Hainan Island, China, what kind of sea is there? Open left menu Hainan

Hainan is a tropical island belonging to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and is its province of the same name. Located in the south of the country, the island's territory is 34,438 sq. km, the length of the coastline is 1,500 km, the population is 9.1 million people. Hainan is translated into Russian as “an island south of the sea.”

The central and southern parts of the island are covered with dense forests, plantations of mangoes, bananas, pineapples, coffee, tea and coconuts. Industry is concentrated in the northern part of the island, in the area of ​​the island's capital - the city of Haikou (translated as "Sea Gate"), with a population of 2,046,189 million people, a developed recreation and entertainment industry, and a wide network of hotels of various levels.

A unique microclimate that allows recreation and swimming on a year-round basis, strict adherence to the environmental regime (within a radius of 100 km from the city of Sanya it is prohibited to locate any industrial production, discharge into the sea is prohibited, all sewer systems are looped to centralized treatment facilities), created and dynamically developing infrastructure international tourism, recreation and recreation, beautiful sandy beaches, complexes with radon and mineral springs, a network of tourist routes in the mountains and along the coast, excellent highways, the presence of memorable geographical places, ethnographic villages of national minorities - the indigenous population of the island of the Li and Miao peoples, proximity to Hong Kong and Macau - all this together and, first of all, ecology, distinguish Hainan Island from other resorts in Southeast Asia.

Current time in Haikou:
(UTC +8)

Visa

How to get there

Two major international airports in the cities of Haikou ("Camellia") and Sanya ("Phoenix") accept 384 domestic flights and 21 international flight. Regular flights on the Moscow-Sanya route are operated by Transaero airlines. They fly to Hainan charter flights various airlines from Russia - for example, from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, as well as cities in Siberia and Far East. As a rule, they all arrive at the airport in Sanya, the main tourist region of the island. Flight time from Moscow is about 10 hours, from Yekaterinburg due to its proximity to Asia - just under 8.

If you travel on your own or in the low season, you can fly to the city of Sanya with a transfer in Beijing, where they fly regular flights from many cities of Russia (from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok). You can also use connecting flights with transfers in other Asian cities - Dubai, Doha, Seoul and others.

Combinations are possible with different cities in China and using domestic flights, for example from Shanghai or Hong Kong. The closest flight is from Hong Kong (about an hour), but more often they fly through Beijing and Shanghai. The Beijing-Hainan flight lasts 4 hours, the Shanghai-Hainan flight lasts 2.5 hours.

Tour operators also offer programs with a transfer in Beijing, thus organizing combined tours that combine excursions around the capital of China and a vacation on a tropical island.

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Story

The map of China shows how similar the coastlines of the mainland Leizhou Peninsula and northern Hainan are.

The hypothesis of the origin of the island is based on this similarity, according to which its territory, even in the Tertiary period, represented a single whole with the mainland, and then, under the influence of tectonic movements, the earth’s crust in this place tore apart, and the narrow Hainan Strait was formed.

Volcanic activity in Hainan ceased 8,000 years ago, and is evidenced by numerous extinct volcanoes, the craters of which have tourist routes.

Another confirmation of once active volcanic activity on the island is the thermal springs. Scattered throughout the island, they are surrounded by cottage-style resorts surrounded by green tropical plants.

Climate and weather in Hainan

Hainan Island is often called " East Hawaii"due to its location at the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands. The island is washed by the waters of the South China Sea, and there are clear sunny weather more than 300 days a year. The amount of precipitation per year is 1500 mm. Hainan is the second largest (after Taiwan) and the only island in China with a tropical climate. Hainan Island has clean and healthy air. By the way, Nanshan Park, located on the island, is the only place in the world that meets international environmental standards - ISO 14000.

The average annual air temperature is + 24°C, water temperature is + 26°C. The average temperature on Hainan Island in January is about +22°C. The hottest months are July and August, when average monthly temperature temperatures reach 29°C, so try to avoid visiting the island at the height of summer. The golden season in Hainan is from November to May. The region is traditionally considered a “typhoon corridor”, so the island is a paradise for windsurfers.

Weather forecast

Wednesday
25.12

Thursday
26.12

Friday
27.12

Saturday
28.12

Sunday
29.12

Monday
30.12

on "Pogoda.Tourister.Ru"

Weather in Hainan by month

Temperature
daytime, °C
Temperature
at night, °C
Quantity
precipitation, mm
20 14 21
22 15 34
25 18 51
29 21 105
32 24 182
32 25 211
33 25 210
32 24 224
30 24 250
28 22 201
25 19 97
22 16 34

Reviews by month

January 7 February 5 March 3 April 7 May 16 June 9 July 2 August 2 September 12 October 6 November 6 December 2

Photos of Hainan

Transport

Taxi

The most comfortable way movement in the city. They guard tourists at all hotels; you can catch them on the street or call them by phone. At the entrance to the hotels, the doormen on duty give the tourist a coupon with the taxi number written in - in case he forgets something in the car. Tariffs vary widely among different companies and depend on the type of car. On average it is 10-12 yuan for the first 4 km and 1-2 yuan for each subsequent one. At night the tariff may be higher. It is usually written large on a piece of paper attached to the windshield or rear right door glass. The taxi driver takes money strictly according to the meter and returns the change in full, and upon the first request of the client, he is obliged to issue a check for the amount paid (each car has a cash register). It is impossible to catch a “private driver” in China: private transportation is prohibited as a phenomenon.

In Haikou and Sanya, the approximate fare is 1.6 yuan per km (minimum 7 yuan per landing). To get from Phoenix Airport to the center of Sanya (about 20 km) will cost about 45 yuan, to Yalong Bay - 80 yuan. It should be borne in mind that outside settlement, to which this taxi is assigned, the tariff increases to 2.7 yuan per km. Therefore, when traveling long distances, it is advisable to bargain and agree on a fixed amount, especially if you want to return with the same car. So, a trip from Sanya to Haikou and back will cost 600 yuan, which is much cheaper than the meter.

Trishaw

On the island there is such an exotic means of transportation as a rickshaw - by using its services, you can get to know the city in more detail. Traveling by pedicabs is not a cheap pleasure; the price must be agreed upon in advance. You can also use regular rickshaws. The fare for regular and pedicabs depends on the weight of the passenger and the distance. In addition, most hotels provide bicycle rental services.

Railway connection

In 2003, the first railway line connecting Hainan Island with Guangdong Province was put into operation. The journey takes 15 hours. The train follows the eastern route of the island, then enters the ferry and travels 30 km on the ferry. There are 3 trains per day.

Urban transport

There are two bus routes in the city of Sanya: 2 and 4. The distance between stops is 500 m.

There are also several minibus routes: from the city of Sanya to the Dragon Bay of Asia, to the End of the World Park and to the Nanshan Temple.

The bus station for long-distance buses is located on Jiefang Avenue. A bus to Haikou City departs every 20 minutes. Bus station opening hours: 7.00 - 23.00.

Car rental

Car rental in Hainan, as in all of China, is only possible with a driver.

Districts

The province consists of Hainan Island, Nansha, Zhongsha, Xisha Islands. The capital and largest city of Hainan province is Haikou. The city of Sanya and its surroundings is the largest tourist center of the island. Other important cities are Dongfang, Danzhou, Qionghai.

The origin of the island's capital, Haikou (translated as “Sea Gate”), dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). In the suburbs of Haikou, ancient monuments have been preserved. The most famous of them is the so-called “Idol of the Five Noble Men,” reminiscent of the fact that in imperial China the island served as a place of exile for disobedient officials who were disliked by the emperor.

In the southern part of the island is year-round resort Sanya is the main tourism center in Hainan. Around the resort in three bays (Sanya, Yalongwan and Dadonghai) are most of the hotels and the main recreation areas of the island. Charter flights from Russia arrive at Sanya Airport.

Beaches and bays

All beaches in Hainan resorts are municipal, equipped by caring hoteliers with everything necessary: ​​sun loungers, umbrellas and showers. The beaches are sandy and gently sloping everywhere, the water is warm and clear. The water in Yalong Bay is the cleanest, the sea is especially calm and slightly cooler than on other parts of the island’s coast. Large diving centers are located here. Surfers, on the contrary, prefer Dadonghai Bay.

The most popular hotels are in Dadonghai or Yalongwan. Each zone has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, the beaches of Dadonghai are often crowded: the local population comes there, but there are few sun loungers and umbrellas. The Chinese come to the beach not only to swim, but also to simply sit and admire the sea and watch the tourists. The Chinese themselves prefer to stay further from the sea - it’s cheaper. In Yalunwan, tourists will be alone on the beach, peace and tranquility are guaranteed. However, for evening entertainment you will have to go to Sanya (about 30 km and about 50 yuan). Sanyavan Bay is located near Sanya Airport, its infrastructure is still developing. The main disadvantage of this resort area is that all the beaches are across the road. The coastal waters here are not as clear as in Yalongwan, but the surrounding landscapes compensate for this.

