This year has been quite a year for Hainan when it comes to welcoming visitors from overseas. From expanding the scope of entry purposes under the popular visa-free entry policy for nationals of 59 designated countries to implementing 15-day visa-free entry for foreign tour groups entering Hainan on cruise ships and 144-hour visa-free entry for foreign tour groups on trips organized by travel agencies in the Hong Kong and Macao SARs, Hainan is becoming an increasingly enticing travel option for foreign tourists.

Hainan, China’s only tropical island province, is a natural green paradise surrounded by blue seas, conditions which have birthed the island’s unique cultural underpinnings. Check out this guide to Hainan’s most popular destinations.

Haikou: The Capital of Chillax Culture

Qilou Old Street Historical Quarter: The Qilou Old Street Historical Quarter is one of Haikou's most distinctive street landscapes, famous for its cultural roots and architecture. In 2009, it was listed in the first batch of "Famous Historical and Cultural Streets in China."

Wormhole Library: Shaped like a cloud, this library looks as if it is gently bobbing on the ripples of Haikou Bay, where it is located.

Ledong: Singing and Dancing on the Waves

Yinggehai Salt Flats: Famed for its expansive, white salt flats, Yinggehai offers views so stunning that it is called “The Sky Mirror.”

Yingge Talang Destination Station: Located on the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway, this station emphasizes the local Li culture, traditional salt production, and fishing.

Wanning: The Quintessential Tropical Beach Town

Shenzhou Lighthouse: Located at the southern tip of Shenzhou Peninsula, the lighthouse is surrounded on three sides by water, with a 300-meter breakwater connecting it to Potou Port. It is not only the guardian of the harbor but also a landmark building.

Baoting: The Heartland of the Li People

Binlanggu Li and Miao Cultural Tourism Area: China's first scenic area dedicated to folk culture. Visitors can expect to experience Li culture at its most authentic and see centuries-old betel nut forests and traditional boat-shaped houses.

Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Area: A natural playground of tropical rainforest, canyons, waterfalls, and culture. With its unique natural environment, pleasant climate, and scientifically proven fresh air, it's a great place for leisure, vacationing, and adventure.

Maozhen Reservoir (Shenyu Island) Water Conservancy Scenic Area: This place is a paradise you'll find hard to leave, with as high as 85% forest coverage rate, air rich in oxygen anions, and stunning lake and mountain scenery.

Sanya: The Furthest South in China You Can Go

Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park: Tucked away in the mountains above Yalong Bay, hiking along the rainforest trails among the dense vegetation and diverse wildlife is a real treat for the eyes and the lungs.

Luhuitou Scenic Area: Located on the Luhuitou Peninsula at the southwest end of Sanya, the park boasts five peaks of varying heights. A slice of nature within the city, the park is surrounded by sea on three sides and is a perfect place to catch the sunset (or sunrise).

Sunny Bay Highway: Weaving along the cliffs between Yalong Bay and Sunny Bay, it is known as "the most beautiful coastal highway in Sanya."

Lingshui: Between the Mountains and the Sea

Diaoluo Mountain National Forest Park: Diaoluo Mountain is famous for its many natural tourist attractions. It is also an important part of the Hainan tropical rainforest ecosystem with its rich variety of flora and fauna.

Fenjiezhou (Boundary) Island: Famous for its clear water and white sand beaches. While perfect if you just want to admire the sea view, you can also take part in manta ray feeding and interacting with marine animals here.

Nanwan Monkey Island Ecological Tourism Area & Daidai Island: A charming eco-tourism destination. This island boasts unique natural scenery and offers tourists a wide range of ecological exploration experiences. Whether you love animals or are just eager to relax in nature, Nanwan Monkey Island provides a refreshing paradise.