always comfortable, but the prices for accommodation are minimal. If you want to settle on this housing option, then look for real reviews and be prepared for any surprises.

How to get around

The transport infrastructure on the island is well developed and is represented by a network of railways and roads.

If you decide to explore Hainan on your own, then trains, buses, taxis and even auto-rickshaws are at your service.

It is very convenient to travel from city to city by train; the fare costs 80 Chinese yuan.

Taxi services cost 8-10 yuan per ride and 2 per kilometer. But we must take into account that during rush hour (5-8 pm) it is problematic to find a free car, and Chinese taxi drivers can be cunning and not turn on the meter.

Buses run from 7 to 23, tickets for up to 2 yuan are not a problem, but it is not recommended to ride as a “hare”, since all buses have video surveillance.

The most exotic and most expensive type of transport is pedicabs. Although you can always find a common language with the driver and get a discount on travel. To board you will need 8-9 yuan, and per kilometer they usually ask for 2-3.

Where to eat

The issue of nutrition must be thought through in advance. If you have sufficient funds, you can find hotels that offer all-inclusive services. There won't be any problems with food, but don't expect much variety either.

In other cases, no matter where you live, you can eat in cafes and restaurants or buy food in stores. Self-cooking is only available when living in the private sector.

As on any tropical island, exotic fruits are found in abundance here. They are very tasty, juicy, and a pleasure to eat.

Hainan also has a lot of seafood. You can taste them in local cafes and restaurants, you can buy them fresh at the market and cook them yourself, if possible.

Huago - national dish of Chinese cuisine

Regarding food prices, the situation is the same as with housing. So, on Dadonghai, lunch will be the cheapest, and on Yalunwan, the most expensive, but of excellent quality.

The most important thing is, which island resort you choose to stay at, there are a large number of cafes and restaurants of different levels everywhere. You can opt for Chinese establishments that serve traditional Chinese food. I must say that it is spicy and can be damp. Therefore, if you don’t like this kind of food, then you can find places with European, American, Indian and Russian cuisine.

Local stores, of which there are also plenty, sell products both familiar to our tourists and those that are not entirely clear to us. The most famous are the large supermarkets "Wanhao" and "Tiancheng". Many shopping centers also have grocery stores, the largest:

• "Summer";
• "Minju";
• "Tianhong";
• "Ifan."

You can also recommend visiting local markets, for example, “First Market”, “Hungan”. Here you can buy fresh fruits, a variety of seafood, tea and other local products cheaper. The best time to visit the markets is in the morning. Bargaining is appropriate for them, and keep in mind that for weighted goods the price is indicated per half a kilo, not per kilogram.

When visiting local markets, be very careful, because tourists attract robbers, and there are also sellers who are not entirely honest. Stay alert.

And, of course, what is a resort without street food vendors. There are a sufficient number of them here. But whether to buy from them or not is a purely personal matter.

Shopping in Hainan

A pleasant time spent in nature and the sea coast can be diversified by shopping, because on this island there is a lot of things that are worth at least looking at, and buying something as a souvenir. Here you can buy a wide variety of goods from local authentic to goods from famous world brands.

Trading areas are represented by a variety of shops, large department stores and shopping centers, markets and private shops. Store opening hours vary depending on the owner of the outlet. If the store is under government management, then it is open from 9 to 19. The exception is large shopping centers, which close at 22:00. Private institutions work according to their own schedule. Markets are worth visiting in the morning.

You can exchange money at Bank of China branches, at hotels, at exchange offices at a train station or at the airport. The island also accepts VISA, Master Card, and American Express.

But keep in mind that you are unlikely to be able to purchase various types of local goods using a card, so you will still have to change money.

Typical goods that tourists bring home after traveling to a Chinese tropical paradise are silks, pearls, crystal, porcelain, all sorts of trinkets made from coconut shells and sea shells, various types of tea, coffee, as well as pepper and shark oil. Products made from tridacna, a large species of bivalves that live in the South China Sea, and Hainan candies can also become an unusual souvenir. The sweets are usually sold in wooden boxes and feature unusual flavors of exotic local fruits and coffee.

After shopping in Hainan, you can get some of your money back. All thanks to the tax free system introduced several years ago. According to this system, you must purchase goods worth from 800 to 5000 CNY, and then when you leave the country, 11% of the amount spent will be returned to you. However, keep in mind that this system does not work in every store, so check with the administrators for information.