Dadonghai Bay (Great East Sea)

Dadonghai, located near the city of Sanya, is considered the most beautiful beach in China. Dadonghai is several kilometers of snow-white sand, azure sky, clear sea water, and far out to sea - the sails of fishing junks and sampans, glowing in the evenings and attracting the inhabitants of the deep sea. Dadonghai is the center of the evening tourist scene, where fun and conversations in nightclubs, numerous fish restaurants and taverns do not stop until the morning. For many kilometers around there are vast spaces overgrown with palm trees, pineapples, mangoes and flowering cacti. This bay is the busiest - there are a large number of restaurants, cafes and shops.

Dadonghai is the most developed and democratic bay. It was here that the first tourists from Russia arrived, which largely determined the features of infrastructure development on its territory. There are many shops, cafes and restaurants here. Most of them are concentrated in the area of ​​the largest store in the bay, Summer mall. There is also a small fruit market here. Everything in the bay is aimed at the relaxation of Russian-speaking tourists. Signs and menus in Russian, Russian-speaking staff, assortment of goods, and the like. This bay is characterized by intense nightlife with all its manifestations. It offers diverse accommodation in a wide price range: from hotels with international star ratings to hostels and apartments. The beach area is quite developed; over the past two years, a large line of cafes and restaurants have been built along the beaches, which, however, have not narrowed the beach.

Yalong Bay (Dragon of Asia)

Yalong Bay is considered the most prestigious of all three bays - mainly 5* hotels of international chains with their own beaches are located there, but there are also hotels offering more economical holidays. The bay is located 25 km from the city of Sanya. Its 20 km long coastline of dazzling white fine sand resembles the shape of a moon. The water is clean and transparent. Here the lines between the surface of the sea and the sky are blurred. Locals call this bay Yaochi - "heaven on earth." It was here that the first Dive Club in China was created, and on one of the nearby islands a “Club for Tourists” was opened with the first “experimental” casino in China. The bay area does not yet have a lively infrastructure - restaurants, shops, bars and discos. All this is located on the territory of the hotels themselves. At the same time, in the central part of the bay there is a Shopping village, on the territory of which there are shops, a mini supermarket, a fruit shop and restaurants. In the evening there is live music. The second shopping and entertainment zone bazaar is also located in the center of the bay and is under formation. On the territory of the bay there is a popular tourist centre— Butterfly Gorge. Transport infrastructure is currently quite developed; in addition to taxis, you can use it to get around the bay and beyond tourist buses and minibuses.

In the coastal waters, shrimp, crabs, lobsters, lobsters, countless shellfish and tropical fish, moray eels, lampreys and many other species are caught. All this can be seen in the display aquariums of restaurants and taverns. Only live seafood is valued here. Any dish is cooked for no more than 5-7 minutes over an open fire in a huge frying pan with hot oil, adding various spices and seasonings - the Chinese know a lot about seafood and know how to cook it.

Sanya bay

Sanyavan Bay is the least visited by Russian tourists. There are hotels of 4* and 5* categories here. The main disadvantage of this bay is that the beaches of all hotels are across the road (except Kempinski 5*). This bay is also located close to the city, which is a definite plus for some categories of tourists. Sanyavan is a dynamically developing bay, in which several new hotels have opened in recent years. It is in this bay that there are a large number of seafood restaurants. You can get to the city and neighboring bays by taxi, regular and tourist bus.

What to see

Park "Edge of the World"

Located 23 km. west of Sanya city on the seashore. The landscape here is extremely beautiful. Boulders of bizarre shapes rise on the sandy beach. There is “The Stone That Supports the Sky”, “The Stone of a Broken Heart”, “The Stone is a Bachelor’s Refuge”, “A Labyrinth for Lovers”. The image of the "Wealth Stone" can be seen on the 2 yuan banknote. On one of the giant stones (10 meters high) you will see an inscription that this is where the extreme south of China is located - “The End of the World”.

Oceanarium

At the marine zoo you will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the life of 200 species of exotic fish and other inhabitants of the deep sea; see a performance of trained parrots, a sea lion show and a crocodile show. If you wish, you can feed the crocodile with a live chicken and take a photo with him hugging him, while getting a hefty dose of adrenaline. The park at the aquarium houses a unique collection of exotic birds from all over Southern China. You will have a unique opportunity to take a souvenir photo with 600-year-old sea turtles, as well as ride an ostrich.

Monkey Island

Located 80 km. from Sanya, area about 1000 hectares. The island is home to more than 2,100 monkeys, these are Guanxi macaques (Macaca mulatta). There is a cable car across the strait. From the cable car cabin you will be able to see the strait, the open sea, and the unique settlement of the “sea people” from a bird’s eye view. In addition to meeting wild monkeys, you will see the monkey circus. On the way back, you should definitely stop by the restaurant “on the water” and try a variety of seafood delicacies there. The excursion will bring pleasure to both children and adults. You will surely take away with you many interesting shots with funny and mischievous monkeys.

Nanshan Buddhism Center

The largest Buddhist Center in Asia, Nanshan, is located in the International Tourism Zone of the same name, located 40 km away. west of Sanya, at the foot of Mount Nanshan (South Mountain). Area 50 sq. km. The center opened in 1997. An ancient Buddhist temple was restored here and a huge landscape park. In the near future, on a man-made island connected to the shore by a thin isthmus, the construction of the temple of the Goddess of Mercy - Guanyin will be completed; a colossal (108 m) bronze statue of the Goddess rises above the temple.

It is carefully stored in a separate pavilion on the territory of the park. The world's largest golden statue of the goddess Guanyin weighing 140 kg. She is decorated precious stones and stands on a pedestal in the shape of a lotus flower made of white precious jade. This statue is not only included in the Guinness Book of Records, but at the same time it is the greatest Buddhist shrine: it contains particles of the ashes of Buddha. The statue consists of gold, jade, pearls and other valuable stones. It took 100 kg of gold to create the statue.

Li and Miao Folk Village

The Li people are the island's aborigines; they lived here long before the arrival of the Chinese. They live mainly in dense tropical forests on the mountain slopes in the center of the island. In ancient times, houses were built from grass, clay and bamboo. People traditionally eat rice, which is cooked in bamboo; vodka is made from glutinous rice. Clothes are made from homespun fabric and decorated with shells, corals, pearls, and copper bells. Previously, Li women had a tradition of tattooing their bodies, but now young women no longer do this. The Miao people are immigrants from the continent, famous as fearless warriors and have a rich, distinctive culture. In ancient times they lived in the mountains.

In the village you will see a wedding ceremony, dancing, and the life of this unique people. The Coconut Festival of the Li and Miao peoples is held on the 3rd of every month according to the lunar calendar, and in the evening of this day, artistic groups perform in Dadonghai Bay. During the holiday, a fair of various handicrafts opens. The charming landscape, national folklore, and hospitable people attract many tourists from both China and abroad.

Botanical Garden of Tropical Plants

Located near the Xinglong thermal radon springs. This is one of the largest tropical botanical gardens in China. Area 32 hectares, founded in 1957. It has more than 1000 species of various exotic plants and scientific work is being carried out to study them. Fabulous natural Park where you can see diverse world tropical flora and fauna. A good opportunity to get acquainted with the culture and traditions, rituals and cuisine of countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, India and other countries.

The program includes a visit to the Xing Long Garden of Asian Traditions. The architecture of the garden is naturally made in traditional Asian style. An excursion to the botanical garden will leave an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves nature, and will also give the opportunity to taste different varieties of Hainanese coffee, which is grown under the generous tropical sun in ideal environmental conditions.

Butterfly Museum

The museum-reserve is located 30 km from the center of Sanya. Consists of two parts. The first houses a museum displaying a rich collection of butterflies and other insects from China, as well as tropical countries in Asia, America and Africa. The second part of the museum, the Butterfly Garden, is a small gorge with an area of ​​preserved real rainforest, where butterflies flutter freely under a huge awning. It is in the “Butterfly Garden” that endemic species live, the cost of which at international auctions reaches $20,000.

Tea ceremony

The tea ceremony is the art of brewing tea, which originated in China and has been refined over centuries. Tea is the most popular drink in China. Hainan Island, due to its climatic conditions, is a favorable place for growing elite varieties of tea, such as “Kuding”, “Snow tea”, “Favorite tea of ​​the imperial concubine” and other types. Visiting a tea ceremony will allow you to learn about the beneficial properties of each type of tea and methods its brewing, after familiarizing yourself with which, you can immediately purchase the tea you like.

