Xinglong, nestled just 90 minutes’ drive from Sanya, offers a sub-tropical escape with an average annual temperature of 20°C (68°F). While its spring mirrors Sanya’s warmth, with hot and humid conditions from April to June, summers bring heavy rain and the occasional typhoon from July to September. October and November charm visitors with warm, dry days, but winter, from December to March, brings chilly temperatures and rainfall, making Sanya the preferred destination for a Hainan holiday during this season.

Despite the rain, temperatures during the rainy season remain moderate, around 34°C, offering respite from the scorching summers experienced in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Tropical showers or typhoons occasionally cool the air, with temperatures dropping to a pleasant 25°C. Typhoons, though a concern, typically last no more than two days, followed by sunny skies and warmer temperatures.

Packing for Xinglong is hassle-free. From March to November, lightweight clothing like shorts and T-shirts suffice, while December to February evenings may require long pants and a coat. Sunblock, sandals, swimwear, and sunglasses are essentials, while umbrellas are unnecessary as most hotels provide them.

Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden:

Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden stands as a must-visit attraction, sprawling across 340,000 square meters. Serving as both a renowned tourist spot and China’s largest tropical agriculture and flavor research institute, it boasts over 1,200 plant species. Visitors can marvel at exotic flora like the antiar tree, eucalyptus, and vanilla while enjoying reasonably priced products at the garden’s supermarket.

Accessing Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden requires a short tuk-tuk ride from Xinglong town center, costing approximately CNY 10 each way, with the entrance fee set at CNY 65 per person.

While Xinglong lacks its own airport, Haikou Airport serves as the nearest option, accessible within 90 minutes by car or 60 minutes by high-speed train. For those arriving from Haikou, the East Express train to Wanning Station, followed by a taxi to Xinglong, offers a convenient option. Travelers from Sanya can opt for a bus journey from Sanya Bus Station, with tickets priced at CNY 27 per person.