Healing places of the Chinese island

Hainan is famous not only for its excellent conditions for seaside recreation, but also for its treatment centers with hot springs and various spa treatments. Here you can not only relax your soul and body, but also improve your health.

Thermal springs are scattered throughout the island, and the temperature of the water and its chemical composition are different. Depending on your health status, with the help of such sources and Chinese treatment methods, you can get rid of joint pain, gynecological diseases, respiratory diseases, improve skin condition and heal the nervous system. Traditional treatments include Chinese massage, foot massage, acupuncture and bamboo cupping.

One of the hottest springs on the island is Guantan, the water temperature is 70-90°, it is located near the city of Qionghai. Near the spring there are resorts called “Starfish” and “Heavenly Dragon”.

120 kilometers from Sanya is the Xinglong thermal spring valley. Here you can bask in a variety of springs, both in terms of chemical composition and water temperature. There are a lot of hotels in the valley that offer a large list of services - swimming pools filled with water from thermal springs, jacuzzi (also with thermal water), regular swimming pools, saunas, gyms, bowling alleys, golf courses, tennis courts, spas and shopping centers, Chinese medicine services and much more.

If you want to visit a resort that has been included in the list of the best Chinese thermal springs, then welcome to Nantian Resort & Spa, 30 km from Sanya. There you will find 36 pools with water from different hot springs, regular pools and pools for children, cafes and restaurants. On the territory there is also a hotel “Sanya Pearl River Nantian Resort & Spa 5*”, which is famous for its service and quality of services. The hotel has 128 comfortable rooms, cottages with a private thermal pool, entertainment and gaming areas (tennis courts, golf courses, basketball court, chess and poker rooms), as well as a beauty salon, a restaurant serving local cuisine and tea house.

Pools with fish are also popular among tourists, which relieve skin diseases and relieve stress. All this is thanks to small fish that bite the skin and thus exfoliate it. For this unusual therapy, head to the Phoenix area, which is a 15-minute drive from Sanya. There is a large health complex there, which offers not only fish therapy, but also swimming in other healing pools, for example, in a pool with coconut milk or coffee. There are also Chinese massage, manicure and pedicure services.

So, now you have quite a lot of information about one of the islands of China, which has everything you need for a wonderful holiday. Here in Hainan, very comfortable conditions have been created for tourists. And nature, sun, gentle sea, healing springs and local color make this tropical island a very interesting holiday destination. Almost anyone here will be able to find something they like and can afford. Have a nice holiday!

is the largest island in the southern Chinese province of the same name. There are several other small islands around it. Translated from Chinese, “Hainan” means “South of the Sea”.

Most of the income here comes from the resort and tourism business. The island has a wonderful climate, there are sights and monuments of history and culture, a developed tourist infrastructure, many excellent beaches, entertainment and hotels.

The largest city on Hainan Island is called Haikou. There are more than 8.5 million local residents throughout the province. During the year, no less tourists from all over the world come here to relax.

Geography

It is a small tropical island located in the South China Sea off the southern coast of China. Hawaii is located at the same latitude, which is why Hainan is often called “East Hawaii”. It is slightly larger in size than Crimea - 33 square meters. km.

In the center there are dense tropical forests, in which unique species of flora grow and endemic species of fauna live, listed in the Red Book of China and the whole world.

Climate

The average annual temperature in Hainan is +24C, the average water temperature is +26C. Three hundred days a year there is magnificent sunny weather. This is truly a heavenly place, both for a beach and excursion holiday.

There is eternal summer here and there is no division into High and Low seasons. The weather is favorable for holidays at any time of the year. However, winter is still considered the velvet season, and in summer prices for hotels and air tickets drop slightly due to precipitation.

Throughout December, January and February, during the dry season, the air temperature during the day is about +22C, and the sea water temperature is about +25C. In summer, during the rainy season, the air warms up to +25C, and the water in the sea – up to +28C.

Story

Hainan got its name during the Mongol Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century. After its fall during the Ming Empire in the 14th-17th centuries, this province strengthened significantly and was populated by the Chinese population.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the island acquired independent administrative status. Deng Xiaoping created China's largest free economic zone (FEZ) here, after which Hainan began to develop by leaps and bounds.

