Five ways to max your Hainan getaway this holiday season

en.hainan.gov.cn

Updated: 2026-09-22

With the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays just around the corner, it's time to step away from the daily grind and head out to China's southernmost tropical Hainan province for a totally relaxing island getaway.

From riding the waves and taking a road trip around the island to beachcombing, exploring tropical rainforests and sampling local specialties, here are five ways to make the most of your Hainan break.

🌊 Ride the waves
If you're looking to add some excitement to your island getaway, why not hit the waves?

Wanning's Riyue Bay is known for its rolling waves and gently sloping beaches, making it a welcoming spot for surfing beginners. China International Travel Service Zhulang Surf Resort also features an artificial wave pool — where the waves can range from gentle 0.3-meter swells to waves as high as 2.7 m, so you can enjoy the thrill of surfing whatever the weather.

Visitors take to their surfboards at Riyue Bay in Wanning, Hainan. [Photo/VCG]

Sanya's Houhai is another popular surfing village. Its sheltered, crescent-shaped bay has relatively gentle waves, making it a great place for beginners to give surfing a try. Spend the day riding the waves, then head to a beachfront bar in the evening for live music and a laid-back island vibe.

Surfers chill out at Houhai in Sanya, Hainan. [Photo/VCG]

🚗 Take a road trip around the island
A self-drive trip is one of the most popular ways to explore Hainan.

Follow the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway, roll down the windows and let the sea breeze accompany you on your way.

East coast: Starting from Sanya, the route takes you through Lingshui's Boundary Island, Wanning's Shimei Bay and Riyue Bay, Qionghai's Boao and Wenchang's Dongjiao Coconut Plantation. Bays and coconut groves line the route along the way.

An aerial view of Dongjiao Coconut Plantation in Wenchang, Hainan. [Photo/VCG]

West coast: Explore Danzhou's historical and cultural sites, take in the rocky beaches of Qizi Bay in Changjiang and catch the sunset at Yulinzhou Scenic Area in Dongfang. Along the way, volcanic coastlines and wild, unspoiled seascapes reveal a more rugged side of Hainan.

Sparkling water, sandy beaches and lush greenery surround Qizi Bay in Changjiang, Hainan. [Photo/VCG]

Visitors take in the sunset at Yulinzhou Scenic Area in Dongfang, Hainan. [Photo/VCG]

Central route: Head into the rainforests of central Hainan, and visit Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone in Baoting, Shihan Village in Qiongzhong and the tropical rainforests of Wuzhishan. Sample local mountain cuisine and sit down for a traditional long-table feast of the Li ethnic group.

Shihan Village in Qiongzhong, Hainan, is surrounded by lush mountains and mist-shrouded scenery. The village is home to several ethnic communities, including the Li and Miao peoples. [Photo/VCG]

🦀 Go beachcombing
For a more distinctly Hainan Island experience, head to the coast after the tide goes out and join local fishermen as they go beachcombing. Look for crabs, sea snails and other marine life, then take your catch to a nearby restaurant to have it prepared — steamed or simply blanched to bring out its fresh, natural flavor.

Beachcombing spots around the island include Beigang Island and Rongshanliao village in Haikou; Baohujiao and Mulan Bay in Wenchang; Bochao New Village in Danzhou; Leigong Island and the Volcanic Coast in Chengmai; Gangbeigang and the lighthouse beach at Shenzhou Peninsula in Wanning; as well as Chiling village in Lingshui.

Golden sands meet emerald waters at Rongshanliao village in Haikou, Hainan. [Photo/VCG]

A few tips: Check the tide tables in advance and plan your trip during spring tide, when the tide is out. Wear non-slip shoes when exploring rocky areas. Release young fish and crabs back into the sea whenever possible, and take all your trash with you when you leave.

🌴 Explore the rainforests
Hainan is not only known for its sunshine, beaches and sea, but also for its well-preserved tropical rainforests.

In Wuzhishan, step into the Wuzhi Mountain area of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, breathe in the fresh air, explore local villages and sample culinary specialties such as Lei Gong bamboo shoots and Wujiao pork.

The Wuzhi Mountain area of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park lies in a transition zone between Asian tropical rainforests and monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forests — supporting a unique tropical rainforest ecosystem on a continental island. [Photo/VCG]

In Baoting's Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone, you can splash about under waterfalls, soar along a zipline and take on canyon rafting — combining rainforest exploration with outdoor adventure.

Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone in Baoting Li and Miao autonomous county, Hainan, features waterfalls, lush tropical vegetation and outdoor adventure activities. [Photo/VCG]

🥥 Eat your way through Hainan
Half the joy of traveling lies in the food. When you visit Hainan, one of the best ways to get to know this tropical island is through its local specialties.

Coconut chicken hotpot: Chicken cooked in coconut water, with tender meat and a naturally sweet, refreshing broth.

Coconut chicken hotpot, a Hainan specialty featuring tender chicken cooked in naturally sweet coconut water. [Photo/VCG]

Qingbuliang: A cool and refreshing dessert made with coconut milk and ingredients such as mung beans, barley and watermelon.

Qingbuliang is a refreshing Hainan dessert that visitors just adore. [Photo/VCG]

Zaopocu hotpot: A Hainan-style sour-soup hotpot that's especially delicious with seafood and sea vegetables.

Zaopocu hotpot, a Hainan-style sour-soup hotpot often served with seafood and sea vegetables. [Photo/VCG]

Laobacha: Pair a pot of tea with snacks such as pineapple buns, shrimp dumplings and rice noodle rolls, and enjoy a taste of Hainan's laid-back afternoon tea culture.

Laobacha, a teahouse tradition unique to Hainan featuring an abundant spread of pastries, dim sum and local snacks. [Photo/VCG]

A dining tip: Try restaurants that are very popular with local residents. They're often a good way to sample authentic local flavors at more affordable prices.

Transportation guide
1. Rent a car and drive: Hainan's expressways are toll-free. Rental outlets are widely available near airports and high-speed railway stations. During holidays and peak travel periods, it's advisable to book your car in advance.

2. Island-circuit high-speed railway: The railway connects cities including Haikou, Wenchang, Wanning, Lingshui, Sanya and Danzhou. The journey from Haikou to Sanya takes about two hours, while Wanning to Lingshui takes around 30 minutes.

3. Public buses: City buses are really convenient for getting around urban areas. For travel between cities and counties, intercity buses operated by Hainan Haiqi Transportation Group Co Ltd are an option for visitors with more time to spare.

4. Getting to Hainan: Compare airfares to Haikou and Sanya before booking your flight. If flights to Haikou are more affordable, you can fly there first and then take the high-speed railway south.

Things to know before you go
1. Weather: Hainan may be affected by the outer circulation of a typhoon in late September. Do check the latest weather forecasts and typhoon updates before setting out, and adjust your itinerary according to weather conditions.

2. Identification: Foreign travelers should carry their passports or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards with them.

3. Sun and mosquito protection: Hainan has strong UV exposure, so be sure to pack sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing. If you're heading to the beach or a tropical rainforest, it's also a good idea to bring insect repellent.

For this Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday, come to Hainan to feel the sea breeze, watch the waves, explore the rainforests and savor the local flavors — making the island's irresistible tropical charm an unforgettable part of your 2026 holidays.