Lingshui

Lingshui is warm year-round. The summer sun is strong, and you should bring an umbrella if traveling during the rainy season.

Lingshui is a coastal city in southeastern Hainan. Compared with Sanya, it is quieter and less commercial, making it suitable for seaside relaxation, family vacations, and short self-drive trips.

Transportation Guide

• Getting there: Lingshui does not have its own airport. You can first arrive at Haikou Meilan Airport or Sanya Phoenix Airport, then take the high-speed train to Lingshui Station. It takes about 1.5 hours from Haikou and about 20–30 minutes from Sanya.
• Local transport: Attractions in Lingshui are spread out, so renting a car and driving yourself makes it easier to plan your trip. If you do not drive, you can take taxis, and for short distances you can also rent shared electric scooters.

Recommended Must-Visit Attractions

Recommended 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Lingshui and check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, go to Qingshui Bay for a walk and to play in the waves. Continue to Freedom Lighthouse and the Raffles Lawn, then stay on the beach in the evening to watch the sunset.
• Day 2: In the morning, take a boat to Boundary Island to enjoy the glassy sea and try water activities. After returning in the afternoon, go to Xincun Night Market for dinner, where you can choose seafood and local snacks.
• Day 3: In the morning, take the cable car to visit Nanwan Monkey Island. In the afternoon, head to Daidai Island for photos and relaxation. In the evening, go to Xiangshui Bay to watch the orange sunset over the sea and end the trip.

Lingshui Local Foods

Where to Stay

• Qingshui Bay: There are many hotels and guesthouses, with relatively complete facilities and several food streets nearby. It suits travelers who value comfortable accommodation or are traveling with children.
• Xiangshui Bay: The environment is quieter, with fewer people and more privacy. It suits young travelers who want to slow down, watch the sunset, or try surfing.
• Near the county seat / Xincun Night Market: Accommodation offers better value for money and is close to markets and snack streets, with a stronger local feel. It suits travelers on a limited budget who care about convenient dining.

Things to Note

• Sun protection and mosquito prevention: The UV rays in Hainan are strong, so it is recommended to bring high-SPF sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and a sun hat. There are many mosquitoes by the sea, so mosquito repellent is useful.
• Monkey Island safety: When visiting Nanwan Monkey Island, do not carry plastic bags in your hand, do not make eye contact with the monkeys, and do not try to feed them, to avoid food snatching or scratches.
• Check the tides for beachcombing: Before going beachcombing at places such as Gangmenling or Tonghai Village, check the tide table in advance. Try to arrive one to two hours before low tide, and pay attention to safety by the sea.
• Taxis and car rentals: For taxis, it is best to use ride-hailing apps and avoid unlicensed roadside vehicles. When picking up a rental car, record a full video of the vehicle’s condition to reduce disputes when returning it.
• Choosing guesthouses: When booking apartment-style guesthouses, check negative reviews and real photos. Try to avoid old, poorly renovated apartments, buildings without elevators, or remote residential compounds, and prioritize regular hotels.