Who says you have to fly to Indonesia to experience a tropical atmosphere like Bali? Now, at the southern tip of China, there’s an island offering blue seas, white beaches, and even its own “Bali village” — it’s called Hainan (海南). This island is now one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Asia, offering visa-free access for tourists from several countries and direct connections from Hong Kong and Macau.
Hainan is often called the “Hawaii of China,” but recently the island has found its own identity: blending tropical nature, Buddhist culture, flower gardens, and modern urban charm. From the coastal city of Sanya to the capital city of Haikou, here are six must-see destinations on your Hainan trip.
1. Dadonghai Beach, Sanya — A Tropical Beach with a “Bali in China” Atmosphere
If you’re looking for a relaxed seaside atmosphere with cafes, bars, and rows of palm trees, head to Dadonghai Beach in Sanya city. This beach is Hainan’s most famous tropical destination. Its crescent-shaped shape, crystal clear water, and calm waves are perfect for swimming, relaxing, or simply sitting and enjoying the afternoon.
Many Chinese tourists refer to Dadonghai as “Hasu Bali Village”—a little Bali in southern China. The hotels along the beach emulate Southeast Asian tropical architecture, complete with gamelan music and fried rice dishes at some restaurants.
What makes it so appealing is its easy access: just 10 minutes from downtown Sanya, so you can enjoy the beach without having to travel far from your hotel.
Best time: late afternoon around sunset, when the Sanya sky turns orange and the sea sparkles like molten glass.
2. Nanshan Temple and the Guanyin Statue in the South Sea
About 40 kilometers from Sanya stands the magnificent Nanshan Temple complex, home to one of the world’s tallest Guanyin (Kwan Yin) statues. Standing 108 meters tall, it sits on a platform in the middle of the sea, as if overlooking the vast ocean.
Besides being a spiritual destination, this area is also a beautiful cultural park. The bamboo paths, the scent of incense, and the sound of wind chimes create a peaceful atmosphere. Tourists often come not only to pray, but also to simply reflect and enjoy the panoramic view of the blue sea.
There’s an interesting philosophy here: the statue of Guan Yin faces three directions—one toward the land, two toward the sea—symbolizing blessings for the entire world. For many visitors, this is not just a tourist attraction, but an inner experience.
3. Yalong Bay International Rose Valley—Asia’s Largest Rose Garden
If you’re looking for a break from the beach and a place full of fragrance and color, head to Rose Valley in Yalong Bay. This garden is a tropical floral paradise, spanning nearly two hundred hectares, and is known as the largest rose garden in Asia.
Inside, you can stroll among thousands of varieties of roses, sunflowers, and other exotic plants. There are small cafes selling rose tea, natural perfumes, and even handmade soaps.
For photography enthusiasts, this place is like the perfect natural studio—every step offers a new, beautiful backdrop.
The best season to visit is February to May, when the flowers are in full bloom. But even in the summer, this place remains serene, with gentle breezes and sweet aromas filling the air.
4. Bali Village, Sanya — A Touch of the Archipelago in China
This is the most unique destination in Hainan: Bali Village (巴厘村 / Bali Village), located not far from the Sanya tourist area. Built as a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange between Indonesia and China, this village combines Balinese architecture, art, and a unique atmosphere.
As soon as you enter, you’ll find stone gates resembling split temples, statues of dancers, and tropical gardens with the sound of gamelan playing softly in the background. Local dancers, dressed in traditional Balinese costumes, perform dances like Legong or Kecak on a small stage every weekend.
In some shops, you can even find Balinese coffee and batik fabrics — something that brings a smile to many Indonesian visitors’ faces.
The village’s presence serves as a fascinating cultural bridge, proving that tropical doesn’t always mean one color — there can be Bali among the blue seas and skies of Hainan.
5. Haikou City — A Fusion of Tropical and Colonial
Unlike the touristy Sanya, Haikou, Hainan’s capital, offers a more urban and historical charm. The city boasts an old quarter called Qilou Old Street, lined with colonial buildings with arcade architecture reminiscent of Penang or Singapore, but with a Southern Chinese flair.
Walk among the quaint shops selling local snacks, herbal teas, and island souvenirs. In the afternoon, locals sit on cafe terraces sipping fresh young coconuts — a signature Hainan drink.
Haikou also has a city beach called Holiday Beach, an ideal spot to watch the sunset without having to venture far from the city center.
A small note: don’t miss local cuisine like authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice or Haikou’s signature crab soup. It’s lighter than the Singaporean version, but fresh and fragrant with ginger.
6. Leiqiong Global Geopark — Tracing the Trail of an Ancient Volcano
Still in the vicinity of Haikou, there’s a natural destination that may be less well-known to foreign tourists: Leiqiong Global Geopark, a now-inactive volcanic mountain range. From its summit, you can see panoramic views of the city and the blue sea in the distance.
The trails take you past lava caves, strange rock formations, and tropical vegetation growing on the black soil left by the lava. This site is listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark for its geological significance and stunning scenery.
Walking here feels like stepping back in time — from the Earth’s youth to the present day. Few places in Asia offer such an experience in one trip.
Wrapping Up the Journey: From Sea to Sky in Hainan
From beaches to mountains, from flowers to incense, from Bali to Kwan Im—Hainan is a strange but beautiful blend of tropical, spiritual, and modern. On one island, you can relax by the sea, sip rose tea, visit a Buddhist temple, and watch Balinese dance without leaving China.
And best of all: Indonesian tourists can enter Hainan visa-free for short visits, primarily through Sanya or Haikou airports. So, if you’re looking for something familiar yet still foreign, come to Hainan.