Beaches

The island is known for its magnificent beaches and beautiful coral reefs. The beaches have beautiful views, are clean and well-groomed, and are equipped with all the necessary infrastructure.

Almost all of them are covered with shiny fine white sand, on which relaxation is a pleasure. Resort staff carefully monitor the cleanliness of the beaches near hotels of any class and star rating.

The most famous local beach is called the Jade Belt. It is a thin strip of white sand that separates the fresh river waters from the salty sea waters. The beach is located near the Boao resort.

Attractions

The largest Buddhist center of Nanshan is located 40 km from the resort of Sanya. There you can see a huge temple, a statue of the Goddess of Mercy more than 100 m high and a beautiful Chinese-style park.

This is an artificial island located near Sanya. Several skyscrapers have been erected on it, which house hotels for vacationers; there are also luxury villas, a yacht club, a beach, etc.

The Li and Miao are ethnic groups that have lived on the island for centuries. In these villages, the ancient way of life has been recreated. In a large park, traditional houses of these peoples are built, and the role of residents is played by local actors.

All historical and cultural artifacts related to Hainan are collected here. Tourists are presented with an extensive exhibition, incl. antique local porcelain, edged weapons, silk, national clothing, medieval jewelry, etc.

On the shore of this bay, which in Chinese is called the Dragon Coast, are the most expensive and luxurious hotels in Hainan. Around them are tropical forests, mountains, pristine white beaches. This is a real Garden of Eden on earth.

Dongshan Safari Park

A wonderful natural park where tourists, without exposing themselves to danger, can see how animals live in natural conditions. Ostriches and parrots, monkeys and crocodiles, lions and tigers live here.

This reserve was created specifically to study the local subspecies of macaques. Today, more than 2,000 of these little monkeys live there. Tourists love to communicate with them and feed them. But be careful, macaques go through your pockets looking for shiny things.

Butterfly Park

This nature reserve, located next to Yalong Bay, houses a unique collection of butterflies from all over the world. You can also see unique insects here.

Pirate Island

This is a tiny island near Hainan, where you can enjoy almost untouched local flora and fauna, pristine tropical forest. Along the coast there are white beaches and coral reefs.

Park "Heavenly Grottoes"

A wonderful natural park where you can walk through caves and grottoes, touch sacred trees, and visit the famous Dragon Temple. This park is sacred to all who practice Taoism.

Entertainment

The center of tourism on the island is the resort of Sanya, where the famous Bar Street is located. The most popular bars among vacationers are:

• —SOLO,
• - SOHO
• - M2.

You can also find good nightclubs, discos and karaoke bars here. Nightlife continues until the morning. In karaoke bars, like ours, there is no dance floor and DJ; they just gather in groups and sing.

The nightclubs are very beautifully decorated in Chinese style, and guest artists and dancers often perform here. In the clubs you can always have a good time and have a good time; the prices for drinks are quite reasonable.

Not far from Sanya is Dadonghai Bay, near which there is the largest number of boutiques, shops, restaurants, bars, etc. There is everything for lovers of noisy entertainment and shopping.

Transport

Your first acquaintance with the island begins at Phoenix International Airport. This is where tourists from Russia and other countries fly. There is also Meilan Airport, but it is located far from the resort area and is therefore less popular.

The main type of public transport is buses. The price of bus tickets is low. Tourists also often use taxis or simply rent a car. Private traders on motorcycles are “bombing”. There is a high-speed train from Sanya to Haikou.

Pros and cons of Hainan

The resorts of Hainan are truly heaven on earth. But it’s more the wealthy Chinese who vacation here, as well as the European middle class and above. The prices are quite high, although it is easy to find a quite decent three-star hotel.

A popular resort famous for its beautiful beaches and clear waters.

Names of Hainan

In Chinese, Hainan 海南 literally means “south of the sea.” This island actually lies south of the extreme mainland of China (Leizhou Peninsula in Guangdong). Another common name for Hainan is Coconut Island- speaks for itself, coconut palms really grow here; in general, more than half of the island’s territory is covered with forests. The Chinese tourism industry offers its own epithet: Hawaii of the East. Hainan is located at the latitude of the Hawaiian Islands and the Hainan authorities seriously intend to compete with any world resorts. Among other epithets, the words “paradise” and “pearl” are often used in relation to Hainan.

