Danzhou

Danzhou, in Hainan Province, draws fewer visitors than Sanya and offers a more relaxed pace of travel. It has cultural sites associated with Su Dongpo, coastal scenery shaped by volcanic activity, and relatively affordable everyday costs. This guide covers sights, an itinerary, food, and accommodation for a 3-day, 2-night trip.

• Dongpo Academy: Su Dongpo taught here during his exile in Danzhou in the Northern Song dynasty. Ancient trees and stone inscriptions provide a setting for learning about his local legacy. You can also take photos in contemporary Chinese-style clothing or hanfu.

• Ancient Salt Fields: This heritage site preserves a traditional sun-drying method of salt production dating back more than 1,300 years. Over 7,300 inkstone-shaped volcanic stone salt pans are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Visit around sunset to photograph the salt fields and their cultural setting.

• Longmen Waves: This black basalt coast was formed by volcanic activity a million years ago and features a natural stone gateway 30 meters high. At high tide, waves strike the rocks with a deep roar, making this a place to observe both volcanic coastal formations and powerful surf.

• Haihua Island: This flower-shaped artificial island development is the largest of its kind in the world. Most visitor facilities are concentrated on Island No. 1. You can take photos of Oubao Castle and the European-style churches for free, and a light show is scheduled every evening at 20:00. It is a suitable outing for couples or families with children.

• Shihua Water Cave: Hainan’s only karst geological park features formations dating back 1.4 million years. The cave stays at 18°C year-round. Visitors can admire stalactites and take a boat along an underground river to explore the karst landscape.

• Zhonghe Ancient Town: A former prefectural seat with more than 1,300 years of history, Zhonghe is a nationally recognized historic and cultural town. Stone-paved lanes, old arcaded streets, and ancient city gates preserve traces of its past, while everyday life continues around them. It is well suited to exploring slowly on foot.

Suggested 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary: Explore by Area

• Day 1: Dongpo Culture and an Ancient Town Walk
  • Morning: After arriving in Danzhou, visit Dongpo Academy. Include Zaijiu Hall and Dongpo Well in your route to learn about Su Dongpo’s cultural legacy here.

• Afternoon: Walk from the academy to Zhonghe Ancient Town. Admire the old arcaded buildings along Fuxing Street and try Zhonghe xianggao, a cake recognized as part of the area’s intangible cultural heritage, along with brown sugar rice cakes.

• Evening: Have dinner at Nanen Road Night Market, trying local snacks such as Danzhou milan rice noodles and qingbuliang, a chilled sweet dessert, while exploring the evening street market.

• Day 2: Salt Fields and the Volcanic Coast
  • Morning: Drive to the Ancient Salt Fields to see traditional sun-dried salt production. Along the way, you can stop at a roadside stall for local salt-baked chicken.

• Afternoon: Continue to the Eman Volcanic Coast and Longmen Waves to photograph the coastline, with black rocks and the sea as your backdrop. At high tide, stay away from rock faces and do not approach dangerous spots for a photo.

• Evening: Head to Haihua Island for the light show, then stroll along Twin Beach to enjoy the seaside after dark.

• Day 3: Nature and Local Food
  • Morning: Visit Shihua Water Cave Geological Park to explore its cool cave, where temperatures remain stable. Alternatively, take a trip on Songtao Reservoir and plan a fish hotpot meal.

• Afternoon: The original itinerary suggests visiting the morning market at Baimajing Fishing Port for freshly caught seafood and local fish congee. However, a morning market may not fit an afternoon visit, so confirm the hours in advance. Another option is to relax at Lanyang Geological Hot Springs.

• Evening: Finish sightseeing and begin your return journey.

Local Food in Danzhou

• Danzhou Milan Rice Noodles: A common local breakfast of thin rice noodles topped with pickled vegetables and peanuts, then mixed with garlic oil and seasoned sauce. The noodles are smooth, with a tangy, savory flavor. Try them at long-established stalls in Nada Town.

• Luoji Zongzi: Counted among Hainan’s four famous varieties of zongzi, these wrapped rice dumplings contain glutinous rice grown in volcanic soil, egg yolks from coastal free-range ducks, and pork from spotted pigs. They have a firm texture and a mix of savory and sweet flavors.

• Salt-Baked Chicken: A signature dish around the Ancient Salt Fields, cooked in volcanic stone salt pans. The skin is fairly crisp, while the meat is tender and juicy, with a pronounced salty, savory flavor.

• Zaopocu Hotpot: This hotpot has a sour, spicy fermented-vinegar broth suited to cooking seafood and edible seaweed. As the ingredients simmer, their flavors enrich the soup, creating a refreshing, appetizing meal.

• Jishiteng Sweet Soup: A local dessert made with jishiteng herb and rice, with a soft, chewy texture and a distinctive herbal fragrance. It is commonly eaten as a cooling summer dessert and is traditionally said to help clear internal heat and dispel dampness.

• Baimajing Seafood: Choose live seafood at the Baimajing Fishing Port docks, then have a nearby restaurant cook it for you. This is a relatively affordable way to enjoy the seafood’s natural flavor.

Where to Stay

• Central Nada: Accommodation costs RMB 100–400. Nearby night markets and shopping areas make dining and shopping convenient. This area suits a wide range of travelers, especially those who want everyday amenities and a convenient base for getting around.

• Haihua Island Area: Accommodation costs RMB 300–800. It is close to the beach and convenient for watching the evening light show, making it especially suitable for couples and families with children on a resort-style break.

• Zhonghe Ancient Town: Accommodation costs RMB 150–300. The setting is relatively quiet, with a strong historic-town atmosphere. It is a good choice for travelers who want to spend more time exploring Dongpo culture.

Transport, Safety, and Spending Tips

• Getting around: The sights are spread out, so traveling by public transport usually takes more time. Renting a car is more convenient, and Hainan’s expressways are toll-free. If you fly into Haikou Meilan Airport, you can transfer to a high-speed train and reach Baimajing Station in about 1.5 hours; driving takes about 2 hours.
• Sun and mosquito protection: UV levels are strong along Hainan’s west coast. Pack high-SPF sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing. Bring a light jacket and mosquito repellent if your itinerary includes caves or rainforest.
• Coastal safety: Wear non-slip shoes and check tide times when exploring the shore at Longmen Waves or the volcanic coast. Wet rocks can be slippery, so keep your distance from dangerous rock faces.
• Dining and shopping: Buy seafood at established markets such as Baimajing Fishing Port and have a restaurant prepare it. Confirm prices before ordering. Buy local specialties at reputable supermarkets in town rather than choosing roadside stalls solely for their low prices.
• Haihua Island costs: There is no fee to enter Haihua Island, but attractions such as the marine park, water park, and hot springs require separate tickets. Include these costs in your budget when planning your visit.