Pirate Island

Relatively small island area 1.5 sq. km near Hainan (about 20 minutes from the pier by ship). Beaches with pure white sand, azure sea water, a rich underwater world of coral reefs, a full range of beach activities: glass-bottom boats, fishing, scooters, boat rentals, beach motorbikes and much more. There is also a small hotel and diving center on the island. The distance from the city is approximately 30 kilometers (to the pier), travel time is approximately 40 minutes.

West Island

There's a rich man on the island vegetable world, and the sea abounds in fish. Beach and water activities, such as snorkeling, parasailing, fishing, scooter, jet skiing, etc. Along with Pirates Island is great place for diving enthusiasts. There is a seafood restaurant on the island. Travel time is approximately 50 minutes.

Fishing on Lake Spokoinoye

In the vicinity of the city of Sanya there is a fishery where fishing enthusiasts can sit on the shore with a fishing rod and catch fish. Fishing gear is provided. The fish you catch can be cooked right on the spot. Enjoy catching fish, its taste and enjoy the surrounding landscape.

Bird Park "Flying World"

This is the largest tropical bird park in China: 200 species of incredibly beautiful, large and small, singing and talking representatives of the bird world. Only here you can watch cockfights and “bet” on an ostrich in ostrich racing, see a fascinating show of parrots and feed the majestic peacocks.

Taoist temple complex Dong Tian

Situated on a picturesque seashore 35 km west of Sanya city temple complex Dong Tian dates back more than 800 years. This place is sacred to all Chinese followers of Taoism, one of the most revered religions in China. According to legend, the southern dragon lives here - according to Taoist beliefs, one of the four rulers of the world, and followers of Taoism come here to worship the dragon and ask for his help in the temple built in his honor. In addition to Taoist temples and unique seascapes with bizarre piles of stone blocks, you can see an endemic of Hainan Island - the “dragon” palm, which is more than 6 thousand years old.

Zoo of crocodiles and tigers

This is a completely new zoo in Sanya; it began operating in April 2005. This zoo is home to more than 20 thousand crocodiles and more than two hundred tigers, which were brought from Thailand to the city of Sanya. At the zoo you will be presented with a tiger circus. You can also take a photo with a tiger cub and a small crocodile as a souvenir. This excursion will especially appeal to children.

Pearl Museum with Pearl Plantation

The museum was opened by the Chinese company Jingrun, the largest pearl mining and processing company in China. You will visit a real pearl plantation, as well as a museum where you will learn about the technologies of growing and extracting pearls, and you will be able to see rare specimens of pearls. Pearls are the pride and symbol of Hainan. Along with betel, tropical fruits and tea, it has been brought to the continent since ancient times and even supplied to imperial palace. Today, Hainan occupies a leading place in China in the production and export of high-quality pearls - the South China Sea, which washes Hainan, is the environment for the extraction of the best pearls in the world. If you wish, you can buy anything: there is a wide selection of products made from pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, cosmetics and medicines based on pearl essence.

Crystal Museum

There is a rich collection of crystal and other semi-precious stones here. In the museum you will learn a lot of interesting things about crystal and its varieties, the history of mining, processing technologies, and you will be able to purchase one of the many jewelry and souvenirs made from different types of crystal - white, yellow, green...

Park "Deer Turned its Head"

4 km from the city of Sanya there is the “Deer Wrapped Its Head” park on the mountain of the same name. At the top of the mountain there is a stone sculpture depicting, according to the legend about the origin of the park, a deer, a guy and a girl, 12 meters high and 9 meters wide. Park "Deer Wrapped Its Head" - the best place for an overview of the city at night.

Rainforest Fen Lin Day

The forests are located 130 km from the city of Sanya. The largest area of ​​all virgin tropical forests in the country. The only place in China suitable for scientific work under the UN Man and the Biosphere Plan.

Natural Zoo on the shore of Dongshanhu Lake

It is the largest reserve of tropical fauna and flora in Asia. The total area is 130 hectares. There are 1200 animals, more than 100 species. You can go on the excursion by jeep. Nearby there is a mountain called Dongshan (East Mountain). Its attractiveness lies in the fact that nature has “assembled” a unique collection here. huge stones, symbolizing the basis of the universe and having the most bizarre shapes. Moreover, each stone has its own name and is described in a special catalogue.

Dongshan Safari Zoo

Divided into two parts. In one, tigers, lions and bears walk freely, cutting circles around excursion cars with enchanted tourists. The second part can be walked safely: the tropical flora and fauna collected there are quite humane (in a good way) and will not leave anyone indifferent. There is also a unique animal called the tiger lion, which has been bred in China since 2001.

Tropical Park

Located in the Nanwan Reservoir area, 7 km from Wanning and close to the highway, it covers an area of ​​about 300 hectares. The park contains a botanical garden of tropical plants, where many species close to extinction are collected, and work is underway to protect and propagate them. The park is one of four state bases of sample genetic banks. The Chinese government recommended this park to the United Nations for inclusion in the list of 500 examples of ecological bases in the world.

Excursion to the crater of Ma An volcano

Located 14 km southwest of Qiongshan and 27 km from administrative center Haikou. Last eruption The volcano occurred approximately 40-50 thousand years ago. It is one of the best preserved extinct volcanoes peace. In the surrounding area, 72 grottoes were counted, formed as a result of the accumulation of igneous rocks. There are craters nearby active volcanoes Leihuling and Luojingpan. The steps to the crater are made of volcanic magma, the diameter of the crater is protected by railings and arranged in the form observation deck, from which you can look inside the crater. The neck of the crater is solidified lava, overgrown with dense bushes and tropical species of relict plants. The entire area is designed like a park, with an open-air restaurant located below in a palm grove. In front of the restaurant there is a large stage area where evening folklore performances by the island's aborigines - the Li and Miao peoples - are held.

Where to go in Hainan

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Where to eat and drink

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Leisure

Transport

Shops and markets

Wellness holiday

Private guides in Hainan

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Hainan in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Theaters

Qiong Opera (Hainan Opera) has a history of more than three hundred years. Qiongshan Gongzi Theater is a puppet theater performing in the tradition of Qiong Opera.

Linggao Puppet Theater is a type of puppet theater in which a person and puppets perform simultaneously on stage. The artist in makeup and the puppet he controls play the same role, and take turns performing lines and songs to traditional accompaniment on two sons.

Golf

Hainan offers its guests 18 golf courses that meet international standards. You can choose a suitable golf club: they are located in various parts of the island - by the sea, in the mountains, near business and medical centers.

Water activities

Spearfishing

Duration: 5 hours, maximum group size: 2 people. Cost: 2200 yuan - (approximately $297, per group). The price includes: instruction, equipment rental, boat rental, escort of a Russian-speaking divemaster, lunch from caught fish in a restaurant, transfer.

Sea fishing

Duration: 5 hours, maximum group size: 6 people. Cost: 6600 yuan (approximately $892, per group). The price includes: instruction, rental of equipment for fishing, snorkeling and hunting, escort of a Russian-speaking divemaster, boat rental (cabin, shower, toilet), soft drinks on board, lunch from caught fish in a restaurant, transfer.

Fishing from an anchored boat

Duration: 5 hours, maximum group size: 6 people. Cost: 4800 yuan (approximately $649, per group). The price includes: rental of fishing equipment, boat rental, soft drinks on board, accompaniment of a Russian-speaking divemaster, lunch from caught fish in a restaurant, transfer.

Diving

The only coral reserve in China is located near the city of Sanya. The underwater world has more than 600 species of underwater inhabitants. In addition, you can visit underwater caves, grottoes, sunken ships and aircraft. For tourists without a certificate, it is possible to dive with two accompanying PADI instructors.

Offered programs that you can find in the island's diving centers:

Discover Scuba Diving

This is the first step in amateur diving and the first step towards obtaining an international diver certificate. After completing this program, you will be issued a PADI (DSD) certificate, which allows you to dive up to 12 meters with a certified divemaster or instructor. Includes a theoretical lesson, training in the pool and one dive into the sea, which takes place in Xiao Dong Hai Bay, where you can enjoy the underwater world, see a variety of coral reefs and marine life.

Duration: 4 hours. Cost: 1800 yuan (approximately $244) per person. The price includes: theoretical classes, training in the pool, diving in the open sea, equipment rental, individual support of a Russian-speaking divemaster, transfer, PADI certificate (DSD).

DiscoverLocal Diving

This program is only available to certified divers. Diving into the sea takes place near the island of Fen Ji Jou, accompanied by a divemaster. A great opportunity to see sunken ships and warships, a variety of coral reefs and marine life.

Duration: 8-9 hours. Cost: 2000 yuan (approximately $270) per person. The price includes: equipment rental, individual support from a Russian-speaking divemaster, transfer.

Divemaster

Professional training for qualified PADI divers, giving them the right to employment.

