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destination feature
of Sanya, offers a stunning 7km sweep of white sand and is home to an increasing number of five-star citadels. It may not have Hawaii’s fearsome breakers, but the tranquil aquamarine ocean is perfect for windsurfing, jet skiing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Dadong Hai, closer to the city, offers more superb sand. In both places, sun-lovers are likely to have plenty of space to stretch- out as the Chinese are known for their aversion to UV rays.
Hainan is actually much bigger than Hawaii. The island rises from the Gulf of Tonkin in the shape of a teardrop blowing in an easterly wind. The distance between Sanya in the south to the provincial capital, Haikou, in the north is about 200km. Three major highways – west, central and east – traverse the island, allowing for easy exploration. Haikou is also connected to mainland Guangdong by China’s first aqua-train – the carriages are conveyed by ferry, rolling off the boat and directly onto the railways either side of the strait.
From top: Haikou, Hainan’s capital city; Wanquan River Drifting; Ethnic Li and Miao festival
Wildlife And Nature
As with all Chinese provinces, Hainan has a single-character abbreviated name: Qiong. The translation is “fine jade”, a poetic reflection of the island’s lush green forest covering. Industrial- speed deforestation during China’s communist heyday means, in places, the canopies look jaded rather than jade-like. Nevertheless, the diversity of Hainan’s wildlife remains impressive – it is home to 344 kinds of birds and 82 varieties of mammals, including the
rare black-crested gibbon, macaque and Eld’s deer. Several wildlife and nature reserves offer tourists sightings of these natural treasures. The Jianfengling Forest, on the island’s west coast, is a highlight.
Hainan’s rivers and forests spill down from Limuling Mountain range, which forms a backbone to the island. The highest point is the 1,867m-high Wuzhi (Five Finger) Mountain, a stunning collection of craggy outcrops that rise from the forest. Nearby is Baihua Ridge, home to a towering waterfall, and the
Don’ts
6 Things To Do
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2 Head inland and enjoy the minority villages and spectacular scenery
Beach bum at Yalong Bay or have a go at one of the many watersports on offer, among them paragliding and jet skiing.
around the 1,876m Wuzhi Shan (Five Finger Mountain).
Take a dip in a volcanically warmed mineral water at the Guantang Hot
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4 Hike around the Jianfengling Nature Reserve, one of China’s best-
Spring Resort.
preserved primeval tropical forest areas.
5 Play a round of golf at the Yalong Bay Golf Club, home to the European Tour in 2006 and recipient of a slew of international awards.
6 Visit Sanya’s Xinlong Tropical Botanic Garden which is home to over one million plants including the Huanglian (literally king of lotus), a gigantic leaf that is said to be capable of supporting a 10kg infant.
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Avoid the scores of manufactured “minority villages” close to Sanya or the eastern highway. They are overpriced, tacky and unpleasant.
2 Don’t forget your sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
16 ENDLESS VACATION