Qionghai

Qionghai is warm year-round, and the sun can be strong by the sea, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun when going out.

Qionghai is a relaxed coastal city in eastern Hainan with relatively friendly prices. It has wide open coastlines as well as cultural sites connected to the South China Sea. The following is a travel reference for a first visit to Qionghai.

Main Attractions

Most of Qionghai’s sights are around Bo’ao and Tanmen Town. They are best visited by self-driving or renting an electric scooter and planning a route along the coast.

Local Food

Qionghai’s dining scene is best represented by gongdao fan, laoba tea, and seafood, all with distinct local flavors and settings.

Classic Two-Day Itinerary

If time allows, you can plan a two-day, one-night trip and experience Qionghai at a more relaxed pace.

• Day 1: In the morning, go to Mengcaiyuan to see the “Milk Sea.” In the afternoon, visit Paigang Village to see the Anywhere Door and the lighthouse. At dusk, have afternoon tea at Story of the Sea and watch the sunset. In the evening, return to the city center for gongdao fan and laoba tea.
• Day 2: In the morning, visit the South China Sea Museum to learn about the history of the South China Sea. At noon, eat seafood at Tanmen Fishing Port. In the afternoon, choose according to your interests: hike Baishiling, or take a walk through the wetlands of Shamei Village. Return in the evening.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to stay: If your main goal is sea views and a relaxing holiday, stay in Bo’ao Town, such as near Bo’ao Golden Bay. It offers decent value and is convenient for nearby attractions. If you care more about food and night markets, stay in Jiaji Town, the city center. It takes about half an hour to drive to Bo’ao.
• Getting around: Qionghai’s attractions are spread out, so self-driving or renting an electric scooter is more suitable. Renting an electric scooter costs about 50 yuan per day and gives you more flexibility. If you arrive by high-speed train at Qionghai Station, you can connect by bus and taxi, but buses run at longer intervals, so allow extra time in advance.

Practical Tips

• Weather and sun protection: Hainan has strong UV rays, so bring physical sun protection such as a hat and sun-protective clothing. If you want to see the Milk Sea, check the tide table and weather in advance. Cloudy skies or high tide will noticeably affect the view.
• Buying seafood: When buying seafood at Tanmen Market, ask several vendors to compare prices and watch the scale carefully. For crabs, try to choose male flower crabs, as female crabs are more likely to be empty.
• Museum booking: The South China Sea Museum is free to enter, but it is closed on Mondays. Check the opening hours before you go to avoid a wasted trip.