Duration: 50 hours. Cost: 5800 yuan (approximately $784). The price includes: a course of lectures in Russian, training dives, educational literature, an international certificate, a diploma.

Scuba Review

This is a program to restore skills after a break from diving for more than 6 months.

Duration: 1 hour. Cost: 300 yuan (approximately $41) per person.

Diving in Xiao Dong Hai Bay

This is a one-time pontoon dive. For certified divers.

Duration: 1.5-2 hours. Cost: 880 yuan (approximately $119) per person (second cylinder - 420 yuan - approximately $57). The price includes: equipment rental, support of a Russian-speaking divemaster, transfer.

Night dive

Diving takes place in Xiao Dong Hai Bay. For certified divers.

Duration: 2 hours. Cost: 1080 yuan (approximately $146) per person. The price includes: equipment rental, support of a Russian-speaking divemaster, transfer.

Thermal springs

Hainan, among other things, is famous for its hot springs. The island has many thermal springs, the water temperature and chemical composition of which are different. There are springs on the coast, in the tropical forest, in the mountains, and near cities. Hot thermal water from 40 to 78 degrees in combination with traditional Chinese medicine gives amazing results. The main methods of treatment are Chinese massage, foot massage, acupuncture, bamboo cupping. Radon sources are suitable for the treatment of movement organs, radiculitis, rheumatism, gynecological diseases, and potassium-sodium sources treat the nervous system, skin, and respiratory organs.

The hottest spring is Guantan (the temperature of thermal waters is 70 - 90 degrees at the source) in the area of ​​​​the city of Qionghai. You can get there by taking a fascinating cruise along the Wanquan River (Ten Thousand Springs). The Starfish and Heavenly Dragon resorts are located near the Guantan Springs.

Xinglong Hot Spring Valley. It is located 120 km from Sanya towards Haikou, in the interior of the island and far from the sea coast. Travel time from Sanya is 1 hour 15 minutes, which makes this resort accessible to tourists who want to take various baths: from radon to potassium-sodium. There are more than a dozen hotels here, almost each of which has its own spring with a swimming pool. Among tourists, the most popular hotels are “Pearl” (4*) and “Kanle” (5*). Hotel Kangle (HNA Kangle Garden Resort 5*) is the largest hotel with thermal springs in Asia. The hotel has 575 comfortable rooms and 8 separate villas and a plunge pool thermal water. Guests have access to thermal springs with equipped swimming pools, a jacuzzi with thermal water, a regular swimming pool, a sauna, a gym, bowling, an 18-hole golf course, a tennis court, a SPA center, a business center, shopping mall, Center for Chinese Traditional Medicine and much more that will help you combine relaxation with medical procedures.

It is recommended to coordinate bathing in the springs with your attending physicians. The water temperature in the springs reaches 60 degrees Celsius, the water is rich in microelements and has “traces” of radon, helps with some skin diseases, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and relieves stress.

Hot springs "Nantian Resort & Spa". In 2005, this resort was included in the list of the best Chinese thermal springs. It is located 30 km. from Sanya. It consists of 36 pools of different temperatures and compositions, surrounded by greenery tropical garden; large swimming pool, Children's swimming pool with slides; several cafes. Bathing in the spring relieves stress and has a beneficial effect on the skin and joints. The thermal spring water is rich in fluorine, radon, and aqueous silicon.

The Sanya Pearl River Nantian Resort & Spa 5* hotel is located on the territory of the springs. The hotel has 128 comfortable rooms and cottages, each room of which has a personal swimming pool with thermal water. Guests have access to a tennis court, golf course, basketball court, 5 conference rooms, a chess and poker room, a SPA center, a beauty salon, a Chinese restaurant, and a tea house.

The fish therapy springs are located in the Phoenix area, a 15-minute drive from Sanya city center. This health complex, which consists of 1 large pool with fish from 1 cm to 10 cm, 1 pool with baby fish, 16 pools with thermal water of different temperatures, 1 pool with coconut milk, a pool with coffee and other pools, as well as 2 massage centers, where Chinese massage, foot massage, manicure, pedicure and other services are offered.

Swimming in a thermal pool (sodium bicarbonate) with fish cures skin diseases, relieves stress, and has a beneficial effect on rheumatoid arthritis and colds. The fish swim up to you from all sides and begin to gently bite your skin, thus exfoliating it.

SPA treatments

This relatively new trend in modern tourism has gained popularity on Hainan Island. All more hotels offers a variety of spa services. Let's give some examples.

Wrap (Detox). A well-warming wrap made from special spices, including ginger, pepper and clove seeds. This procedure improves blood circulation, increases metabolism and relieves muscle pain.

Bleaching. A simultaneously whitening and moisturizing treatment, this wrap consists of barley grains, lemon, cucumber and yoghurt with the addition of Chinese spices, for those who prefer fair and glowing skin.

Aroma massage. The procedure combines the traditions of the West and the East, using natural essential oils and professional massage technology.

Chinese massage "Tui-na". This is a strong body massage that was invented in China more than 2000 years ago, combining special art and the use of aroma oils.

Hot stone massage. Hot stones stimulate circulation and transport of oxygen to tired, tense muscles of the body. This thorough full body massage will restore the balance of energy in the body.

"Mandara" massage. This type of massage lasts 90 minutes and involves two massage therapists at the same time. This is a unique treatment that uses aromatherapy and a combination of five different types of full body massage (Shiatsu, Thai, Lomi, Swedish and Balinese).

Face mask “Oriental Pearl”. The oldest secret of beauty, which lies in pearl powder, after using which the skin looks young and healthy. Pearl powder contains a unique combination of natural elements and minerals and helps restore skin cells, making it smooth and soft. Duration 90 minutes.

Back care with Chinese herbs. This procedure consists of three parts. First, a herbal scrub is applied to cleanse and revitalize the skin. After cleansing, massage follows. The procedure ends with a compress of Chinese herbs, which relaxes the muscles and relieves tension throughout the body. Duration 90 minutes.

Lomi massage. An ancient form of Hawaiian massage provides holistic treatment for the body and soul. The massage, accompanied by dancing movements, soothes and restores the body. Massaging movements towards the heart will have a relaxing effect. Duration 90 minutes.

Traditional Chinese Massage. This massage method is based on the technique of pressing on vital points and stimulating them. This massage has been used since ancient times to treat various diseases, and it is still popular today. Duration 90 minutes.

Javanese Lulur. Traditional Indonesian massage, performed using aromatic products, is aimed at improving the condition of the skin. During the massage, chilled yogurt is also used to nourish the skin.

Tropical island scrub. A mixture of coconut and pineapple pulp is used for cleaning. This complex restores “tired” skin, filling it with vital energy. The intoxicating aroma will make you forget about everything.

Coffee scrub. The complex is aimed at improving blood circulation, making the skin smooth, and deeply cleansing pores. A mixture of coffee and essential oils is used for cleaning.

Therapeutic body mask “Boreh”. A popular healing procedure that involves using Chinese medicinal herbs to wrap the body. Thanks to these herbs, a certain temperature is maintained. The procedure has a very good effect on fever, headaches and aching joints. At the end of the procedure, a cucumber mask is used to reduce body temperature.

Mineral body mask. The procedure uses seaweed and various minerals that nourish the skin. The body is wrapped in a special blanket, which allows the beneficial substances to be better absorbed. This procedure also includes a face and hair mask.

Foot and hand massage. Feet and hands are steamed in a flower bath with the addition of essential oils. This procedure allows the whole body to relax.

Purchases

For a long time, for the West, China was primarily the birthplace of silk. Even the Greek name for China Seres, from which the names of China in most European languages ​​are derived, goes back to the Chinese word Si - silk. The birthplace of Chinese silk is located in the cities of Suzhou and Hangzhou. It was there that they first began to produce silk of the highest quality, which gained worldwide fame. The silk salon in Sanya is opened by one of the largest silk factories, where you can buy silk clothes, silk bed linen, silk embroidery and paintings made from this material. This is the largest store on the island.

In addition to pearls, you can bring tea and rock crystal from the island. Silk, porcelain, wood carvings, Buddhist souvenirs and Feng Shui symbols are also very popular among tourists.

Haixudonglu Street in Haikou (the capital of the island) is a place where prestigious shops are concentrated, and you can buy artistic crafts at the Cape Market “Land of Sky and Sea”. In the city of Sanya, the main department stores are located on Liberation Street in the city center.

- the largest agricultural market in Sanya, where you can buy seafood, tea, vegetables, and tropical fruits.

You can eat in Yalong Bay only in hotel restaurants, and since all the hotels are high-class, dinner in them will cost tourists an average of 20 USD (about 160 yuan). In Dadonghai, food is much easier; there are a lot of different cafes and restaurants near the hotels; dinner there will cost 6-10 USD (approximately 45-80 yuan).

