Chengmai

Chengmai lies on Hainan’s western route, about an hour’s drive from Haikou. Here you can explore ancient villages dating back a thousand years and stone pagodas from the Song dynasty, as well as natural waterfalls and seaside temples. Most attractions are free to visit, making it a good choice for a relaxed weekend or short holiday.

Historic Sites and Temples

• Yongqing Temple: The largest Buddhist temple in northern Hainan is bordered by the sea on three sides. Its 42 Burmese white jade Buddha statues once set a Guinness World Record. The rear gate leads directly to a beach, ideal for sea views, photography or a quiet break.

• Meilang Twin Pagodas: These two Southern Song stone pagodas are more than 800 years old and are known as “Hainan’s Little Angkor Wat.” Built from basalt using mortise-and-tenon joints without any binding material, they retain intricate relief carvings. The surrounding ponds and coconut palms provide a scenic setting for viewing and photographing the pagodas.

• Luoyi Ancient Village: This 800-year-old village is known for its volcanic-stone architecture, with more than 400 old basalt houses and an ancient post road still preserved. It has seen relatively little commercial development, so a visit offers both historic sights and a glimpse of residents’ everyday lives.

Waterfalls and Wetlands

• Daxie Waterfall: This quiet natural waterfall, which is free to visit, lies between banana groves and areca palm fields. Follow the sound of running water for a few minutes on foot to reach it. Black volcanic rock and clear spring water define the scenery, making it a good option for visitors seeking nature and a little light adventure.

• R&F Mangrove Bay Wetland Park: The park covers about 147 hectares of mangrove wetlands, with high levels of negative air ions. It is also home to various rare seabirds, with flocks of flamingos a particular highlight. A 4.2-kilometer timber boardwalk lets you observe the waterlogged woodland up close.

Coffee Culture and Leisure

• Fushan Coffee Culture Town: This is the birthplace of locally grown Hainan coffee and China’s first coffee-themed cultural tourism town. Buildings in the Southeast Asian style line the town, where you can sample Fushan charcoal-roasted coffee or try grinding beans and making pour-over coffee.

Suggested Itineraries

• One-day trip (round trip from Haikou): Start the morning with sightseeing and photography at the Meilang Twin Pagodas, then head to Daxie Waterfall for natural scenery. In the afternoon, enjoy coffee and a break at Fushan Coffee Town. Continue to Dongshui Harbor in the early evening to watch fishing boats return and enjoy fresh seafood, then return to Haikou at night.
• Two-day trip (a relaxed pace):
  • Day 1: Visit Yongqing Temple in the morning; the beach behind its rear gate is also a sunset-viewing spot. Explore Luoyi Ancient Village in the afternoon to see its volcanic-stone buildings and village life, then head to Laocheng in the evening to try Bailian goose.

• Day 2: Start at Fushan Coffee Town to learn about local coffee culture, with earthen-oven chicken as an option for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Mangrove Bay Wetland Park to see the flamingos. Alternatively, head to Hongkanling Pottery Park, where children can try traditional wood-fired pottery, an intangible cultural heritage craft.

Local Food

Chengmai’s food combines Hainan’s local specialties with culinary traditions brought by migrants. Local poultry, staple dishes and coffee offer a taste of these different influences.

• Bailian goose: A signature Chengmai ingredient, these geese feed mainly on aromatic grasses around Bailian Market Town, giving the meat a texture that is both tender and firm. Common preparations include poaching and roasting over lychee wood. Served with a special garlic sauce, the meat is succulent and distinctly fragrant.

• Ruixi beef jerky: This time-honored specialty has a history of more than a century. Made from local yellow cattle beef, it is slow-cooked at a low temperature and then roasted, without preservatives. Savory and chewy without being dry or tough, it makes a good gift to take home.

• Qiaotou sweet potatoes: Grown in sandy soil, these selenium-rich sweet potatoes are notably sweet, with a soft, creamy texture. Besides being roasted, they are used in sweet potato dessert soup, cakes and ice cream.

• Fushan coffee: A nationally recognized geographical indication product, its Arabica variety has a rich body with citrus and nutty notes. Pair it with fried dough sticks for breakfast, or try creative dishes such as coffee-stewed chicken.

• Laocheng rice noodle soup: A common traditional breakfast in Chengmai, this dish features thin rice noodles with beef jerky, peanuts, pickled greens and other ingredients, finished with a specially prepared seasoning sauce and stock. The noodles are silky and the broth is rich.

Where to Stay and Getting Around

• Areas to stay:
  • Laocheng Development Zone / Yingbin Peninsula: Close to Yongqing Temple and the coast, this area has a good selection of guesthouses and chain hotels. It suits visitors looking for sea views, quiet surroundings and good-value accommodation.

• Fushan Town: Stay in or near Coffee Town for easy evening strolls to enjoy its nighttime scenery. The pace of life is slower here, making it a good base for visitors interested in coffee culture.

• Jinjiang Town: As the county seat, Jinjiang offers convenient everyday amenities and plenty of night market options. It suits visitors focused on sampling snacks and experiencing local life.

• Transport: Attractions are spread out, so driving makes it easier to link them into an itinerary. From Haikou, Chengmai is about an hour away via the western expressway. If traveling by high-speed train, get off at Laocheng Station or Fushan Station, then transfer to a local bus or taxi.

Travel Tips

• Sun and mosquito protection: UV levels are strong in Hainan, so use sun protection when visiting outdoor sites such as Daxie Waterfall and the wetland park. Bring mosquito repellent for trips to ancient villages and wetlands.
• Clothing and footwear: Dress modestly when entering temples such as Yongqing Temple and Jinshan Temple, avoiding overly revealing clothes. Reaching Daxie Waterfall involves walking along a stretch of dirt path, so wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
• Visitor etiquette: Keep your voice down in ancient villages and temples, and respect local customs. Photography of Buddha statues inside temple halls is generally not permitted.
• Carry cash: If you plan to buy seafood at traditional fishing harbors such as Dongshui Harbor, bring some cash, as some fishers may not accept other payment methods.
• When to visit: November through April brings cooler weather and is a more comfortable time to explore Chengmai. Summers are hot, so plan outdoor activities for the morning or early evening.