Day Trips from Hainan. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Wuzhizhou Island 蜈支洲岛

Wuzhizhou Island is a premier destination for aquatic sports and relaxation. It offers beautiful beaches, clear waters, and scenic spots.

Travel to Houhai Village pier by local bus, taxi, or Didi (approximately 30-45 minutes from Sanya city center). From the landing stage, a regular ferry service is approximately 20-30 a short time to reach the island. A full day allows for thorough enjoyment of the island's offerings.

Trip Planning

Ferry and local transport readily available.
Allocate a full day for exploration.
Organized tours and independent travel options.
Booking available via GetYourGuide.

More Island Adventures & Culture

Discover more of Hainan's distinct islands, rainforests, and cultural sites.

Boundary Island 分界洲岛

Often deemed a quieter alternative to Wuzhizhou, Boundary Island also has beautiful beaches, clear waters, and good opportunities for snorkeling and diving.

Getting There

Approximately 1.5 hours drive northeast of Sanya.
Short ferry ride from Lingshui pier.
Snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Nanwan Monkey Island 南湾猴岛

This special island reserve home to a large population of free-roaming macaques.

Access and Timing

Home to free-roaming macaques.
Scenic cable car ride from Lingshui pier.
Half to full day needed for exploration.

Cultural Highlights

Binglanggu Li & Miao Cultural Heritage Park 槟榔谷黎苗文化旅游区

Explore traditional villages.
Watch cultural performances.
Watch traditional crafts.
Often combined with Yanoda Rainforest.

Bo'ao Forum Site & Jade Belt Beach

Visit the modern conference site.
Explore the scenic Wanquan River estuary.
Discover Jade Belt Beach (玉带滩).
Accessible by high-speed rail to Qionghai.

Additional Excursions

Ancient Wanning City:Glimpse traditional Hainan life, local markets.
Tongguling Nature Reserve (Wenchang):Coastal mountain views, near Wenchang Space Launch Center.
Qianjiang Tielu National Wetland Park:Biodiversity and bird spotting inland.
Ganshiling Tropical Rainforest:Rainforest hiking and nature immersion.

Time Required (Ganshiling):Half a day, often combined with Binglanggu.
Time Required (Wanning/Tongguling):Can be explored as a day trip or longer.
Time Required (Qianjiang Tielu):Half a day for exploration.
Access:Accessible by bus, taxi, or Didi.

Planning Day Trips

Many day trip options exist from Sanya. Consider group tours for convenience or independent travel for flexibility.

Natural Escapes

Explore Hainan's breathtaking scenery beyond the main tourist beaches.

Jianfengling National Forest Park

For serious nature lovers and hikers, this well-preserved tropical rainforest is a compelling excursion, requiring more planning due to its remote location.

Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park

Situated above Yalong Bay, this features of the park lush rainforest, winding trails, and several suspension bridges, including a famous "Glass Bridge" with panoramic views.

Qianjiang Tielu National Wetland Park

Located in the central, inland part of the island (Qiongzhong), this wetland park holds significance for its biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities.

Baoting Rainforest

Head inland to Baoting. Relax at Guanziling Hot Springs and explore nearby rainforest. This destination provides a revitalizing getaway.

Activities & Access

Explore tropical rainforests.
Relax at natural hot springs.
Opportunities for light hiking.

Wuzhishan Mountain Adventures

Experience serious mountain hiking and visit remote Li and Miao ethnic villages for a cultural immersion. You can also include Qiongzhong in your plans.

Trekking & Culture

Challenging mountain hikes.
Ethnic village visits.
Deep cultural immersion.

Island Loop Highlights Multi-Day Summary

Start in Haikou:Qilou Old Street, Temple of Five Lords.

East Coast:Wenchang (coconuts), Qionghai/Bo'ao (Forum).

South Coast:Wanning (surfing), Lingshui (Monkey Island).

Sanya:Beaches, major attractions, day trips.

Western Side:Danzhou, Dongfang for rugged landscapes.

Transportation:High-speed rail connects all cities.

Longer Stays

For more time, combine Hainan with Southern China.
Direct flights from Haikou or Sanya connect to Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Flights also connect to Hong Kong and Macau.
Hainan serves as a tropical beach component of a broader itinerary.
Short flights make connections easy for regional travel.

Multi-Day Exploration

Island Loop: Coastal & Cultural 3-5 days

This efficient itinerary uses the high-speed rail to circumnavigate the island, covering coastal cities.

Route Segments

Haikou (2 days): Old Street, museum.
Wenchang (1-2 days): Coconuts, traditional villages.
Qionghai/Bo'ao (1-2 days): Forum site, boat trips on the river.

Inland Exploration: Nature & Heritage 2-3 days

Dive into Hainan's natural and cultural heart, experiencing mountains and ethnic villages.

Inland Journey

Baoting (1 day): Hot Springs, rainforest.
Wuzhishan (1-2 days): Mountain hiking, ethnic villages.
Private driver or organized tour recommended.

Coastal Adventures cont.

Continue your coastal exploration and discover the island's southern charms.

Southern Segments

Wanning (1-2 days): Riyue Bay surfing or Dongshan Lamb.
Lingshui (1-2 days): Monkey Island and Boundary Island.
End in Sanya (4-5 days): Beaches, major attractions, day trips.

Southern China Connections

Integrate Hainan as the tropical beach component of a broader southern China itinerary.

Logical Next Destinations

Guangdong Province: Fly or ferry to Guangzhou or Shenzhen.
Hong Kong: Direct flights from Haikou or Sanya.
Macau: Also direct flights from Haikou or Sanya.

Regional Travel Connections

These regions offer a blend of East and West, world-class dining, and unique city experiences, easily connected by short flights from Hainan.

Guangdong Province

A bustling urban experience with modern architecture and Cantonese cuisine in cities like Guangzhou or Shenzhen.

Hong Kong

A metropolis known for its unique blend of cultures, iconic skyline, and varied food scene.

Macau

Known as the "Las Vegas of Asia," Macau offers a mix of Portuguese and Chinese influences, historic sites, and entertainment.

Departure Options

Depart from Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) or take the high-speed rail back to Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) for your onward journey.

Day Trips from Hainan