Wanning

Wanning is warm year-round, with more rain in summer, so bring sun protection and rain gear when you travel.

Compared with Sanya, Wanning has a relatively lower tourist density and is generally more budget-friendly. It has calm bay scenery, stretches of coconut-lined roads, and a seaside leisure vibe where surfing and coffee culture coexist. It is well suited to young travelers on vacation, and also works well for trips with friends.

Where to Stay

• Riyue Bay: Guesthouses here tend to have more distinctive styles, and the surrounding atmosphere is relaxed and lively. It suits surfing enthusiasts and young travelers who prefer nightlife, but it may not be very quiet at night.
• Shimei Bay: Good sea views and a relatively peaceful environment, with many beachfront resort hotels and guesthouses. It is suitable for family trips, as well as couples who want a slower-paced break.
• Shenzhou Peninsula: Offers a good balance between accommodation prices and facilities. There are many nearby restaurants and beach bars, and it is convenient to get around by taxi or rented electric scooter.
• Xinglong Town: Budget hotels are concentrated here, with many food options and lower per-person costs. It suits travelers on a limited budget who mainly want to try local flavors, but there are no sea views.

Classic 3–4 Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival and First Look

After arriving at Haikou Meilan Airport, you can transfer directly within the station to a high-speed train to Wanning. Choose Shenzhou Station or Wanning Station as your destination; the journey takes about 1 hour. After checking in, head to a nearby seaside beach bar, such as Goofy Dog or Cashcow, to enjoy the sea breeze and afternoon tea, and get your first feel for Wanning’s coastal scenery.

• Day 2: Artsy Shimei Bay and Sunset

In the morning, visit Phoenix Jiuli Bookstore and see the sea-facing bookstore space. In the afternoon, walk along Shimei Bay Beach and stop for photos at the seaside restaurants and bars. In the evening, go to Coconut Grove Avenue on Shenzhou Peninsula, take a sightseeing cart to Shenzhou Lighthouse, and wait for the coastal light at sunset.

• Day 3: Surfing and Drinks in Riyue Bay

In the morning, arrange a surfing experience, or try paddleboarding in the coconut grove area to get a feel for the rhythm of water sports. In the afternoon, take a break at Haimen Coconut Workshop or Meimen’er Coffee. At night, head to the bar street in Riyue Bay to experience beach music, evening dining, and the lively seaside atmosphere.

• Day 4: Food Hunting in Xinglong and Departure

In the morning, visit Xinglong Central Market in Xinglong Town to try Nanyang-style snacks and freshly baked pineapple buns. Have a Xinglong Nanyang-style meal at noon, then head to the high-speed rail station in the afternoon for your return trip.

Must-Try Food List

Wanning’s food combines local Hainan flavors with Xinglong’s Nanyang influences. The following categories are worth adding to your itinerary:

Transport and Practical Tips

• Getting there: Wanning does not have an airport, so it is recommended to fly to Haikou Meilan Airport. There are more flight options here, and fares are usually easier to compare. From Meilan Station, you can transfer directly to a high-speed train to Wanning; the journey takes about 50–60 minutes.
• Local transport: The attractions are not very close to one another, so renting a car and driving yourself is more convenient if you want flexibility. If you are only making short trips within Riyue Bay or Shenzhou Peninsula, you can also rent an electric scooter for about 30–80 yuan per day. However, electric scooters are restricted on some sections around Shenzhou Lighthouse and Coconut Grove Avenue, so you will need to switch to a sightseeing cart.
• Sun and mosquito protection: Hainan has strong UV rays, so prepare high-SPF sunscreen, beach socks, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing. There are also many mosquitoes by the sea, so keep mosquito repellent with you.
• Water activities: For surfing or boat trips, book a qualified instructor or club in advance. It is not recommended to trust low-price offers from people soliciting customers by the roadside. Before boarding a boat, you may take motion sickness medicine in advance according to your own condition.
• Photo outfits: For beach photos, consider bright-colored dresses, camisoles, or bikinis, paired with a straw hat and sunglasses. Blue-and-white beach bars and coconut grove settings both work well as photo backdrops.