That’s why you should visit Hainan, an idyllic but often overlooked vacation destination, for a short, quiet getaway.
Think tropical island resorts and the usual suspects floating in your mind – Bali, the Philippines, Tioman Island, Langkawi, etc. However, at the same time, the beach vein of Hainan Island may never cross your mind, especially when the idea of it becoming part of China may be offensive to some.
Sanya Beach, Hainan – Touring Hainan Island
But unlike what many may think of as China, Hainan is actually separate from the mainland and therefore has a unique appeal, dotted with forests, beaches, sleepy towns and tranquil resorts. It’s easy to see why people call this island the Hawaii of China!
If your typical destination for a beach vacation is done and dusted (or if you just want to escape the hoards of Singaporeans), here are 11 reasons to give Hainan Island a chance to impress.
1) White sandy beaches all in one place
Sanya Dadong Bay – Touring Hainan Island
Dadong Bay.
Situated at the southern tip of Hainan Island, Sanya is naturally blessed with a coastline that stretches for days and is a lively beach resort center, with three of its most popular beaches – Dadonghai, Sanya Bay and Yalong Bay – regularly making the list of China’s top beaches.
Authorities have made great strides in ensuring that the beaches remain free and open to the public, so even if you don’t pay for a 5-star beachfront hotel, you’re still free to party in the sun and enjoy the sun, the beach!
For the more adventurous, you can even try water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving and parasailing.
The Other Side of Chinese Culture in Sanya
Live Performance at Li Miao Cultural Heritage Park – Raffles Hotel Hainan
Hainan’s population has traditionally been a diverse one, with as many as 36 ethnic minorities living there. This has given rise to “theme parks”/museums like Penang Valley, which offer an insider’s view of two of the most famous ethnic groups, the Li and Miao, the former being one of the oldest in Hainan.
Spanning more than 600 soccer fields, this replica village has a wealth of exhibits to learn about these people – how facial tattoos shape their identity, their food, customs and clothing. You can even watch live performances and see these traditions come to life!
5) More affordable luxury accommodations
A country with a tropical resort vibe is bound to attract a plethora of luxury establishments. The good news is that you can still live like a king in Hainan without breaking the bank – stay at the 5-star hotel Raffles Hainan for as low as ~S$145 per night, with spacious rooms, private butlers, pools and more.