Location of Hainan

Hainan Island lies in the South China Sea south of the peninsula Leizhoubandao, separated from the mainland by a narrow (18 km) strait Hainan.

The area of ​​Hainan is 34 thousand km 2, the population is more than 8 million people.

Administratively, Hainan was part of the province for a long time Guangdong, but since 1988 it has been separated into the independent province of Hainan.

The capital and largest city of Hainan is Haikou in the north of the island, opposite the mainland Leizhou Peninsula. Haikou Meilan International Airport is located near the city of Haikou.

The most popular resort in Hainan - Sanya- a city in the south of the island, the southernmost city not only of Hainan, but of all of China. The city is served by its own international airport.

Climate of Hainan

Hainan Island is the only region of China that lies in the tropical climate zone. The tourist season in Hainan is year-round, although the best time to visit Hainan is considered to be from March to October.

The average annual air temperature is 24°C, water temperature is 26°C. Number of clear sunny days per year: 300.

Beaches of Hainan

In the south of the island, in the Sanya area, on the shores of the South China Sea, 5 beach recreation areas are organized: Sanyawan, Xiaodonghai, Dadonghai, Yalongwan and Haitangwan.

Sights of Hainan Island

On the mountain of Dongshan Island there is a collection of huge stones of the most bizarre shapes.

There is an observation deck at the top of Ma An Mountain near Haikou.

Yalong Bay is home to the Tropical Sea Shell Museum and the Butterfly Garden.

The island has a large number of natural healing springs, the waters of which are rich in microelements: radon, fluorine, hydrogen sulfide, sodium, potassium, etc. Thermal springs scattered throughout Hainan are surrounded by cottage-type resorts, immersed in the lush greenery of tropical plants.

Jianfenglin is one of the largest ecological reserves in China. A relict tropical forest has been preserved here, where there are places where no human has ever set foot. Majestic, timeless mountains rise here, and mysterious lakes are found in the valleys. This is one of the rare places where you can find plants that appeared on earth many thousands of years ago; you can see trees whose age is hundreds of years old. There are 8 types of plant ecosystems in the reserve. 4,300 representatives of the animal world, including 215 species of birds and 449 species of butterflies. Here tourists will be able to take a long walk through a real tropical jungle, admire mountain lakes, hear the sounds of wild nature and feel the full strength and power of natural splendor.

The Diaoloshan Nature Reserve is a majestic mountain range covered with impenetrable wild forest, where little-visited corners have been preserved. It is here, in the depths of a mysterious forest and silent mountains, that one of the most beautiful waterfalls in China, Fengguo, is located.

Monkey Island, which covers an area of ​​approximately 1,000 hectares, is home to more than 2,000 monkeys. These are Guangxi macaques (lat. macaca mulatta). There is a cable car across the strait. From a bird's eye view from the cable car cabin you will be able to see the strait, the open sea, and the unique settlement of the “sea people”. In addition to meeting wild monkeys, tourists are attracted to the monkey circus.

40 km west of Sanya is the largest Buddhist center in Asia, Nanshansi. Monuments of Buddhist culture and ethnographic attractions are collected here. This is a famous sacred place, often compared to paradise for its beauty. In the Guanyin Temple, there is a golden statue of the Goddess of Mercy, its height is 3.8 m. The ashes of the founder of Buddhism, Buddha Shakyamuni, are placed in the head of the goddess.

Diving in Hainan

Hainan has long attracted divers from around the world. Season all year round, normal visibility is more than 20 m, no strong currents.

Popular dive sites: Xiao Dong Hai Bay (two wrecks: a cargo ship and a boat, depth 15 m), Yalongwan (densely populated coral colonies, 18 m), Hou Hai Bay (corals and underwater rocks with grottoes, 30 m), island Fen-Dze-Jou-Dao (rocks and rivers, 25 m).