Safety

Health insurance and medical assistance

When applying for a visa, a medical insurance policy for the period of the trip is not required. However, all tourists traveling to the island are strongly recommended to take out insurance. This is due active recreation and the possibility of injury. The policy does not cover treatment of chronic diseases and dental care. It should also be taken into account that no insurance company covers the costs of treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and diseases caused by alcohol and drug poisoning. Medical services received in China are paid for in cash. Upon returning to Russia, the tourist receives compensation from the insurance company upon presentation of invoices in accordance with the contract. If an insured event occurs, you must call the numbers indicated in the insurance and contact the hotel’s medical center. After calling a doctor, you must immediately call the service center indicated in the insurance policy and notify the insurance company about the use of medical services.

Where to call in case of emergency (phone numbers for Sanya city)

Safety

Take care of your bags in crowded places. Immediately put your passports and tickets in the hotel safe; passports are not required on the street. Do not carry large sums of money into the city. Sun loungers on the hotel beach are free in most cases. Beware of the scorching sun, you can get burned in 15-20 minutes. Best time for tanning from 8 to 11 am and from 16 to 19 pm. It is better to take sunscreen with you (with a coefficient of at least 20 units) - only Chinese brands with a whitening effect are sold on the island. Check your change carefully, you may come across counterfeit 10 and 50 yuan bills - they should not be torn at the edges, the texture of the paper is different, and Mao Zedong does not look like the one depicted on the bill.

In case of a conflict situation with police officers or traffic controllers, say “budun” (translated as “I don’t understand”), it often helps and they will leave you alone, even if you did something wrong.

You are not allowed to take photographs in temples. You can, standing on the street, try to film the inside of the room through an open door. But even if you film in a temple, no one will snatch your camera from you. They may simply ask you to leave the premises. Tourists are not recommended to photograph government institutions and strategic sites (even bridges and dams).

In general, the island is safe. At one time there were a lot of robbers on motorcycles snatching bags. The authorities then put up posters on the streets saying that in such cases it was okay to kill the robbers, which stopped the robberies. In any case, it is better not to put anything valuable in your handbags; in the city, stay away from the roadway.

A girl can travel unaccompanied, the people are friendly and it’s unlikely that anything will happen. There are a lot of police on the streets, you can walk safely even at night.

It is not recommended to use purchased food and drinks on the street, or to drink or eat in places outside the hotel that are questionable from a hygiene point of view. Wash your hands as soon as possible, and thoroughly wash all fruit with bottled water. mineral water, no matter where the fruit is purchased. Use bottled water for drinking as well, do not drink tap water.

In cities and resort areas there is practically no danger of encountering poisonous insects and predatory animals. However, when going to the beach, we must not forget that this is a tropical coast, and you need to be careful when swimming. As in any other warm seas, it is better to swim in the sea only in special slippers.

A foreigner in China should always carry a hotel business card with an inscription in Chinese, or a card with his data filled out by any Chinese translator. It must be presented local residents in the event that a tourist gets lost in the intricacies of the streets.

A Russian passport is of great value to some Chinese, since there is a problem of illegal migration to Russia and further to the West. If you lose your passport, immediately contact the Embassy or Consulate. In difficult cases, also do not hesitate to contact the Russian Embassy, ​​where there is an attendant on duty around the clock.

Personal first aid kit

All medications that you constantly use at home must be present in your personal first aid kit. In addition, you must have a supply of drugs that you trust that facilitate and improve digestion. Remember that even in the best hotels, when preparing European cuisine, local water is used, which can negatively affect your stomach.

Where to stay in Hainan

The surrounding area of ​​Sanya, the most tourist area of ​​the island, is lined with a variety of hotels. various categories. In the Dragon of Asia Bay (Yalunwan), 25 km. from the city, the most fashionable 5* hotels are located, such as Crowne Plaza Sanya, Mangrove Tree Resort, Sheraton Resort, Sanya Marriott Resort& Spa, Resort Horizon and others.

In Dadonghai Bay, located 3 km. from the city center, you can stay in hotels such as Pearl River Garden Hotel 4*, Resort InTime 5*, Shanhaitian5* and others. In Sanya Bay, as the closest to the city, there are hotels of various categories, as well as inexpensive hostels and guesthouses. You can view complete information about hotels on the island in the special section “Hotels in Hainan”.

In addition to the traditional hotels presented above, you can , this may be convenient for some categories of tourists - families with several children who prefer to cook for themselves, and so on.

Booking.com offers more than 1,690 hotels in Hainan for booking. You can select a hotel using a variety of filters: hotel star rating, hotel type (hotel, apartment, villa, hostel, etc.), cost, hotel location, ratings of people who visited the hotel, Wi-Fi availability and much more. .

We are studying reviews of vacationers in Hainan in 2018-2019. We get to know the weather, beaches, attractions and entertainment.

Hainan Island, according to reviews from tourists, is not like: the title of the main resort of the country has left its mark on the way of life and the atmosphere of the place. Due to its geographic location, it is often referred to as East Hawaii. It is sunny most of the time, and even on the harshest winter days the temperature does not drop below +20°C. Thanks to its climate and well-developed infrastructure, Hainan Island in China has become a popular holiday destination not only for local residents, but also for foreign tourists.

About holidays in Hainan in 2018-2019

Holidays on Hainan Island are good opportunity go diving and surfing, try out effective methods of Chinese medicine, learn cultural traditions countries. Treatment in Hainan, according to reviews, is considered inexpensive by the standards of Southeast Asia.

In reviews of China in 2018, tourists note that the weather allows them to vacation in Hainan all year round. The coastal strip is well-groomed and wide, with fine light sand. But the beaches on the island are municipal and almost always crowded. In Chinese New Year the beaches are simply crowded, and some tourists are annoyed by the noise and unceremoniousness of the Chinese, although you can avoid contact with the local population by staying in a tourist area Yalongwan. The holiday there is secluded, but the cost is quite high.

Yalong Bay (Photo © wikimedia.org / Jie Yang)

The food in the cafe is delicious and good quality, there are many restaurants specializing in seafood, but everything costs a lot of money, so in Hainan, according to tourists, it is better to check the price per dish when ordering. Judging by the reviews, shopping lovers also risk being disappointed in Hainan: you can buy anything here, but it’s hardly profitable, even the prices in duty-free are not at all encouraging.

Are you planning a trip to Hainan in 2019? You will find our article about food, hotels, tickets, transport and excursions useful.

(Photo © low.lighting / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Weather in Hainan

The average annual air temperature is +24°C. The lowest temperatures are observed in January (+20...+22°C), the highest in July - from +32°C and above.

The most suitable time for rest is considered to be the period from November to May. At this time in Hainan, according to tourists, the weather is warm and dry. In winter, precipitation is minimal - no more than 34 mm per month, temperature indicators are unstable, there may be cold currents off the coast, strong winds and night temperatures down to +14°C. The water temperature in the sea is usually higher than the surrounding air, and it can be quite chilly when leaving the water.


Dragon of Asia Bay (Yalun Bay) is the most prestigious of the three bays in Hainan (Photo © alekskai52 / flickr.com)

The best beach season on the island in November And from March to June: during the day +29...+30°C, water +26...+28°C. From the end of May the air temperature rises above +30°C, and all summer until the end of September the heat is accompanied by heavy tropical downpours. Because of this, on Hainan Island, according to reviews, the weather becomes humid and hot, like in a steam room.


Tianya Haijiao Beach in Sanya (Photo © Mark爱生活 / flickr.com)

Entertainment and attractions

Lovers diving will have a great time on the island. A luxurious coral reserve is located near the city of Sanya: more than five thousand representatives of flora and fauna, as well as underwater caves and grottoes with sunken ships. Good dive sites can be found in the Yalong Bay area, as well as on West Island and Pirates Island. Both of these islands are located near Hainan - 40-50 minutes away by sea. Here tourists can take a training course, rent equipment and go explore underwater depths South China Sea. Surfers usually prefer Dadonghai Bay.

In addition to traditional beach activities, spearfishing, fishing, surfing and diving, the island offers its tourists a rich excursion program. Most of the attractions are natural, so the most suitable period for excursions in Hainan, according to tourists, is the dry season.

Climbing the volcano, visiting the botanical garden, aquarium, zoos and monkey island, the "Edge of the World" park and other interesting sites are popular. Hainan is also a major supplier of pearls in the region. After visiting the pearl plantation, you can purchase any product or stone you like.


A cruise ship in the port of Sanya (Photo © 12019 / pixabay.com)

If the trip occurs during the cool winter period, when swimming in the sea becomes not too comfortable, you can visit the local thermal springs. Thus, a kind of balneotherapy center on Hainan Island became Xinglong is a valley of thermal springs located 1.5 hours drive from the city of Sanya.

