Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone, in Baoting county, Hainan province, boasts rich tropical landscapes and exciting forest adventures. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone, about 35 kilometers from downtown Sanya, is home to Hainan Island’s five tropical rainforests. The name “Yanoda” means “one, two, three” in the local dialect, symbolizing a friendly greeting akin to “hello”. Interestingly, the zone comprises three major attractions: Rainforest Valley, Sandao (meaning “three roads”) Valley and Dream Valley, aligning perfectly with its name.

Rainforest Valley is like somewhere in a fairy tale, with lianas stretching 100 meters between trees, and large banyan trees gripping the rocks to give tourists a pristine look at the tropical rainforest. The valley is covered with a carpet of various grasses crisscrossed by brooks and streams. It is a unique huge natural oxygen bar and negative oxygen ion generator, where the average annual temperature is 24 C. The 3.5-km tour path includes a wooden plank, rustic stone steps and a drawbridge, catering to all visitors.

Sandao Valley is famous for its towering rocks flanking the forests and the raging waterfalls that plunge down its hills. [Photo/www.yanoda.com]

Sandao Valley, a 3-km stretch featuring towering rocks, giant trees, springs and plunging waterfalls, is home to over 10 unique landscapes. There are peculiar geological landforms and an abundance of medicinal resources. Some of the stones are seemingly fetched from the lunar surface, while others are like the creations of maestros.

Dream Valley, a tropical rainforest valley that spans 1.2 km, encompasses the spectacular Yingbin, Tianmen and Lianen waterfalls. The magnificent and colorful scenery, together with the giant trees, rocks and streams, form a mysterious and dreamy picture.

Scenic spot level: AAAAA

Address: Sandao town, Baoting Li and Miao autonomous county, Hainan

Opening hours: 8:30 am - 6 pm (last entry 5 pm)

Ticket price: 150 yuan ($20.86), including entrance and round-trip sightseeing bus ticket.

Tel: (+86 898) 83883333

Tips

General admission includes a free 90-minute Li and Miao costume experience, which cannot be refunded, exchanged or redeemed for cash.

yanoda.com contributed to the story.