History of Hainan

Hainan did not immediately become Chinese, although the Chinese have always shown interest in the southern island. According to ancient descriptions, Hainan was previously inhabited by “southern barbarians who spoke a bird’s language.” The aborigines were non-warlike and therefore, during the Han Dynasty (see history of China), Hainan was annexed to China and since then it has always been considered as the southern edge of the earth. What exists beyond Hainan was not in the interests of the Middle Kingdom (the impressive but ineffective voyages of Zheng He are only the exception that proves the rule). For a long time, only a military base of the empire existed on Hainan; there was no talk of any other development of the island until the Tang Dynasty. Active settlement of the island by ethnic Chinese took place in the 16th - 17th centuries, so that currently 84% of the population in Hainan are Han, followed by the Li people (approx. 15%), and besides them, a small part is made up of the Miao and Huizu peoples.

How to get to Hainan

To Sanya Airport (IATA code: SYX, ICAO code: ZJSY) flights arrive (including direct ones) from Moscow and St. Petersburg (flight time is about 10 hours). You can also get there with a transfer via Beijing (4 hours), Shanghai (2.5 hours) or Hong Kong (1 hour). There are flights from Almaty with transfers to Urumqi.

Sanya is connected by high speed train to Haikou.

Visa on arrival to Hainan

At the airports in Sanya and Haikou, citizens of Russia and a number of other countries can obtain a visa on arrival. A visa is issued provided that the foreigner arrives on the island on a direct international flight (without transfers in Chinese cities) and the stay does not exceed 15 days.

For citizens of the Russian Federation who have booked a tour through travel agencies cooperating with Chinese tour operators, visa-free entry to Hainan Island has been established for a stay of up to 21 days (for groups of 2 people or more). Passport control at the Sanya airport is carried out according to visa-free lists, which the receiving party submits to the border in advance.

Hainan Hotels

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The best resort in the Middle Kingdom, “Eastern Hawaii” and the main Chinese health resort, Hainan in the past was an exiled island for nobles. Today, only the lazy have not heard about him. A good half of Siberia and the entire Far East are treated here for their illnesses and ailments, at the same time betraying their mortal bodies to the warm turquoise waters of the South China Sea. It’s even boring to describe the traditional picture of Hainan beaches - everything is luxuriously banal to the point of gnashing teeth: here they are, emerald palm trees, snow-white sand and azure waters. Let’s talk better about the “tricks” of Hainan; this island has plenty of them.

Firstly, the Li and Miao are the main ethnic groups in Hainan, staging amazing funeral and wedding ritual shows for tourists, which makes this corner of China completely different from the rest of the country. Secondly, fruits - rambutans, lychees and other exotic fruits in Hainan will become the main meal at any time of the day or night, since you will rarely taste such an abundance of delicacies. Further, they don’t need any special introduction. And, finally, a surprise for all the lazy people vacationing in Hainan: a rich cultural heritage, which should be looked for not in the south, where all the resorts are concentrated, but in the north, where, in fact, the nobility that bothered the emperor were exiled.

How to get to Hainan

You can get to Hainan from almost anywhere in Russia, including from Siberia and the Far East. There are no direct flights to the island's airports (with the exception of charter flights from Moscow); several airlines offer flights with connections in different cities of China. Muscovites and Khabarovsk residents have options with one transfer, while St. Petersburg residents and residents of other regions have only two.

Search for air tickets to Sanya (the nearest airport to Hainan)

Cities and resorts of Hainan

For lovers of active recreation, the vicinity of Sanya has all the conditions for diving, surfing, paragliding, cycling and fishing.

By the way, the Chinese come to the beach not so much to swim as to just sit, admire the sea and watch the white aliens in their natural habitat. The Chinese themselves prefer to stay further from the sea - it’s cheaper.

The entrance to the water in all bays is smooth and gentle; the shore is very shallow, so swimming is convenient and safe even with small children. The territory of the beaches is conditionally divided between hotels, but there are no fences, you can relax where you like. Admission is free almost everywhere, including showers, changing rooms and toilets. The only thing you have to pay for is sun loungers and umbrellas (20-50 CNY) and all kinds of water activities (from 200 CNY for a trip on a boat or banana boat to 1000 CNY for fishing on a specially equipped boat).

Treatment

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pulmonary, skin and urological diseases, rheumatism, osteochondrosis and hypertension are treated on the island. Treatment on the island excludes any form of surgical intervention and is carried out exclusively by traditional Chinese methods in combination with the use of natural medicines. The well-known center for traditional Chinese medicine is the “Garden of Longevity” in the Dadonghai district at the Pearl River Garden Hotel. Another center, SanYiTang, is located in Sanya, and not so long ago a branch of this clinic opened in Yalong Bay, at the Cactus Resort Hotel.