There are several hotels in the valley, each of which has its own wellness center. The centers use various methods of therapy: acupuncture, bamboo cupping, swimming with fish, etc. Whitening and cleansing SPA treatments using coffee, coconut and pineapple pulp, wraps with seaweed and minerals, massages using essential oils and stones are popular. , herbal and pearl masks, Chinese and Indonesian traditional massages. Judging by the reviews, prices for such services in Hainan are quite reasonable.

During the winter, the island hosts several vibrant and noisy events: a wedding festival, a beer festival, a Christmas festival and an orchid festival. Tourists interested in ancient culture will be able to visit the Dong Tian temple complex, the Nanshan Buddhist center and the village of Li-Miao - the aborigines who inhabited the island before the arrival of the Chinese.

Several elite varieties of Chinese tea are also grown on the island, and after familiarizing yourself with the tea ceremony, you can purchase any of the varieties you like.

(Photo © llee_wu / flickr.com / License CC BY-ND 2.0)

Beaches

All beaches on the island are sandy and well equipped. Dadonghai Bay is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Palm trees and mangroves create a life-saving shade, and the bay itself is shaped like a crescent. The entire coastal strip is dotted with cafes and shops, so it is always crowded and lively. Local beaches They are mega-popular, and at times there are even more people here than a person would like on vacation.


Dadonghai Bay in Hainan (Photo © wikimedia.org / Anna Frodesiak)

Sanyavan Bay is located near Sanya. The infrastructure here is just developing: judging by the reviews of tourists who visited Hainan, these are mainly 4* and 5* hotels. All the beaches are located across the road, so the place has not gained much popularity among our compatriots.


Sanyavan Bay in Sanya (Photo © wikimedia.org / Tanya Dedyukhina)

According to many tourists, the most best beaches located in Yalong Bay. Largely thanks to this place, holidays in China on the island of Hainan are especially popular. It has the clearest water and the longest coastline - almost 20 km of dazzling sand. Here are the most major centers for diving and the most expensive hotels in Hainan, according to tourists. This area is prestigious tourist area, although somewhat distant from all city entertainment - the city of Sanya is almost 30 km away.


Yalong Bay (Photo © alekskai52 / flickr.com)

Introductory image source: © See-ming Lee / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0

History, geography and climate

For a long time, the inhabitants of the island did not even know about the amazing history of its origin, but the era of careful and accurate mapping allowed scientists to compare the coastline of Hainan and the Laizhou Peninsula. The results amazed everyone: it turned out that these lands were once a single whole, but the active tectonic movement of plates in the region led to their split, and the island began to gradually move away from the mainland.

Dadonghai Bay

For centuries, waves of constant earthquakes and volcanic activity rolled through it, which completely subsided 8 thousand years ago. Calm Hainan with its amazing climate eventually began to attract the attention of residents of other areas, and now this island accommodates approximately 8 million people on its territory.

Physical map of the island

It is no coincidence that Hainan is compared to Hawaii, because the weather here is truly heavenly. Even in January, when we are used to wrapping ourselves in warm fur coats and scarves, the inhabitants of the island bask in the rays of the sun at an air temperature of 25 °C. Of course, in such weather conditions and the water in the South China Sea hardly cools down, staying at 26 °C all year round. Thus, the climate itself would be enough for tourists from all over the world to come here, but Hainan presents many surprises both in the field of entertainment and in health opportunities.

Sunset on the shore of the South China Sea

Recreation and wellness: hospitals of Hainan

Fruit vendor on Sanya beach

Vacation time is the only period of the year when a person remembers the most important resource of his body - health. When going on a trip, many tourists plan their route in such a way as to be sure to visit health-improving places that can replenish their vitality for the entire coming year. Of course, Western medicines in the form of tablets or procedures with drugs are familiar to us. But the pharmaceutical effect on the body does not cover the entire variety of existing techniques, especially when it comes to oriental medicine.

Acupuncture is one of the popular areas in traditional Chinese medicine.

Hainan Island is one of the most popular centers of alternative medicine throughout Asia. It organically combines comfortable hotel complexes on the seashore and various medical institutions. A special advantage of health procedures on the island is the materials with which doctors work. The fact is that the flora of the island is so diverse that local residents have been perfecting their ability to extract the most useful substances from each plant for centuries. Thanks to this painstaking experimental work, Hainan was able to become famous throughout the world for its phytotherapeutic practices.



The range of diseases that doctors work with on Hainan Island is extremely wide. Every year hundreds of thousands of people come to these places who want to overcome their ailments. The most popular areas of treatment are the following:

  • Diseases of the joints, in the fight against which compresses from herbal infusions, acupuncture and bamboo sticks are used. These procedures restore blood circulation in problem areas and can completely eliminate pain in 10 sessions.
  • Combating nicotine addiction with inhalations and chest warming.
  • Fast and effective weight loss, carried out through acupressure, which helps break up and reduce subcutaneous fat deposits.
  • Elimination of pain symptoms during menopause. After a full examination, specialists develop an individual program that combines herbal compresses, acupuncture and bathing in thermal springs, which helps normalize the functioning of the female body.
  • Reducing the effects of a recent stroke, which is achieved by stimulating the nerve endings with special needles.

Deserves special attention water treatments. The fact is that previous volcanic activity on the island of Hainan gave local residents many springs with enriched waters, swimming in which gives incredible results.

Most often, tourists go to the Xinglong Valley, where there are many thermal streams. Here you can simultaneously find both radon and potassium-sodium thermal baths, the water in which ranges from +45 °C to +65 °C. The small town is surrounded by tea and coffee plantations, the products of which can be easily purchased at local markets. Despite the compact size of the settlement, travelers can stay in comfortable villas and hotels, the level of service in which is in no way inferior to European hotels.

Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park

Another popular destination for thermal water treatments is Nantian. The attractiveness of the springs lies in the fact that they are designed in the form of many small hot pools. Having received preliminary consultation from a specialist, patients soak in the thermal baths for hours, relaxing and saturating their bodies with health.

Old people talking

Of course, there are many places on Earth known for their health resorts, but what makes Hainan Island so special? First of all, it's incredible low prices for procedures and related services, a vacation in this area is very affordable for tourists. Secondly, and this is the most important thing – the amazing health of the island’s inhabitants. The fact is that a huge number of centenarians live here who have passed their 100th birthday and continue to be in good health. And this is perhaps the most important indicator of the effectiveness of local procedures.

Beach holidays and entertainment in resort towns

Hainan attracts not only those who want to improve their health, but also those who prefer a beach holiday. To understand the geography of the island, it is most convenient to divide it into three zones in accordance with the bays along which they are located.

Dadonghai Bay is one of the most popular holiday destinations. There are hotels of all categories here, and snow-white beaches from afar attract those who want to plunge into the azure waters of the sea. Along the entire coastline there are shops, cafes and markets where you can buy anything. This place is a favorite among young people, as it is easy to find bars and discos of various styles and formats.

Yalong Bay is aimed at wealthy tourists, so most hotels have 5-star status. Leaving the hotel, you immediately find yourself on a private beach with white sand and clear water. The cleanliness of this area immediately led to the emergence of diving clubs. Exciting dives to the bottom are regularly held here, where you can watch the fantastic life of exotic marine life.


Sanyawan Bay is the most economical option beach holiday. This is due to the not-so-convenient infrastructure, because in order to get to the sea, tourists are forced to cross the road every time. But saving money on a hotel allows travelers to visit more attractions and unique places on Hainan Island.

Cultural and natural attractions

Center tourist life island is the city of Sanya. It features convenient transportation, which allows you to visit any corner of Hainan. After driving just 20 minutes along the coastline, you can find an amazing park with a curious name – “Edge of the World”. In our understanding, the park area should be covered with lawns and trees, but in China there are completely different ideas on this matter. “Edge of the World” is a huge beach on which giant boulders are randomly scattered, left as a memory of past volcanic activity on the island. Almost every cobblestone has its own name, and some of them are so popular that they are depicted on local banknotes. And the very name of the park duplicates the inscription on one of the stones. She says that this place is the most extreme point the land part of all China.

Park "Edge of the World"

After driving another 10 km in the same direction, you can reach Mount Nanshan, at the foot of which is the largest center of Buddhism on the continent. On a huge territory of 50 sq. km there is a unique park, the landscape of which is made according to all the laws of the Eastern tradition. An artificial island was built not far from the coastline, and a huge temple was erected on it to worship the Goddess of Mercy. The real highlight of the island is the golden statue of Guanyin, encrusted with precious stones and pearls. The height of the sculpture with a pedestal is 108 m, which makes it possible to rank the stone image of the goddess among the top five tall statues peace.

Li and Miao Village

Also 35 kilometers from Sanya there is a huge temple complex, which is constantly attended by Taoist monks - representatives of one of the most revered beliefs in China. According to legend, it is in this place that the southern dragon lives, ruling a quarter of the world. A visit to this zone does not require any involvement in religion, but allows you to get acquainted with such unusual rituals of a completely different culture.

