What to Do in Hainan: The Ultimate Travel Guide to the Hawaii of China

When you hear “Hainan,” what comes to mind? If your brain immediately jumped to chicken rice, you’re not alone. But here’s a thought: what if instead of eating Hainanese chicken rice in Singapore, you actually went to Hainan?

Just 3.5 hours away by direct flight, this tropical Chinese island is often dubbed the “Hawaii of China” , but even that barely scratches the surface. In Hainan, you can hike a volcano before breakfast, explore a vintage movie set by lunch, then check into an underwater suite or chill on a beach that looks straight out of the Maldives.

Whether you’re after coastal luxury, chaotic night markets, or quirky photo spots like hobbit houses and wormhole libraries (yes, really), this island packs way more than meets the eye. And the best part? It’s way less crowded than the usual island getaways from Singapore like Bali or Phuket (for now, at least).

Here’s everything you need to know about what to do in Hainan, from Haikou’s hidden gems to Sanya’s sunset views.

Also read: 5 Island Getaways Near to Singapore That Will Blow Your Mind

Where is Hainan, and why should you go?

Before we dive into the beach clubs and volcano hikes, here’s a quick intro to Hainan. It’s China’s southernmost province — a palm-tree-lined island floating in the South China Sea, just off the mainland’s southern coast.

While most travellers head to big-name cities like Shanghai or Beijing, Hainan offers a wildly different vibe. There are way fewer skyscrapers, more sunsets; fewer crowds, more coconuts.

The island’s two main cities are:

• Haikou: Hainan’s capital, located in the north. Best for quirky cultural attractions, street food, and an unexpected volcano hike or two.

• Sanya: The island’s beachy southern half, where luxury resorts, coral-rich coastlines, and rainforest parks take centre stage.

And the best part? Getting between them is super easy. A high-speed train connects Haikou and Sanya in under two hours, which means you can squeeze in both the weird and the wonderful within one trip.

Also read: 12 Beautiful Locations in China That Will Blow You Away

Things to do in Haikou: Volcano hikes, movie sets & night market feasts

So to start off, most people fly into Haikou and head straight down to Sanya. But I say give this city a chance and you’ll find plenty of reasons to stick around for at least two days. Between volcanoes, old-school arcades, and one of the most spacious night markets we’ve seen, Haikou is full of low-key surprises.

 Hike a volcano at Leiqiong Global Geopark

Yup, you read that right! Volcanoes in Hainan. Leiqiong Global Geopark is China’s first volcano-themed national park, home to over 40 dormant volcanoes. It’s more scenic than scorching though, with well-maintained paths, shaded rest stops, and panoramic views from the crater rim.

Even if you’re not a hiker, the trail is manageable, and you’ll be rewarded with greenery, ancient lava caves, and a wild sense of walking on something very old.Oh and did I mention that it’s a UNESCO-recognised geopark?

Opening hours: 8am–6pm
Entry fee: ~S$8–10
📍 Approx. 23 mins by taxi from Haikou East Railway Station

Get cinematic at Movie Town

Built as a film set by Chinese director Feng Xiaogang, Movie Town is like stepping into 1940s China, complete with cobblestone streets, vintage storefronts, and European-style architecture. The main draw? Nanyang Street, where you can rent a costume, strike a pose, and pretend you’re starring in a period drama or K-drama (yes, one was filmed here).

Live performances take place throughout the week too, so check those out!

Opening hours: 10AM–10PM (closed Mon)
Entry fee: ~S$35–41
📍 16 mins by taxi from the Geopark

Night market dinner at Haida South Gate

We know “night market” sounds like the usual chaos, but Haida South Gate Night Market is refreshingly calm and well-organised. Food stalls on the left, everything else (bags, phone cases, clothes) on the right. What’s not to love?

Fuel up on stinky tofu, grilled oysters, lor mee-adjacent noodles, and the local must-try dessert: qingbuliang — a creamy, coconut milk dessert bowl that’s cold, chewy, crunchy, and criminally underrated.

Opening hours: 6pm–12:30am
📍 36 mins by taxi from Movie Town

Bonus: Qilou Old Street

A blend of colonial arcades and Southern Chinese charm, Qilou Old Street is made for slow strolls. With over 200 preserved buildings, it’s a little rundown but full of character (and dinner options). We recommend trying the coconut water hotpot, where chicken is cooked in sweet broth instead of soup. Weird? Yes. Good? Also yes.

Things to do in Sanya: Beaches & bucket-list views

Sanya is where most travellers fall head over heels for Hainan and it’s easy to see why. I mean come on, it’s swaying palms, beachside cafes, and enough marine activities to keep your adrenaline high and your photo gallery full.

But Sanya isn’t just about beaches. Between rainforest hikes, rope bridges, and themed parks that feel straight out of a fever dream, this southern city serves both romance and ridiculousness in equal measure.

Chill at the beaches

Start your Sanya journey with the basics: Dadonghai, Yalong Bay, and Houhai Village are three of the city’s best coastal hangouts.

• Dadonghai: Close to the city, perfect for sunbathing or sunset walks.

• Yalong Bay: White sand, turquoise water, upscale resorts. Very Maldives.

• Houhai Village: Hainan’s unofficial surf town. Book a session at a local surf shop, and you might score a free extra hour in the waves (read more on this later).

