Hainan Island China Travel Guide, Travel Tips on China’s Tropical Island Hainan
Hainan Travel Location Guide Where is Hainan Island in China?
Spanning 33,900 km2, Hainan Island stands as China’s smallest province, nestled in the South China Sea and separated from Guangdong Mainland China by the Qiongzhou Strait. Often referred to as the “Oriental Hawaii,” this tropical haven shares the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands, with its highest point being Wuzhishan Mountain, also known as the Five-Finger Mountain, towering at 1,840 meters.
Established in 1988, Hainan Province is China’s southernmost province, encompassing various islands in the South China Sea. The province, named after its main island, is accessible by air, with flights taking approximately 4 hours from Beijing, 3 hours from Shanghai, 1 hour from Guangzhou, 2 hours from Taiwan, and 1.5 hours from Hong Kong. For overseas travelers, flights take about 3 hours from Singapore, 2 hours from Bangkok, and just 1 hour from Vietnam.
Travel Highlights:
Haikou Accessibility: The capital city, Haikou, is only 18 nautical miles away, allowing tourists to reach Hainan Island from Mainland China in just one hour by boat.
Transportation Options: Hainan Island is well-connected to Mainland China through ferries and trains from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
When to Visit Hainan Island: Understanding the Climate
With climates ranging from subtropical to tropical, Hainan Island experiences varied weather patterns. The northern part, including Haikou, Wenchang, and Chengmai has a humid subtropical climate, while the south, including Sanya, has a tropical monsoon climate. The best time to visit is during the dry season from October to March, offering more sunshine and relief from the mainland China cold.
January and February are typically the coldest months on Hainan Island, with temperatures ranging from 16 to 21 °C (61 to 70 °F). On the other hand, July and August tend to be the hottest months, with temperatures between 25 and 29 °C (77 to 84 °F).
Summer in the northern regions feels particularly hot, with rainfall almost every afternoon. In some cases, temperatures may soar above 35°C (95°F) for over 20 days in a year. The average precipitation across Hainan Island is around 1500 to 2000 millimeters (59 to 79 in), with the coastal areas experiencing approximately 900 millimeters (35 in) and the eastern central region receiving as high as 2400 millimeters (94 in) of precipitation.
The eastern part of Hainan Island lies in the path of typhoons, and 70% of the annual rainfall is attributed to typhoons and the summer rainy season. If you’re looking to sunbathe, explore tropical beaches, rainforests, hot springs, and local cultures throughout the year, Hainan Island can be an excellent destination. However, the dry season from October to March is the best time to visit, as it offers more sunshine and relief from the mainland China cold.
Getting to Hainan Island: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether flying, taking a train, or embarking on a road trip, Hainan Island offers diverse travel options. The two airports, Haikou Meilan Airport and Sanya Phoenix Airport, cater to domestic and international travelers. Trains provide a scenic journey from Haikou to major cities, and driving to Hainan Island via ferry offers an adventurous road trip.
For an adventurous experience, driving to Hainan Island from Mainland China is a great option. Drivers can take their cars on ferries to Haikou. It’s essential to book your boat tickets in advance on the official website.
The Best Beaches in Hainan Island, China
With over 20 famous beaches, Hainan Island is a beach lover’s paradise. Yalong Bay, Haitang Bay, Dadonghai Beach, and Sanya Bay in the south are popular destinations. For secluded spots, explore Riyuebay, Shimei Bay, Clear Water Bay, Moonbay, and Qizibay on the east and east coasts.
Things to do on Hainan Island, Hainan Island Land Tours & Day Excursions?
Hainan Island offers an array of experiences, from exploring rainforests and tropical beaches to beachfront golf clubs, local cuisine, minority cultures, riding paths, hiking tours, and vibrant nightlife. The island ensures diverse options to keep all travelers entertained.
Major Cities on Hainan Island:
Haikou, Sanya, Sansha, and Danzhou are the major prefecture-level cities, each offering unique attractions. Additionally, county-level cities Wuzhishan, Wenchang, Qionghai, Wanning, and Dongfang, along with ten counties, contribute to the rich tapestry of Hainan Island’s cultural and natural wonders.
More tips on Hainan Island China
- Hainan 30 Days’ Visa Waiver/Visa-Free Policy & Procedures
- How to reach Hainan Island from Mainland China
- History of Hainan Island China
- Best Tropical Fruits to Taste on Hainan Island
- Hainan Land Excursions/Land Tours in Sanya
- Hainan Island Travel Packages
- Local People & Spoken Languages on Hainan Island
- Hainan Island Local Culture & Special Festivals
- Cuisines: Best Seafood in China
- The most popular beaches on Hainan Island
- Travel to Hainan Island by Trains
- Sanya Hainan Island Yacht Rental/Rent a sailing boat in Sanya/Sanya Sailing Packages
- Car Rental Services on Hainan Island