|
|
| Tourist
Guides for China |
Hainan Island
Tourist Guide (October 2008) |
|
General Comments:
China's version of Beach-paradise - Hainan Island
is situated in the South China sea quite near Vietnam.
It borders Guangdong Province, and was until recently
a part of Guangdong. The weather is tropical and very
hot for nearly all of the year. The main city called
Sanya has a small International airport. The main
industry is Tourism, although the island also produces
60% if China's entire rubber production. It is also
home to several Ethnic Minorities, notably the Li,
Miao and Hui
Hainan offers everything you would expect from an
International Beach holiday resort: Diving, Para-gliding,
Surfing, Sail-boarding, Boat trips, Off-shore Game-fishing,
Coral reefs, Sun-bathing and Nightlife ... Nightclubs
are plentiful, as are impromptu Beach-Barbies - take
your choice - or do both
Hainan Island is also famous for the Li ethnic minority,
who moved to the Island from Guangdong three thousand
years ago. They have kept their traditions, dress
and customs alive to this day, and you can join in
their displays of singing and dancing. The Li, who
are based in the central mountainous region, are peculiar
in that until a few decades ago, all women had a rights
of passage around the age of 12 or 13. First, they
had to prove they had learned all the skills needed
by a Li woman. They then became the centre of a ceremony,
during which their entire body was tattooed, including
their faces. Different clans have different designs,
and certain tattoos grant specific blessings - the
upper lip tattoo granting longevity, and the lower
lip good family and fortune. The practice was outlawed
about 40 years ago, but you are still in time to see
this on older women living there today
The centre of the Li culture is based upon the local
mountain, which is sacred to them, and the centre
of many of their traditions and displays. If you get
fed-up with beach-life, I strongly recommend you take
our cultural excursion to this area, it is a fascinating
experience with very friendly people
Local package trips from Guangzhou start at $150 for
4 nights fully inc - excepting local sports and excursions.
Diving the coral reefs costs around $20 per hour
Where to Stay:
Normally your hotel will come as part of the
package, but independent travellers should base themselves
in Sanya to begin with, where hotels are plentiful.
Later as you explore the island you can move to somewhere
more suitable to your needs. We recommend you have
a look at this online guide
http://www.sanyatravelguide.com/ which
gives a very good insight into Hainan
What to Do
Local Attractions
1. Tomb of Hai Rui was built in the
17th year of the reign of Wanli in Ming Dynasty (1589A.D.)
Located at Biya Village, Xiuying District
2. Wugong Temple was built during
the reign of Emperor Wanli in Ming Dynasty (1368~1644AD)
3. Haikou The Capital of Hainan Island stands
at the northern end of Hainan Island, on the west
bank of the Nandu River estuary, this river is the
longest river on the island
4. Wuzhi Mountain (Five Finger Mountains /
Wuzhishan). The Wuzhishan is located at the
centre of Hainan Island, with the title of the highest
mountain in Hainan Island makes it one of the symbols
of Hainan
5.Xinglong Tropical Botanical
Garden. Located in Xinglong within one hour
and half driving from Sanya, Xinglong Tropical Botanical
Garden was built in 1957 covering an area of 400,000
sq. meters with 1200 tropical plants
6. Wanquan River with its natural
zoology conservation is the most perfectly preserved
in China's tropic zone, which is known as The Mother
River of Hainan
7. Boao at the outlet of the Wanquan
River to the sea is also the confluence of the Longgun
River and the Jiuqu River
8. West Island is located 8 miles
offshore from Sanya, and connected by frequent speedboats
at Y100 including admission. This is the activity
centre for those who love water sports: Diving coral
reefs Y360, various boat trips, and sea fishing either
locally, or via yacht for Y600. For those new to diving,
instruction is given by fully qualified and internationally
(PADI) certified staff. West Island also features
many other activities such as Archery, camping and
BBQ. There are also ample alternatives for those not
into being active
9. Sanya is also the modern home
of The Miss World Contest, with the first ever Chinese
winner taking the title in November 2007
10. Visiting the Ethnic Minority
villages is also very interesting and worthwhile.
You can book from a selection of tours locally, and
usually from your hotel
Summary:
Hainan Island offers the very best beach based holidays
in China. Head for West Island if you want to go diving
the coral reefs or for other sea based activities.
Sanya on the south coast is an ideal base for those
who prefers to stay in a city, whilst being able to
take day trips. Sanya airport has direct connections
with all major Chinese airports, and many international
ones
|
|
|
This information is as supplied by the Chinese Embassy
in UK, as dated 20th June 2008, and/or other reliable
sources. Please check this information yourself as it
may alter without notice, and whilst we try our best
to ensure it is correct, please do not hold us responsible
for any errors - this is intended as a simple guide
only |
|
| Search
this Website |
|
|
| Our
Friends |
Hollywood
in China
Traveling Workshops:
Film Production, Acting, Makeup, Modeling, Dance/Yoga,
and Voice.
Sacred Rainbow Tour spectacular
China 2010 |
Excellent
& Free Online Chinese Language Portal
Thousands of free print-friendly Chinese reference sheets,
tests and revision aids.
Easy Learning format &
Listen to Spoken Words |
British Foreign Office
Resource and Advice for Travellers Worldwide |
Chinese Embassy in UK
Information About China
International Relations
Visa & Consular |
UK Embassy in China
Information About UK
International Relations
Visa & Consular |
Down The Road.org
How We Traded Our Ordinary Lives For a Global Bicycle Touring Adventure
See
Us in China |
Based in Xi'an,
China's Premiere Travel Agency and International Travel
Community |
|
