- Temples
- Islands
- Parks
- Museums
- Natural attractions
Hainan is the tropical pearl of China, where summer is king all year round, and beaches and coral reefs are striking in their beauty. The province has created an ideal ecosystem that allows the formation of tourism infrastructure in the natural environment. Going to Hainan, you should take care of the list of places to go in advance.
Temples
At a distance of 38 kilometers from the island is a key center of Buddhism in Asia called Nanshan. On an area of 50 square kilometers, a magnificent complex has been erected, including green parklands, a temple and a statue of the goddess Guanyin, personifying mercy.
Thousands of pilgrims and tourists come to admire the 108-meter statue every year. The three-faced deity faces the island and the sea. In Guanyin's hands, a book is a symbol of wisdom, a rosary is the salvation of the soul and a lotus flower is a symbol of purity and innocence. There is a circle near the monument where you can make a wish. According to Buddhist tradition, it will definitely come true.
The complex is replete with temples, the key place among which is the central building. This temple was built relatively recently, designing it in such a way as to reflect the canons of Buddhist architecture in its appearance. All interior elements are arranged in a specific order to harmonize the surrounding space. After passing through three halls, you will find yourself on a large terrace with a gorgeous view of the South China Sea.
Another temple complex, Dong Tian, is the oldest in the country, being eight centuries old. The history of the temple is shrouded in legends, one of which says that the Southern Dragon used to live in the area where the temple was built. This mythical creature occupies a significant place in the culture and religion of Taoism. The chain of temples harmoniously blends into the natural landscape, giving visitors a sense of tranquility.
The third attraction worth seeing in Hainan is the Temple of the Five Officials. The fact is that earlier the island was a place of expulsion of the emperor's servants who broke the law. They were settled on a poor island for those times, where they served their sentences. In 1889, the authorities decided to build a temple in memory of those who have never returned from exile.
Islands
Not far from Hainan there are small islands, each of which is unique in its own way. Let's take a closer look at the most visited:
The Pirate Island or Wuzhizhou is famous for its picturesque views and fashionable hotels with a high level of service. Here you will be offered accommodation in cozy bungalows where you can relax in a relaxed atmosphere
Tourists are delivered to the island by a hovercraft that runs several times a day. It is also possible to get to Wuzhizhou on your own. To do this, you need to purchase a ticket for the ferry departing from the port of Sanya.
Once on the island, be sure to walk around its surroundings, go on an excursion to the ancient temple of Mazu, enjoy beach procedures on the white coast.
- Artificial Phoenix Island is the pride of Hainan. He is rightfully recognized as one of the best in the country. Phoenix was designed in such a way that tourists would be as comfortable as possible. As conceived by the architects, the island is based on five identical skyscrapers. All buildings are equipped with technological innovations and fully comply with international security systems. Each skyscraper houses hotels, restaurants, boutiques of world brands and beauty salons for every taste. The island is connected to Hainan by a long bridge, which can be easily navigated by car.
- The western island is located 10 kilometers from Hainan. The road to it runs across the sea by boat. Diving enthusiasts flock here, as the coral reefs of the island are inhabited by amazing marine life. There are few buildings on the island itself. There is only a small cafe and a beach. Before traveling to the island, tourists should be briefed and trained in mini-groups.
Parks
Due to the peculiarities of the landscape and climate, many parks have been created in Hainan. In 1999, the first safari park appeared, where different types of exotic animals and birds live. The highlight of the park is the demonstration of animal life in conditions close to their natural environment. For this, for several years, the park space has been modeled so that all animals feel safe. Tourists are allowed to move around the territory in a private car or in special trailers protected by iron cages. Some of the fauna can be fed with food purchased at the entrance to the park.
Another equally unusual park is located near Yalong Bay. The employees managed to collect the rarest collection of butterflies brought from all over the world. The park is home to insects that can be seen everywhere. In the summer, there is an exhibition that tells about the stages of the production of silk threads by the silkworm and their further processing into fabric. To stroll through well-groomed meadows, look into a souvenir shop, get acquainted with beautiful butterflies, go to a museum - for this, tourists come to this park every day.
The name of the Luhuitou Park is translated from Chinese as "the deer turned its head." The name is rooted in a legend about how once a hunter chased a deer for a long time and caught up with him. When the arrow was already in the hands of the hunter, he saw that the deer turned its head and turned into a young girl. Since then, this place began to be considered sacred, and a nursery was gradually formed around it, where deer live. Park visitors are happy to get acquainted with these cute animals and take memorable photos.
Museums
History lovers should visit the museums located in different parts. They contain collections containing valuable exhibits. If you happen to be on the island, include the following museums in your excursion program:
The State Museum of Hainan is considered a key location for the cultural heritage of southern China. Collections dedicated to oriental painting, sculpture and crafts occupy four floors. The finest porcelain, calligraphic images on papyrus, products made of porcelain, jade, precious metals - all this is of great interest for both historians and ordinary visitors. The exposition of silk clothes belonging to the Qin and Tang imperial dynasty deserves special attention.
Limyao Open Air Museum, located near Sanya. This vast park area is designed in such a way that everyone can get acquainted with the life of the indigenous peoples of Li and Miao, who lived here more than 5 thousand years ago. The village has 15 traditional style houses, inside of which the atmosphere of the past is skillfully embodied. For tourists, costume performances are arranged based on the legends and folklore of the ethnographic group.
The Crystal Museum invites its visitors to plunge into the world of mineralogy. The pavilion with an area of 3800 square meters houses exhibitions of precious and semi-precious stones, crystal and vases made from it, dishes, as well as figurines. On weekends, the museum organizes educational lectures, where employees talk about the specifics of stone processing.
The Museum of Seashells is very interesting, as thousands of mollusks and corals found in the underwater depths of large tropical waters have become its exhibits. The hall with large illuminated aquariums looks especially impressive. In addition, the guides conduct exciting excursions for children.
Natural attractions
Hainan has many natural sites under state protection. One of them is located in the Ma Anh National Park. This is a volcano, the slopes of which are covered with rugged jungle. You can get to the crater of the volcano by steps of natural lava. As you climb the mountain, tourists can relax on the benches and try Chinese cuisine in the restaurant.
In the south of the island, there are 43 square kilometers of relict jungle (Yanoda forest), some of which have been turned into a recreational area. The best landscape designers of the Celestial Empire were engaged in its design. As a result, they managed to combine the lake, ponds, greenhouses, suspension bridges and original sculptures in one space.
For those who prefer to rest as "savages", a tent camp with all the conveniences has been made.
In Hainan, not only beach tourism, but also health tourism is popular, which can be fully appreciated by visiting the hot springs of Zhujiang Nantian. This is a complex built on the site where wells with thermal waters were discovered. Today Zhujiang Nantian - forty pools with warm water, cafes, hotels and spas. Every day, the complex receives hundreds of visitors who want to undergo a course of medical procedures and enjoy the surrounding landscapes.
Dadonghai Bay stands out against the general background of the natural attractions of the island due to its beautiful views, long coastline and hotels with affordable prices.
The bay attracts surfers due to the fact that there are optimal conditions for practicing this sport. For beginners, instructions are given and appropriate equipment is provided.
Mount Wuzhishan is so named because of its resemblance to an open palm ("w" - five, "zhishan" - fingers). There is a legend among the Chinese that having climbed to the top of the mountain, a person gains strength and longevity. Traveling in Wuzhishan takes place with the help of trekking trails, along which you will be led by professional guides. On their way, tourists come across a picturesque park and numerous places for recreation.
