Dingan

Ding’an is hot and rainy in summer, while winter and spring are better suited to slow travel.

Ding’an is not far from Haikou. Compared with popular seaside cities, it has a slower pace, lower travel costs, and a stronger sense of the countryside and everyday life in an inland Hainan county. Below is a 2-day, 1-night itinerary, ideal for a short trip centered on food, historic sites, and relaxed nature experiences.

Itinerary Plan

• Day 1 Culture, Local Flavors, and a Visit to a Sacred Mountain: In the morning, visit Ding’an Ancient City and the former county government office ruins to learn about local history from the Ming and Qing dynasties. At noon, head to Xiangou Beef Street to try the “dancing beef.” In the afternoon, climb Wenbi Peak to pray for blessings and look out over the surrounding scenery. In the evening, go to the night market at Yanjiang Park to experience the county’s nightlife.

• Day 2 Cooling Off at a Cold Spring and Unwinding by the Lake: In the morning, visit Jiuwentang Volcanic Cold Spring to soak your feet and play in the water. At noon, try local-style beer chicken around Nanli Lake. In the afternoon, you can cycle around Nanli Lake, or visit the Vanilla Garden to enjoy the flower fields and take photos. Return in the early evening.

Must-Visit Attractions

Ding’an’s attractions are mainly natural scenery and cultural remains. The pace is not demanding, making it suitable for travelers who prefer an easygoing trip.

• Wenbi Peak Pangu Cultural Tourism Area: This is the site of the southern ancestral temple of the Southern Taoist tradition. The mountain is shaped like the tip of a writing brush and is covered with dense vegetation. You can choose to walk up the mountain and take an electric cart down. From the summit, you can overlook the surrounding landscape. You can also try Hanfu photo shoots and Taoist vegetarian noodles. Admission is about 45 yuan.

• Nanli Lake National Wetland Park: As the largest freshwater lake in northern Hainan, Nanli Lake has broad open waters and is free to enter. It is suitable for cycling around the lake, taking a boat ride, or waiting for sunset near the dam. In autumn and winter, you may also see migratory birds. The lakeside cafés are good places for a quiet break.

• Jiuwentang Volcanic Cold Spring: Jiuwentang Volcanic Cold Spring is one of China’s three major ecological cold springs, with water temperatures around 23°C year-round. The spring water emerges from cracks in volcanic rock and is clear enough to see the bottom. Floating aquatic plants grow on the pool bed. You can soak your feet for free and experience natural fish therapy. It is especially refreshing in summer.

• Ding’an Ancient City: This is one of the best-preserved Ming and Qing county seat walls in Hainan, and it is also a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level. Along the old streets, you can still see stone-paved roads and arcade buildings. The area has both historic remains and the everyday atmosphere of a county town. The entire site can be visited for free.

Local Food List

Food is an important part of a trip to Ding’an. Freshly sliced beef and local farmhouse dishes are both worth including in your plans.

Transport and Practical Tips

• Getting There: Ding’an has no airport or railway station. You can first arrive at Haikou Meilan Airport, then rent a car and drive there in about 1 hour. You can also take a long-distance bus to Ding’an. For short trips within the county seat, shared electric scooters are available.
• Getting Around: The attractions are fairly spread out, so self-driving or hiring a car is recommended. Public transport is not very convenient for reaching more remote spots such as the cold spring.
• Best Season: The weather is relatively comfortable from October to April of the following year, allowing you to avoid the summer heat and rainy season. If visiting the cold spring in summer, bring slippers, mosquito repellent, and sun protection.
• Accommodation Suggestions: If you want to stay close to the scenic area, choose a Zen-style homestay around Wenbi Peak, such as Jushan Guan, where admission tickets are often included. If you care more about dining and convenient transport, stay in a hotel near the county bus station or the ancient city for better value.