Hainan Island Loop
China
China's tropical island, the complete coastal loop delivers crystalline bays, rainforest national parks, Li and Miao minority villages in the interior highlands, and the resort city of Sanya. The only drive in China where the sea is warm enough to swim year-round.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Haikou
Hainan's capital of colonial arcade shophouses and coconut palms. Qilou pedestrian street is among the finest preserved in southern China.
- Wenchang Coconut Coast
Hundreds of thousands of coconut palms line the northeast coast beside China's tropical space launch centre, rockets lifting off over the South China Sea.
- Shimei Bay
One of China's finest white-sand beaches, largely undiscovered internationally and far calmer than Sanya's overdeveloped shores.
- Lingshui Monkey Island
A tropical peninsula reserve home to over 2,000 rhesus macaques, accessed by cable car over Lingshui Bay on the south-east coast.
- Sanya
Hainan's resort capital on Yalong Bay. The 108-m sea-standing Guanyin of Nanshan Temple and South China Sea sunsets are the highlights.
- Jianfengling National Park
Hainan's oldest primeval rainforest, with gibbons in the canopy and a sea of clouds at dawn over the island's most intact tropical flora.
- Haikou (return)
The loop closes via the quieter west coast through Dongfang's salt flats and Danzhou's ancient Nuo mask-dance villages.
Where to Eat
- Dongjiao Coconut Grove Seafood RestaurantSeafood
Enjoy fresh seafood dishes under the shade of coconut trees, with views of the serene beach and clear blue sea.
- Wenchang Chicken RestaurantLocal Diner
Savor the famous Wenchang Chicken, a local specialty known for its tender meat and flavorful taste.
- Shimei Bay Resort DiningInternational
Experience a variety of international cuisines with oceanfront views at this upscale resort restaurant.
- Sanya Night Market Food StallsStreet Food
Explore a bustling night market offering a wide array of local street foods and snacks.
- Haikou Qilou Snack StreetStreet Food
Taste traditional Hainanese snacks and delicacies along this historic street lined with colonial architecture.
Things to Do
- Wenchang Space Launch CenterScience & Technology
Visit China's most modern space launch facility and learn about the nation's aerospace advancements.
- Dongjiao Coconut PlantationNature
Stroll through vast coconut groves and enjoy the tropical scenery along the coastline.
- Mulan BayScenic Viewpoint
Admire the crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and the towering Mulan Bay Lighthouse.
- Sanya Bay BeachNature
Relax on the expansive sandy beach, swim in the warm waters, and enjoy the vibrant sunset views.
- Jianfengling National Forest ParkNational Park
Explore lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails in this tropical paradise.