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Hainan Island Travel Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Weather, Food, Fun, and Adventure

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Hainan Island Travel

Hainan Island, a tropical holiday paradise located in the South China Sea, has blue sea and sky, golden beaches and rich natural scenery, as well as a variety of fresh seafood and special food. It is warm like spring all year round and is known as the "Hawaii of the East". It is one of the most popular holiday resorts in China. Whether you want to take an island vacation, explore the tropical rainforest, or taste authentic Hainan cuisine, this guide can help you arrange your itinerary.

Hainan Island's climate throughout the year

Hainan has a tropical monsoon climate, which is warm and humid all year round, with plenty of sunshine and an average temperature between 20°C and 30°C. It is a paradise for vacation and tourism. Hainan Island is suitable for tourism all year round, but the best time is from November to March of the following year, avoiding the peak typhoon season in summer.

Spring in Hainan Island (March to May): The weather in Hainan Island is warm and pleasant in spring, with an average temperature of about 24°C. The humidity is moderate and the rainfall is small. This season is a good time to go outing and enjoy the flowers. You can enjoy the greenery and colorful flowers all over Hainan Island.

Summer in Hainan Island (June to August): The temperature in Hainan Island is high in summer, averaging around 28°C to 30°C. The humidity is high and the rainfall is high. In this season, you can enjoy the sunny beaches and cool sea water, play in the water and water activities, and immerse yourself in the pleasant summer atmosphere.

Autumn in Hainan Island (September to November): The weather in Hainan Island is still warm in autumn, with an average temperature of about 27°C. Humidity decreases and rainfall decreases. This season is the off-season for tourism in Hainan Island. If you want to avoid the crowds, enjoy the beach scenery and taste the local food, autumn is a good time.

Winter in Hainan Island (December to February): Hainan Island has mild weather in winter, with temperatures stable at 20-25℃, making it a winter resort in China. This season is a popular time for winter travel, you can enjoy the warm sunshine, beaches and sea views, away from the severe cold in the north.

Main cities and features of Hainan Island

Sanya: Hainan's most popular tourist city, with famous attractions such as Yalong Bay, Wuzhizhou Island, and Tianya Haijiao, suitable for seaside vacations.

Haikou: Hainan's capital city, with a profound cultural heritage, Qilou Old Street, Holiday Beach and other places are worth visiting.

Wanning: China's surfing resort, Sun Moon Bay and Shimei Bay are picturesque, suitable for people who like water sports.

Qionghai: The venue of the Boao Forum for Asia, with beautiful scenery, tourists who like a leisurely vacation style cannot miss it.

Wenchang: Hainan's food capital, the birthplace of Wenchang chicken, and the location of the space launch base.

Recommended popular attractions in Hainan Island

Beach vacation: Yalong Bay, Sanya Bay, Wuzhizhou Island, West Island, Shimei Bay

Hainan island travel

Cultural experience: Nanshan Cultural Tourism Area (108-meter Guanyin on the Sea), Qilou Old Street, Dongpo

Academy Natural exploration: Yanoda Rainforest, Wuzhi Mountain, Qixianling

Hot Spring Maritime sports: Sun Moon Bay surfing, Wuzhizhou Island diving, Sanya Bay sailing experience

How to get to Hainan Island

Airplane: There are direct flights from all major cities in China to Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) or Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK). If you are departing from the United States, Canada, or Europe, you can choose to transfer from these two airports in major domestic cities such as Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai. Among them, Sanya Airport is more suitable for direct access to seaside resorts, while Haikou Airport has more flights and is suitable for traveling to other cities in Hainan.

High-speed rail: Hainan's high-speed rail around the island can quickly reach major cities.

Ferry: You can take a ferry from Xuwen, Guangdong to Hainan with your vehicle.

Hainan Island Food Recommendations

Hainan's food is also a highlight. You can taste fresh seafood, roasted whole lamb and coconut delicacies to satisfy your taste buds.

