If you’re thinking about traveling to China but aren’t sure which city to visit, why not check out Hainan!? Hainan, or Hai Nan, is an island in southern China known for its white sandy beaches, clear skies, and beautiful seas earning it the nickname “China’s Hawaii.” The island also features ancient Chinese temples and famous seaside destinations like Sanya, a hotspot popular with travelers across Asia. Today, we’ve gathered 10 must-visit attractions in Hainan, along with tips on getting around, the best times to visit, renowned local restaurants, and accommodations with stunning views. Whether you’re traveling with family, as a couple, or solo, Hainan is sure to delight!

A beautiful beach with fine white sand stretching over 7.5 kilometers. The beach is clean, with emerald waters and a peaceful atmosphere, less crowded than other beaches in Hainan. There are plenty of photo spots and many water activities, including jet skiing, banana boat rides, sailing, and glass-bottom boat tours. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, simply sunbathing, enjoying the cool breeze, and sipping a drink while admiring the view is perfect.

A must-visit landmark in Hainan! Simply search “Hainan” and the Guanyin statue is what you’ll see first. Located in Sanya, Nanshan Temple covers around 50 square kilometers, making it China’s largest Buddhist park. The Guanyin statue, the tallest in the world at 108 meters, stands amidst emerald waters with three faces representing wisdom, compassion, and peace. Visiting this iconic site and paying respect is highly recommended, you can make a wish, and it is said to come true.

Another famous bay in Sanya, known for its upscale atmosphere. The area features seaside hotels, luxurious 5-star resorts, and China’s largest duty-free shopping mall. Visitors can enjoy both scenic beach views and modern architecture, plus tax-free shopping. For those with a bigger budget, staying here is ideal to wake up to beautiful sea views and fresh air.

Experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Li and Miao ethnic groups in Binglanggu, Baoting. Historically home to local tribes, the Chinese government turned it into a cultural tourism site in 1998 to preserve traditions and provide livelihoods. Visitors can enjoy local games, traditional performances, and textile demonstrations. One thrilling highlight is the performance involving hot iron plates to showcase superhuman endurance.

A “content city”! This large 1,400-acre film-themed town in Haikou serves as a movie and drama studio, similar to Hollywood but in China. It honors famous director Feng Xiaogang, with movies like Back to 1942, Tangshan Earthquake, and If You Are the One filmed here. The town features themed areas, a Walk of Fame with handprints of celebrities and athletes, and countless Instagram-worthy photo spots. A fun place to channel your inner movie star.

The best vantage point for panoramic views of Sanya and Hainan Island. You can see the coastline stretching endlessly from this hilltop park. The park is also home to the Luhuitou Deer Monument, linked to a romantic legend about a young Li tribesman and a deer that turned into a woman. Sunset here offers a romantic atmosphere perfect for photography.

China’s answer to Dubai’s Palm Islands! Ocean Flower Island, or “Sea Flower Island,” is a massive man-made island in Hainan, built over 10 years. Highlights include futuristic architecture, world-class art museums, amusement parks, water parks, and beautiful flower zones year-round. Perfect for couples, families, and photography enthusiasts, the island is designed to resemble a flower in the sea and is stunning both day and night.

A must-visit in Sanya for local flavors, including Hainan noodles and freshly grilled seafood. Prices are reasonable, and most visitors are locals, offering an authentic experience. Located near the beach, the market is lively and perfect for a relaxed evening stroll while shopping for souvenirs and enjoying local food.

A historic street in Haikou’s old town, about 520 meters long. Once a bustling market area, it now preserves Qilou-style architecture with balconies. Walking along Deshengsha Road lets visitors experience Haikou’s old-town charm, enjoy local foods, and shop for souvenirs.

Located in Yahu Village, Maoyang, Wuzhishan, this is a beautiful natural and cultural attraction. The terraced rice fields cover over 1,200 acres and change with the seasons—reflecting sunlight in spring, lush green in summer, and golden hues in autumn. Visiting offers a chance to experience the traditional agricultural lifestyle of the Li ethnic minority. Walking along the terraces provides close-up views of traditional farming practices.

A well-known Sanya restaurant blending Chinese and Western cuisines, giving a lounge-like, romantic vibe. The design has a Western touch, both inside and out, reminiscent of the Renaissance era. Signature dishes include crab egg tofu, jellyfish skin, seafood crackers, and steamed fish. Note: the restaurant does not accept reservations only walk-ins. It’s best to arrive when the restaurant opens to get an early spot. On holidays or festivals, waiting times can reach up to 2 hours due to its popularity! Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM

If you’re in Hainan, enjoying seafood by the beach is a must! Beach Barbacoa offers a glamorous beach BBQ experience, combining BBQ flavors with Balinese and Chinese influences. Most dishes are sweet and spicy, making them different from typical Chinese-style seafood. The romantic beachfront setting and live evening music add to the experience. Opening hours: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM

A traditional Hainanese-style hot pot restaurant known for its fresh seafood. Popular dishes among locals include coconut rice, mixed seafood sets, and Hainanese noodles—all perfectly paired with the aromatic and flavorful hot pot broth. The restaurant is clean and orderly, with friendly staff always ready to assist, including peeling shrimp and explaining how long each ingredient should be cooked. Opening hours: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Level: 5-Star Suitable for: Families, couples, glamour lovers, comfort seekers, content creators

A luxurious beachfront hotel in Sanya, beautifully and modernly designed with Instagram-worthy photo spots everywhere. The highlight is its massive swimming pool and a wide range of water activities to enjoy. Guests can even drive through small hotel paths directly to the beach, making it perfect for a relaxing seaside getaway.

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Level: 5-Star Suitable for: Families, couples, glamour lovers, comfort seekers, content creators

A luxurious beachfront hotel featuring spacious and comfortable rooms, perfect for a relaxing seaside vacation. The hotel offers a peaceful atmosphere with gentle sea breezes, a beautifully decorated swimming pool area, and a family water park where kids can have fun. Guests can also walk directly from the hotel to the public beach.

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Level: 5-Star Suitable for: Business travelers, families, couples, glamour seekers

Located in a prime area, this hotel offers easy access to various attractions. Even though it sits along a main road, guests can enjoy full views of Haikou Bay and the impressive suspension bridge spanning the bay. Ideal for those who want to stay close to the city center. The rooms are spacious, and the hotel features a kids’ playground and an indoor swimming pool.

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You can fly directly from Bangkok to Hainan without a visa! The island’s main airport is Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK). Flights from Thailand are available with several airlines, such as Hainan Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, and Cathay Pacific.

You can search for cheap flights to Hainan via Traveloka.