Tripzilla Tip: Houhai is also where you can catch a ferry to Wuzhizhou Island. More on that below.

Conquer a rainforest

If you’re ready to feel like a National Geographic explorer (minus the NS flashbacks) head to Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park. You can hike, sure. But we recommend the sightseeing shuttle, which takes you up scenic roads to sky-high rope bridges and glass-bottomed platforms.

• Dragon Rope Bridge: Suspended between mountains. Bouncy but surprisingly non-scary.

• Glass Platform: See the rainforest from above… like way above.

• Fun fact: Chinese drama Go Go Squid! filmed a date scene here. Romantic AND dramatic.

Opening hours: 7:30am-5:30pm
Entry + shuttle + attractions fee: ~S$50
📍 Approx. 15 mins from Yalong Bay

Dive into the sea at Atlantis Sanya

If Sanya had a crown jewel, it might be Atlantis. It’s a resort with underwater suites, a massive aquarium, dolphin encounters, and a waterpark that lets you zip through a shark tank. (No, really. The Leap of Faith slide is not for the faint-hearted.)

You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy many of the attractions, but if you’ve ever wanted to wake up to fish floating past your bed, this is your chance.

Experience the chaos (and charm) of Sanya Romance Park

Don’t let the name fool you. Sanya Romance Park is a lot less roses and more… hobbit houses, jet-skiing mermaids, and disco light shows. It sounds bizarre, and it is, but hey the nightly live performance is honestly jaw-dropping. Think aerial acrobatics, stunts, and a storyline that jumps from history to fantasy in a blink.

Showtimes: 2pm, 5pm, 8pm
Entry: From ~S$56 (varies by seat)

Take a day trip to Wuzhizhou Island

Known as the “Maldives of China,” Wuzhizhou Island is all about clear water, coral reefs, and perfectly placed photo ops like Lover’s Bridge and Heart of the Sea.

You can snorkel, jet ski, or parasail. But if you don’t wanna break a sweat,  just hop on the sightseeing bus to check out the highlights. Just note: bus tickets require a local phone number, but staff on-site are usually happy to help.

Ferry times: 8.30am–4pm (to island), last ferry back ~6.30pm
Ferry + tour bus fee: ~S$51

Unexpected highlights: From wormholes to DIY seafood feasts

Sanya may be all beachy on the outside, but there’s a wonderfully weird side to Hainan that most travel brochures skip. If you’re looking to go beyond the usual, here are some curveballs worth adding to your itinerary:

Wormhole library & mountain in the sky (Haikou)

No, you’re not in a sci-fi film. The Wormhole Library is a futuristic architectural marvel perched right by the sea. It has curved white walls, light-filled reading nooks, and cave-like holes that make it perfect for a dramatic photo shoot.

Right nearby is the Mountain in the Sky, a circular silver slope you can climb (weather permitting!) for a view of the coastline. Come during golden hour and you’ll get that “stepping into a dream” moment (provided the weather gods are willing).

Entry fee: Free
📍 Along Haikou Bay coastline

DIY Seafood market feast (Sanya)

Forget fancy restaurants. At Chunyuan Seafood Square, you choose your seafood fresh from the tanks, pick a “personal chef” on-site, and decide how you want everything cooked.

It’s chaotic, mildly confusing, and totally worth it.

Tripzilla Tip: go after 6PM when more stalls are open, and try Hele crab, a local specialty.

Fee: ~S$55 for two pax (seafood + cooking fee)
📍 31 mins by taxi from Yalong Bay Tropical Forest Park

Surfing at Houhai Village

This sleepy surf town has grown into a mini haven for beginners. Lessons are chill, instructors are patient, and you might even get GoPro footage of yourself wiping out in slow motion. The village vibe is also refreshingly local, with cosy cafes, rental shops, and locals just hanging out on their porches. Definitely worth a detour if you want beach without the crowd.

Fee: ~S$43 for 2hrs (incl. GoPro footage)
📍 Near Wuzhizhou Island ferry point

When to visit Hainan 

One of the best things about Hainan? It’s got beach weather year-round, but not the kind that leaves you drenched in sweat and regrets.

From November to April, Hainan really shines. Temperatures hover between a breezy 21 to 25°C, with clear skies and that perfect balance of sun without the scorch. It’s the season of slow sunsets, light jackets at night, and beach strolls where your sandals don’t fry your feet.

But if you don’t mind the heat (or you’re chasing smaller crowds and better deals), May to October has its charm too. Expect warmer, more humid days though. Just bring an umbrella in case the skies decide to go dramatic.

No matter when you go, the weather’s rarely a deal-breaker. You’ll still get your rainforest views, seafood feasts, and lazy hours by the sea, just in slightly different moods.

Also read: The Ultimate Seasonal Guide to Visiting China: When to Go for the Best Experiences

Final thoughts

It’s easy to write off Hainan as just another beach destination, or just as a stand-in for Bali or Batam. But once you’ve hiked a volcano, danced through a mermaid disco show, and eaten crab steamed your way in a seafood square, you’ll realise Hainan is playing a different game altogether.

Here, old temples and theme parks sit side-by-side. A surf shack can lead to a five-star resort. And sometimes, you find yourself watching a sunset from a futuristic library by the sea, wondering why more people haven’t caught on yet.

Whether you go for the vibes, the views, or just to finally say you’ve been to the actual Hainan behind the chicken rice, this island makes good on its promises.