Other popular centers: Tai Chi and Yu-Kang. The Nantian medical complex will also help improve your health, on the territory of which there are more than 30 pools with water of different temperatures and chemical compositions.

Travel to Hainan Island

Diving in Hainan

The rich world of the depths of the South China Sea has been providing the island with a steady influx of divers from all over the world for several years now. Visibility underwater there is more than 20 m, and diving can be done all year round thanks to the stable mild climate and the absence of strong currents. Sometimes, however, echoes of southern storms reach Hainan, and then divers are forced to give up the bridgehead to surfers for several days.

Popular dive sites: Xiaodonghai Bay (two rivers: a bulk carrier and a boat, depth 15 m), Yalongwan (densely populated coral colonies, 18 m), Houhai Bay (corals and underwater rocks with grottoes, 30 m), Fenjiezhou Island (rocks and rivers, 25 m).

Shopping and shops

Hainan's calling card is pearls, which are famous for their regular shape and variety of colors. Tea, rock crystal, silk, porcelain, wood carvings, Buddhist souvenirs and Feng Shui symbols are also brought from the island.

You can first try different varieties of Chinese tea in tea houses scattered throughout the island, and then buy the one you like.

Haixudong Street in Haikou is a place where prestigious shops are concentrated, and you can buy artistic crafts at the Cape Market “The Edge of Sky and Sea”. In the city of Sanya, the main department stores are located on Liberation Street in the city center.

Not long ago, a Tax free system was introduced on the island, but so far only in a few stores. The purchase amount must be from 800 to 5000 CNY, VAT refund - 11%.

What to try

Entertainment and attractions

When you arrive in Hainan, you should definitely set aside 2-3 days and drive around the island in search of beautiful views and interesting sights. There are plenty of them here.

To get to know Buddhist culture better, you should go to Nanshan Temple. Not far from it, on an artificial island, stands the tallest statue of the goddess Guanyin in the world, and in the sanctuary there are a dozen sculptures of the Buddha himself.

From the observation deck in front of Nanshan there is a picturesque view of the sea and a giant statue of a bodhisattva.

Betel Nat Ethnic Park is located 30 km from Sanya. It is dedicated to the life, customs and traditions of the small peoples of Li and Meow. There are huts scattered throughout the area where you can learn about the tattoos, dialects and other characteristics of the local residents.

The Sky Grottoes are the most ancient attraction of Hainan.

Hainan has many picturesque natural parks and reserves. In one of them, on Monkey Island, more than 2,000 tailed inhabitants live. You will have to take a cable car to get here, but you can admire the island and the surrounding South China Sea. Another entertainment is fishing on rafts; there are also small restaurants serving excellent seafood dishes.

Another park, the Celestial Grottoes, is considered the island's most ancient attraction. It was founded almost 1000 years ago. Today, South Mountain attracts tourists with its beautiful views and historical structures, including the Temple of the Dragon King of the South China Sea, which houses a statue of the ruler himself, and the Wall of Records at the top of the mountain. In addition, the Sanya Natural History Museum is located on the territory of the Taoist Park.

The resorts of Hainan are well suited for families with children. Most 4 and 5* hotels have play areas, small pools with slides, a daily entertainment program and a children's menu in the restaurant.

Not long ago, a large modern water park opened in Sanya. It is divided into 3 zones - children's, children's and adolescents' and adults'. There is a pool with artificial waves, which is also divided into 2 parts - in one the tide is very weak, in the other a real storm is raging.

On the shores of the picturesque Lake Dongshanhu lies the largest natural zoo in the Asian region (office site in English). Animals from different parts of the country are collected here - elephants, giraffes, monkeys, sika deer. There are also dangerous predators - lions, tigers, crocodiles, so excursions are conducted in jeeps or buses. This place bears little resemblance to the familiar zoo with its cramped cages. Animals are kept in conditions as close to natural as possible. The zones are separated, but the enclosures are so spacious that their boundaries are almost invisible. The peaceful inhabitants can be approached, petted and fed.

In March, there are many Chinese at the resorts, and from February to May they are occupied by Europeans.