In the early morning light, an array of colorful surfboards can be seen dotting the surface of Riyue Bay, or Sun and Moon Bay, like a constellation of stars in the sky. Surfers of all levels and ages are here, from beginners grinning from ear to ear as they catch their very first wave to sun-kissed pros who make dancing across the water look like child’s play. In Wanning, China, the sea kisses the sand, writing a warm invitation across the beach to everyone who has fallen in love with this addictive sport. “Come,” calls the ocean, “come and play, come and ride the waves, come and compete! Come to Wanning!”

On the Wanning surf map, there are three main bay areas, each offering a different experience. The waves at Riyue Bay are known as the best in China, which is why the country’s national surf team has chosen this as their training base. Shimei Bay features smaller, gentler waves, making it the perfect choice for beginners. Surfers jokingly refer to the waters here as the ‘wave kindergarten’. Shenzhou Bay has the smallest waves, so if you want to put your actual kindergartner on a board, this is where you should begin. Each of these three spots offers a unique surf experience! No matter if this is your first time surfing or you’re an old hand, there’s somewhere in Wanning that’s just right for you.

Riyue Bay: A surfer's dream

Rated as one of the world’s top 10 surfing destinations, Riyue Bay is uniquely blessed by nature. The water temperature averages 26 C annually, and the area enjoys a super long wave season lasting from October all the way through March, with powerful, consistent waves that can reach up to two meters high. Surfers hoist their boards high as they sprint across the shining sand towards the sea, and the rich aroma of fresh-brewed coffee floats across the beach. Young and old alike stroll along the water’s edge, drinking local Hainan coffee and basking in the sea breeze as they watch the waves roll in.

[Photo/Hainan Daily]

Beginners wobble uncertainly and fall back into the water with a laugh and a splash in the shallows, while expert surfers paddle swiftly out to the reef break, then bob serenely on the water as they wait for the perfect ride. When a monster wave arrives, they shoot the curl, flying high in the magical space where the ocean embraces the sky. Riyue Bay is not only a surfing paradise, it’s a state of mind, a wild and free love for the sea, for the joy of movement, and for life itself.

Shimei Bay: breathtakingly beautiful

In Shimei Bay, the flat seafloor creates regular, smaller waves that make learning to surf a breeze. The six kilometer long white, sandy beach has been called "the most pristine beach in Hainan" by UN experts. The area is home to the world’s largest coastal green bark, or spindle tree forest, as well as the Jiajing Island diving spot with visibility of 10 meters through crystal clear waters and fish dancing through the coral reefs. At dusk, enjoy the romantic sea breezes at "China’s most beautiful seaside bookstore".

Shenzhou Peninsula

Wanning’s Shenzhou Peninsula boasts long, sandy beaches and steady, dependable waves. In summer, the water is warm and the waves are gentle, making this the ideal time for beginners to get in the water. In winter, the waves surge, providing an exciting challenge to more advanced surfers. There are a number of pro surf shops here, providing surfers of every skill level exactly what they need to rock their time on the waves.

Wanning is a vibrant city. Seventy percent of visitors are young, and seventy percent are here for sports related travel. When night falls, bright lights illuminate the coast, and beach parties begin as the waves provide the rhythm. The whole area begins to pulse with excitement as young people let all their worries drop away and give themselves over to the joy of good music and good food with good friends on the beautiful Hainan coast.

Wanning’s waves bring freedom and fresh life. Come on down, surf’s up!