Wenchang Chicken: One of Hainan's four famous dishes, crispy skin and tender meat. You must try Wenchang Chicken when traveling to Wenchang.

Jiaji Duck: Qionghai's specialty food, crispy skin and tender meat.

Hele Crab: Wanning specialty, rich crab roe, and extremely delicious.

Dongshan Mutton: High-quality mutton from Dongshan County, perfect for both charcoal grilling and white-cut preparations. Tender, flavorful, and irresistibly fresh..

Hainan Rice Noodles: Hainan's classic snack, recommended to try in Haikou and Qionghai. 

Qingbuliang: Hainan's specialty dessert, a must-eat to cool off!

Coconut Chicken Hotpot: A must-eat in Sanya! Coconut water boiled chicken, the soup base is sweet and the chicken is tender, recommended to Sanya to taste.

Recommended classic tourist routes in Hainan Island

Zhulang Holiday Route (Visit time: 5-7 days, best season: November-March)
Haikou → Wenchang → Boao → Wanning → Sanya Eastern route of

Hainan Island (Visit time: 7-9 days, best season: November-March)
Haikou → Wenchang → Boao → Wanning → Lingshui → Sanya

Western route of Hainan Island (Visit time: 5-7 days, best season: November-April)
Sanya → Wuzhishan → Qiongzhong → Haikou

Hainan Grand Loop (Visit time: 10-15 days, best season: November-March)
Haikou → Wenchang → Boao → Wanning → Lingshui → Sanya → Ledong → Changjiang → Chengmai → Haikou

Hainan Island time and time difference

Hainan Island uses China Standard Time (UTC+8).

The difference with US Eastern Time (EST) is -13 hours (-12 hours in summer time).

The difference with US Western Standard Time (PST) is -16 hours (-15 hours in summer time).

The difference with Canada Eastern Standard Time (EST) is -13 hours (-12 hours in summer time).

The difference with Canada Western Standard Time (PST) is -16 hours (-15 hours in summer time).

The difference with British Standard Time (GMT) is -8 hours (-7 hours in summer time).

There is no time difference with Hong Kong time, all are China Standard Time (UTC+8).

Hainan Island Accommodation Recommendations

Accommodations recommended based on budget and travel purpose:

Luxury Resort Hotels (Ideal for Vacations): St. Regis Yalong Bay, Mandarin Oriental, The Sanya EDITION

High-Value Seaview Hotels: Mangrove Tree Resort Sanya Bay, Huayu Resort Yalong Bay

Boutique Inns/Seaview Apartments (Great for Budget Travelers & Long Stays): Many options are available in the Tianya District and Haitang Bay areas.

Hainan Island Special Activities

Diving: It is recommended to go to Wuzhizhou Island and Xidao to experience the clear underwater world.

Surfing: It is recommended to go to Wanning Riyue Bay, the most suitable beach for surfing in China.

Rainforest exploration: Yanoda, Wuzhi Mountain, hiking. 

Hot spring health care: Qixianling Hot Spring, Nantian Hot Spring, soak in hot springs and enjoy the scenery.

Cycling around the island: Along the G223/G225 ring road, experience the unique coastline scenery of Hainan.

Hainan Island Travel Tips

Sunscreen is essential: UV rays are strong, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential.

Mosquito prevention measures: Bring mosquito repellent, especially when going to rainforests or wetland parks.

Typhoon season precautions: Typhoons are frequent from June to October, so pay attention to the weather forecast.

Avoid pitfalls in seafood markets: When choosing seafood + processing, be sure to ask the price first.

Click here to explore more travel guides in China: Travel Inspirations.

Want to learn more about travel routes in China? Click the links below to explore our tours to Sanya and Zhangjiajie and start your journey in China! 

Seven Star Bay: 5-Day Exclusive Haitang Bay Getaway in Sanya
Sanya Extravaganza: 5 Days of Feasting on the Sea and the Sky Your Destination: Sanya, Hainan

If you want to know more about China, please refer to our blog: China travel guides.

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