Tunchang

Tunchang is warm in all seasons; bring rain gear if you travel during the rainy season.

Located in the central part of Hainan Island, Tunchang does not have Sanya-style coastal scenery, but it stands out for its high forest coverage and is often called a “natural oxygen bar of China.” Here you will find quiet bamboo groves, gentle lake views, and local everyday food. It makes a good short weekend destination from Haikou.

• Dream Xiangshan Aromatic Culture Park: A 4A-rated scenic area centered on year-round flower fields and aromatic plants. The park has European-style castles, windmills, and other scenery. Visitors can also try activities such as blending essential oils and tasting scented tea, making it suitable for families with children or couples.
• Muse Lake: A natural scenic area in the southwest of Tunchang, mainly made up of Muse Lake and Leigongtan Lake. The two lakes are connected by a waterfall, with surrounding hills enclosing the area and a well-preserved ecological environment. In the evening, you can stop at Nanxi Coffee by the lake to enjoy the sunset and the pink-purple glow of dusk.
• Meiheyuan Village: A countryside village known for its bamboo grove scenery. Large areas of bamboo surround the village, creating a quiet environment where bamboo shadows shift with the wind. It is suited to visitors who prefer pastoral views and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Oil Painting Pedestrian Street: An art street about 200 meters long, with several galleries and resident painters. Visitors can watch farmer painters create works on site up close and get a sense of the local art scene.
• Fengmu Deer Farm: A comprehensive deer-breeding base founded in 1963, covering more than 200 mu. Here you can feed animals such as sika deer and Hainan Eld’s deer at close range, making it suitable for interactive visits with children.

Must-Try Foods and Local Snacks

Tunchang’s food has a strong local character, and many snacks are tucked away in alleys and local restaurants. It is worth setting aside dedicated mealtimes for them.

In addition to various snacks, Tunchang’s Fengmu Herb Duck and black pork zongzi are also worth making the focus of a proper meal. The meat is firm, with a clear aroma.

2-Day, 1-Night Immersive Itinerary

Tunchang’s attractions are relatively spread out, so driving makes it easier to adjust your pace and better suits the relaxed local travel atmosphere.

• Day 1: Flower Fields, Fragrance, and a Lakeside Sunset
  • Morning: Head to Dream Xiangshan Aromatic Culture Park. Walk through the flower fields, visit the European-style castle, and try a handmade DIY fragrance activity.
  • Afternoon: Drive to Muse Lake, where you can walk or cycle along the lakeside. Stay by the lake in the evening to wait for sunset, watch the pink-purple glow reflect on the water, and enjoy the quiet natural setting.
  • Evening: Return to Tunchang County town and dine at Tunchang Food Culture Street to try local snacks. Stay overnight in the county town for easier travel the next day.
• Day 2: Hidden Bamboo Groves and Art Culture
  • Morning: Visit Meiheyuan Village and walk through the bamboo groves, taking in the tranquil atmosphere of the old village. Then go to Fengmu Deer Farm to feed the deer and set aside time for family interaction.
  • Afternoon: Explore Oil Painting Pedestrian Street, watch painters create works on site, and take part in an art-making experience. You can also visit Tunchang County Museum to learn about local history and culture. Return afterward.

Practical Travel Tips

• Transport advice: Tunchang’s attractions are fairly spread out, and public transport services are limited, so self-driving or hiring a car is recommended. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Haikou.
• Mosquito and sun protection: Tunchang has dense vegetation, and there are many mosquitoes around the bamboo groves and lakesides. Bring strong mosquito repellent. The midday sun is intense, so try to avoid long outdoor activities at noon and use sun protection.
• Best time: Visit the bamboo groves and lakesides after 3 p.m., when the light is softer. Muse Lake and Leigongtan Lake have richer layers of scenery in the early morning or after rain, when morning mist appears.
• Travel reminder: At some natural attractions, such as the Leigongtan Lake waterfall, navigation signals may be weak, so download offline maps in advance. If dining at popular farm restaurants such as those serving Fengmu Herb Duck, you can call ahead to reserve.