Villagers at work

For those interested in the cultural characteristics and folklore of the Chinese, a must-see is the village of the Li and Miao people. The inhabitants of this settlement are descendants of the island’s aborigines; they attract tourists by demonstrating the life of their ancestors. Here you can see buildings made using ancient technologies of mixing grass and clay, dances, weddings and other everyday and festive rituals. It is worth finding out in advance about the schedule of events in order to get to the brightest of them.

Fans of exotic flora and fauna will be interested in visiting the botanical gardens and zoos of Hainan. Near Sanya there is a nature reserve where you can see thousands of species of butterflies. In one part, visitors are introduced to the museum’s classical collection, but the “live” component is of greatest interest. Next to the building there is a tropical forest with a gorge in which many rare species flutter.

How to get to Hainan Island

There are two international airports on the territory, which receive several dozen planes from different parts of the world every day. Several flight methods are available to residents of the Russian Federation, each of which has its own advantages.

It is convenient to fly to Hainan to the airport in Haikou, where Hainan Airlines operates direct flights from Moscow. Typically, such a flight takes about 10 hours; its main advantage is the ability to obtain a visa right at the airport. To do this, you must have with you a foreign passport (received no later than 6 months before departure), one color photograph 3.5x4.5 cm, an invitation from an individual or legal entity and $65 to pay for the visa itself. Thus, by choosing a direct flight, you will be freed from the need to visit the Chinese Embassy and, moreover, you will be able to extend your visa two more times for a total of 30 days, simply by going to the airport.


In addition, many flights are accepted by the city of Sanya. The recently renovated local air gate building is equipped with all the technological achievements of modern science, and new terminal allowed to increase the flow of tourists several times.

There are two easy ways to get from airports to resort towns Hainan Islands. For passengers whose plane lands in Haikou, some airlines provide free Shuttle Buses. If the ticket does not include additional service, you can go to the hotel by bus or taxi, the parking lot of which is located right next to the exit. Sanya Airport provides the same opportunities, but due to its close location to resort towns, transportation usually takes about 15–20 minutes and costs about $2.

Moving around the island itself while on vacation will also not be difficult. Buses constantly run between the cities, transporting tourists to the most popular places, and for those who wish to visit remote corners of Hainan, taxi services are always available. The easiest way to get around inside cities is on foot or by using the services of so-called pedicabs, which will take you to the right place for a reasonable fee.

Hainan Island is the southernmost Chinese province, the capital of which is located in. Due to the climate, geographical location and tropical forests among tourists, the island received a second name - “East Hawaii”. Most of the tourists who come here are attracted primarily by beach holidays. Therefore, many are interested in the question of which sea washes Hainan. There are people who are sure that this is not a sea at all, but the Pacific Ocean. Let's try to dot all the i's.

What washes Hainan: sea or ocean waters

The name of Hainan Island translates as “south of the sea”. Many, going to the island, believe that it is surrounded by South China Sea. However, this is a misconception. Its northern part, located in the vicinity of the city of Haikou, is washed by the Qiongzhou Strait, which is a part of the South China Sea. The western side of the island is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.


Being in Hainan, you can say that this is a vacation on the Pacific coast. Such a statement will not be wrong, because it is part of this ocean.

Attention! From a scientific point of view, it would be true to say that rest takes place during sea ​​coast(if it is Sanya or nearby resorts).

Sea state

It is not enough just to know which sea, strait or bay washes the island. Before you come to the island, you need to find out what condition its reservoirs are in. Few people care about the condition of the Qiongzhou Strait and the Gulf of Tonkin, because the lion's share of tourists prefer to relax in the area washed by the South China Sea.

The sea water there is quite clean, since the Chinese government takes special care of cleanliness sea ​​water in this area. It is only undesirable to swim in places near the port.

Almost all beaches in the vicinity of the city of Sanya have a convenient entrance to the sea, which is clearly visible in the photo. Many tourists prefer Haitan and Yaluvan Bays for recreation. And families who come to the island with children, or people who are not very good at swimming, choose Dadonghai Bay. The water there is calmer, so swimming in it is not so dangerous.

Hainan is a very famous surfing destination in Asia.

Beach season

Unlike other provinces in China, Hainan Island enjoys beautiful summer weather throughout the year. Thanks to the tropical monsoon climate on the island, the beach season continues all year round: in both the winter and summer months, the air temperature in Hainan never drops below 23 degrees, and the sea water is constantly warm.

Tourists who want to splash a lot in the warm sea can safely plan a visit to the island starting from May and ending in October. There is a risk of heavy rains during this period, but they do not rain all the time. Vacationers will have a lot of time to spend carefree on the beaches of the island.

Those tourists who are satisfied with moderately warm weather and their plans do not include swimming, or the sea water temperature of 22-25 degrees is quite comfortable for them, can safely go to. The high season here lasts until April. During this period, many tourists living in countries with cold climates relax on the beaches of Hainan. Despite the fact that the temperature of sea water in winter reaches 25 degrees, it is not very pleasant to leave it, since the air temperature does not exceed 20 degrees. In addition, in winter there is a fairly cold wind blowing here. In the evening, the air temperature drops even lower, so you have to keep warm with warm clothes.

Sanya or Nha Trang

These two resorts, located on the coast of the South China Sea, are very popular among Russians. Since they have many similar characteristics, tourists often have a dilemma: to relax in Sanya or choose Nha Trang. Let's try to answer this question using various criteria.

Weather

Since Sanya and Nha Trang are located at a relatively short distance from each other, their climate is very similar. However, Sanya has a distinct rainy season and a dry season. From December to March, rainy weather prevails in Sanya, and in Nha Trang the most rainfall occurs in December. Therefore, when choosing a resort, you need to take into account the time when you are planning your vacation.

Flight and transfer times to the hotel

In this regard, Sanya and Nha Trang are also equivalent. Both cities can only be reached by charter, and the flight itself takes the same amount of time. Travel from airport to hotel complex in both cities it takes approximately the same amount of time.

Characteristic

Both cities are quite big cities, on the territory of which in large quantities There are multi-storey residential buildings. Both Sanya and Nha Trang have a large local population, so almost all the infrastructure is focused on them, and not on vacationers.

Hotels

If we consider both cities from the point of view of hotel infrastructure, there are a number of significant differences between Sanya and Nha Trang. In Nha Trang, hotels are multi-storey buildings that do not have their own beach area and are located either across the road from the beach, or on the second or even third line. If in these, then it is located on the roof of the building.

In Sanya, hotels are self-sufficient resort areas, on the territory of which, as can be seen in the photo, there are many green spaces growing. Each hotel has one or more swimming pools, private beach. Tourists can fully relax without leaving the hotel premises.

Beaches

Most tourists come to Nyan Trang and Sanya to enjoy the beaches. And they want to spend their vacation on an attractive and well-equipped beach. Similar beaches are located in the resort area near the city of Sanya. Here hotels have their own areas on the beach, on the territory of which there are sun loungers and other amenities.

Attention! Nha Trang hotels do not have their own area on the beach, so you will have to rent a sun lounger for an additional fee.

Cost of food, excursions

If we consider both resorts in terms of prices for food, excursions and transport, then Nyan Trang is in the most advantageous position. Near the hotels there are numerous cafes and restaurants with inexpensive cuisine. You will also have to pay less for excursions in Nyan Trang than in Sanya. A taxi ride will also be cheaper in Nha Trang.

What a sea in Sanya

Most tourists visiting have no idea what sea lies behind this resort town. They don’t study this in school geography lessons, and not everyone looks at a map.

Many people think that Sanya is washed by ocean waters. Some claim that these are the waters of the Pacific Ocean. This opinion is at least somewhat similar to the truth. Sometimes people put forward absolutely fantastic versions, as if the resort town is being washed Indian Ocean.


In fact, everything is clear with the island of Hainan and the city of Sanya - they are washed by the South China Sea. Since the sea is part of the Pacific basin, the opinion that Sanya is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean is not erroneous.

Attention! The only correct answer to the question of which sea washes the city is the statement that it is the South China Sea.

Floods and tsunamis on the island

The Southeast part of Asia is an area where such events occur quite often. natural disasters like floods and tsunamis. Since tsunamis occur very rarely in the South China Sea, they practically do not threaten the island.

According to historical data, the most destructive tsunami was recorded on Hainan Island in the 15th century. It arose from the south, and a new tsunami with a high degree of probability could come from the same place. This means that everyone has a risk of falling into the zone of its destructive influence. famous resorts islands.

Attention! Fear of a tsunami is not a reason to refuse to visit Hainan, because China has been using a system warning of the approach of a natural disaster for a long time. Therefore, the approaching tsunami will be known in advance, which will allow you to leave the danger zone in a timely manner.

