On the southeast coast of Hainan, about 14 kilometers south of Lingshui, lies the Nanwan Peninsula, which is not only the world's only tropical island macaque nature reserve, but also a secret world that combines pristine nature, Tanka culture, and tropical island vibes. Although it’s technically a peninsula, it’s known as Monkey Island.

Nanwan Monkey Island, with a total area of 10.2 square kilometers and a forest coverage rate of 95%, is home to nearly 400 species of tropical plants and nearly 100 species of wildlife, including macaques, sambar deer, and pythons. As China’s first island macaque sanctuary, the island is home to nearly 1,500 active, adorable macaques who live together in a matriarchal society.

On Monkey Island, you’ll enjoy a 3D immersive air, land, and sea adventure. Take the cable car across the sea, and gaze down at the floating Tanka fishing rafts laid out in rows on the water below. Interact up close and personal with the macaques of the Monkey Island Ecological Zone, and stop by Daidai Island to discover the "hidden paradise" lurking off Hainan's east coast.

Glide through the air on the 2,138-meter-long cross-sea cableway, which overlooks the densely packed fishing rafts of the Tanka people. This floating village in the 24 square km harbor is home to the Tanka people, who traditionally work and live on the sea. For the best panoramic photos of the Tanka village and palm tree groves, sit in the right side of the cable car.

After getting out of the cable car, you’ll arrive at the macaque reception area, where you’ll be greeted with a bow. Visitors can buy special food to give to the monkeys, but it’s forbidden to bring your own snacks onto the island — this is to protect the macaques from ingesting plastics or other foods that are not beneficial for their health. Next, stroll over to check out the "Sacred Bathing Pool", where the monkeys dive, splash, and cavort in the cool water. At the "Monkey School", specially trained macaques perform acts such as riding a bicycle or doing arithmetic. While monkeying around on the island is tons of fun, there are a few things to remember. Avoid wearing red, as the color can easily irritate the monkeys. Squat and place the food on your flat palm when feeding the monkeys, and keep your valuables in your front pockets to prevent the macaques from sneaking up and snatching them from behind.

From Monkey Island, take a shuttle bus along the coastal highway — it’s a 20-minute ride to Daidai Island. The 5.9-kilometer-long pristine beach boasts popular photo spots such as the iconic pink van, the white chapel, and the bubble house. The 360-degree observation deck at Lover's Cliff offers stunning views of the sea and sky. Pro tip: visit early in the morning or evening to avoid peak crowds and have the entire beach to yourself. 

Here, the cheerful calls of the macaques, the brightly colored fishing rafts, and the gently swaying palm branches weave together to create a tropical symphony. Whether you’re here on a family trip, a couple’s getaway, or a photo excursion, you’ll be sure to make the memories of a lifetime in this magical corner of Hainan.