Tunchang

Tunchang lies in central Hainan Province and receives fewer visitors than the coastal areas. Its main attractions are mountain and lake scenery, aromatic plant gardens, and local food. About an hour’s drive from Haikou, it is an option for a relaxing weekend break or a family outing.

• Dreamy Xiangshan: This 650-mu park centers on aromatic plants and features Jialipo Castle, the Crystal Chapel, and seasonal flower fields. It offers opportunities for photography and educational family activities. Admission is about RMB 68.

• Muse Lake: This freshwater lake is free to visit and surrounded by mountains. See the flooded forest and Rainbow Dam, cycle along the shore, or simply sit and relax. Nanxi Coffee is located beside the lake.

• Fengmu Deer Farm: Home to more than a thousand sika deer and Eld’s deer, the farm allows visitors to feed the animals and take photos up close. Its open lawns create a grassland-like setting. Admission is about RMB 30.

• Oil Painting Pedestrian Street: This quiet street displays and sells original oil paintings by local farmer-artists. You can try painting yourself and take a photo in front of the “Tunchang Calendar Wall.”

• Meiheyuan Village: This century-old village is fringed by a hundred mu of bamboo groves, making it a pleasant place for a walk or photos in hanfu or other traditional-style clothing.

• Yangjiaoling Quarry Lake: The main attraction is a deep, emerald-green pool. You can also look for rough quartz crystals. The water is deep, so keep to the shore for photos and do not enter the water.

Local Food Guide

Tunchang’s signature flavors include local black pork and dishes made with aromatic herbs. Prices are generally affordable, and local snacks can be found along the streets and lanes.

Suggested 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Lakeside Relaxation and Xiangshan:
  • Morning: Drive from Haikou to Tunchang, a journey of about an hour. Start with a bike ride at Muse Lake, taking in the water and reflections of the green mountains.
  • Lunch: Eat near Muse Lake. Options include Fengmu herb duck or black pork gerou noodles.
  • Afternoon: Visit Dreamy Xiangshan to see Jialipo Castle and the Crystal Chapel. Take French-style photos among the flower fields and in the lemon grove, and try making your own soap.
  • Evening: Return to the county town for a walk along Tunchang Snack Street or through the Jinzhuyuan Creative District. Try fried snacks and qingbuliang dessert for a taste of the local evening food scene.
• Day 2: Deer Encounters and Street Wandering:
  • Morning: Visit Fengmu Deer Farm to feed the sika deer, a family-friendly activity. Alternatively, head to Meiheyuan Village for a bamboo-grove walk and traditional-style photos.
  • Lunch: Return to the county town for Tunchang mixed noodles or pork offal noodle soup.
  • Afternoon: Browse Oil Painting Pedestrian Street and pick up a small painting as a souvenir. Alternatively, look for rough quartz crystals at Yangjiaoling before heading home.

Accommodation and Transport

• Transport: Driving makes it easier to link the attractions. The journey from Haikou takes about 50 minutes to an hour, and the Central Expressway has no tolls. Another option is to take a high-speed train to Tunchang Station.
• Accommodation:
  • Inside the scenic area: Xiangshan Yunsen Hotel offers views of the surrounding hills and countryside, with aromatic plants nearby. It suits a quiet, restful stay.
  • In the county town: Options include Shuijing Zhiyuan Resort Hotel and budget hotels, with convenient dining and relatively affordable room rates.

• Distinctive stays: Polin Daoxiang Tent Hotel offers tent accommodation in a rice-field setting, providing a rural alternative to a conventional hotel.

Travel Tips

• Buying tickets: Advance online tickets for Dreamy Xiangshan usually cost RMB 48, compared with RMB 68 at the gate. Stays at the scenic area’s hotel usually include admission.
• Breakfast timing: Many shops selling black pork gerou noodles and Sidie mixed noodles sell out early in the morning. Aim to arrive before 8 a.m.
• Meal reservations: Fengmu herb duck is cooked to order. Larger groups should call ahead to reduce waiting time.
• Safety: Yangjiaoling Quarry Lake is deep. Take photos from the shore only; entering the water is prohibited. Showers are frequent in the hills, so carry rain gear.
• What to bring: Vegetation is dense in the parks and around the lake. Bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen, and wear comfortable trainers suitable for walking.