But flooding on the island is a fairly common occurrence. Heavy rains in October 2010 provoked severe floods, which required the urgent evacuation of over 120 thousand people from Hainan. Another major flood occurred on the island at the very end of 2013. It was completely unexpected, since the dry season continues on Hainan Island from November to April.

Conclusion

Hainan Island is an excellent option for a good beach holiday. Here any vacationer can find a resort and hotel that meets his needs and is suitable for him at a price. A big plus is that the beach season on the island lasts all year round. This is very convenient, because it is not always possible to go on vacation in the summer months.

Let's share important information about the Chinese island of Hainan. Let's talk about the climate, attractions and specifics of recreation in a distant province. Read it!

Located in the south of the People's Republic of China paradise- Hainan Island. Previously, nobles and nobles were exiled here, but now it is a developed tourist center. Translated from Chinese, the name means “South of the Sea”.

Trip review

“Initially, we didn’t even consider China. For wallowing on the beach, we chose between Turkey and Tunisia. But the manager literally “persuaded” us to China, cementing the effect with gorgeous photographs of hotels. As it turned out later, our hotel was located on the very outskirts of Sanya Bay. Far from the bustle of the city and civilization..."

On the map

The province is located in the very south of China and consists of one large and a number of small islands.

  • The territory of the main island is 33,920 square meters. km.
  • It is washed by the South China Sea.
  • The coastline stretches for one and a half thousand kilometers.
  • 8.18 million people live on the island.


How to get there

There are almost no direct flights from Russia. The exception is charters from Moscow. A popular route is to fly to Guangzhou and then take a bus or train. The final stage will be a ferry journey to the provincial capital of Haikou.

  • Travelata, Level.Travel, OnlineTours - look for the hottest tours here.
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  • Cherehapa - take reliable insurance.

Weather in the province

IN this region China has a tropical climate. The weather here is sunny and clear. The average annual temperature is +24˚С. The water in the sea is warm, its average is +26˚С. The season starts at and continues until . In winter, the weather on the island is cool, with an air temperature of 19-25˚C. The summer months are accompanied by intense heat, up to 33˚C, and an abundance of precipitation - this is the time of seasonal rains.

Visa

For Russians there are three options:

  1. If this independent trip, then you need a Chinese visa type “L”. You can obtain it from the Chinese Consulate.
  2. If, after arriving in Hainan, you need to travel to mainland China, you can apply for a single-entry visa upon arrival. It is done for 15 days. You can read here.
  3. When traveling around package tour visa-free visit to the island is possible. The travel agency will have to include you on a special list to cross the border.

Interesting fact

For a long time the island was a depressing place. Its tourism potential was revealed only after the reforms of 1987-1988. Currently, the construction of factories is limited here so as not to deteriorate the quality of air and water.

Resorts

The following locations are of interest to tourists:

  1. Haikou is the provincial capital, although it lags behind other Chinese cities on the mainland in terms of development. This is a tropical city surrounded by coconut palms. The ancient architecture in the center is of interest. But the main attractions are located in the vicinity of the capital at a distance of 15-30 kilometers. Preserved here historical monuments since the Ming Dynasty, including the famous Wugong Temple, the tomb of Hai Rui and the academy, which was built in honor of the scientist Qiu Jin.
  2. Sanya is a popular resort in Hainan. There are beautiful beaches, parks and antiquities. The Nanshan temple complex is of particular importance. Sanya is also famous for its thermal springs. Entertainment: diving, surfing, paragliding.
  3. Yalong Bay is an elite place. The most prestigious hotels on the island are located here. The bay area is surrounded by green parks (Valley of the Butterflies, Yanoda Rainforest, etc.). Local hot springs are included in the list of the most beneficial thermal waters in China. Holidays in Yalunvani are suitable for married couples looking for privacy.
  4. Dadonghai – popular place, so the beaches are often crowded. For surf lovers, this is an ideal place due to the correct wind direction. Among the attractions you can see are Pearl Square, Seafood Square, and tropical rain forests.
  5. Sanyawan Bay – resort area in the development stage. Its infrastructure is not yet up to the level of other cities. But the local nature pleases the tourist’s eye and thereby fills other gaps.


Transport

There are two international airports. The island offers trains, buses and taxis. Auto-rickshaws and pedicabs are in demand. The main resort towns are connected by a 650-kilometer-long high-speed ring road.

Types of transport:

  1. Railway. High speed trains go regularly. Every city in Hainan has railroad station. The fare ranges from 50 to 99 CNY.
  2. Buses. A budget way to travel. The cost of the coupon is 2 CNY.
  3. Taxi. Preferred mode of transport. Each car has cash registers. The fare is paid according to the meter.
  4. Pedicabs and rickshaws. Transport is suitable only for traveling short distances. The fare price is based on the client’s weight, as well as mileage.

It is important to know!

Hainan is one of the favorite places for domestic tourism of the Chinese themselves. So it’s better to check in advance if there are any national holidays on the dates of your vacation. Otherwise, the influx of guests and the rise in prices will be colossal!

Mobile communications and Internet

mobile connection works fine on the island. Reliable Chinese operator – China Mobile. Besides it there is China Union and China Telecom. Tourists can purchase a SIM card. To do this, you just need to present your passport. When choosing a tariff, you should carefully study the conditions, because Not all packages provide international communications and 3G.

Free Wi-Fi is available in almost all hotels, restaurants and other public recreational facilities. True, the connection to it is via a Chinese number.

Beaches of the island

White sand and clear water are the main advantages. All beaches are municipal. That is, they are free, but they are equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, for the use of which you will have to pay.

Popular beaches:

  1. Sanya Bay beach. It stretches for 11 kilometers. A wide strip of shore where you can soak up the white sand and play volleyball. There is a rescue booth. Along the coast there are palm trees, in the shade of which those who are too hot hide from the sun. In the evening there are various bars near the beach.
  2. Dadonghai Bay Beach. Its length is 4 kilometers. It is believed that the water here is warmer than in other bays. A pleasant surprise for vacationers will be free sun loungers and umbrellas. The area is guarded by lifeguards. There are a number of cafes and restaurants along the beach. Sellers of pearls, souvenirs and fruits walk along the shore.
  3. Yalong Bay beach. Quiet people will like it. Peace and quiet. 7 kilometers of semi-desert beach. There are almost no traders, eateries or bustling tourists.

Hospitals

There are many establishments on the island that offer help for people with lung diseases, osteochondrosis, hypertension and urological ailments. Popular medical centers“Tai Chi”, “Yu-Kang”, “Garden of Longevity”. Some hotels have branches of traditional medicine clinics.

Detailed description

Read more about the main thermal springs of Hainan and the main SPA treatments offered to tourists.

Shopping and shops

Product number one is pearls. They make everything from it here! Other branded souvenirs include:

  • porcelain;
  • rhinestone;
  • Chinese tea;
  • silk;
  • Buddhist souvenirs;
  • Feng Shui symbolism;
  • spices (it is better to buy them at the First Market).

Popular supermarkets in Sanya:

  1. "Wanhao";
  2. "Tiancheng";
  3. "Wanfulong";

Main shopping centers:

  1. "Minju";
  2. "Ifan";
  3. "Tianhong."

Emergency numbers in China:

  • police station – 110
  • ambulance – 120
  • fire assistance – 119
  • traffic police – 122

Local kitchen

  1. Among the local dishes, “Hainanese” and “Lingshui” noodles are popular.
  2. Beans are a popular product. Dishes from it can be found in all establishments.
  3. Exotic fruits grow on the island: lychee, papaya, guava, etc.
  4. Tourists praise Jiajing duck according to the local recipe.

About Chinese cuisine

In a separate article, we looked at what is worth trying during.

What to see

On the island there will be a chance to get to know Buddhism better. The Nanshan temple complex is valuable. The sanctuary is decorated with Buddha statues. It will be interesting to visit the Bethel Nat ethnic park, the valley of butterflies, the Heavenly Grottoes, Portuguese Street and Monkey Island, where 2 thousand species of primates are collected.

More about attractions

Vacation with children

The hotels have animators, game rooms, and swimming pools. There is a water park in Sanya. Not far from Lake Dongshanhu there is a natural zoo. Sea holiday perfect for children. The gentle entrance to the sea is safe. The water is warm and clean, and the beaches have attractions.

Safety

Overall the resort is safe. But there are a few recommendations:

  • Remember the word "budun". This means you don't understand the claims. Often this is enough to resolve the conflict.
  • Don't take photos in temples. Don't film government properties. Especially military ones.
  • Don't carry important things in a bag over your shoulder. Sometimes there are robbers on bikes.
  • Carry your hotel business card in Chinese with you.
  • Don't drink tap water, stay out of the open sun and wear swimming shoes when going into the sea.