Wenchang

Wenchang gets strong sunshine, so take sun protection for trips to the coast.

Compared with Sanya, Wenchang has fewer tourists and lower prices. This coastal city has Southeast Asian-style neighborhoods and opportunities to watch rockets during launches, making it a good place to combine coastal sightseeing with city walks.

• Tonggu Ridge: Known as the “finest peak in eastern Hainan,” its summit overlooks the curving coastline of Moon Bay. In clear weather, the sea looks especially clear. You can take a sightseeing shuttle uphill to save yourself some walking while enjoying the scenery along the way.

• Stone Park: The coast is dotted with rocks shaped by hundreds of millions of years of marine erosion. It was also a filming location for the stone monkey’s birth scene in the 1986 TV series *Journey to the West*. The striking rock formations make this a good spot for photography, and there is also a rocket-viewing area by the sea.

• Qishui Bay: This beach faces the space launch site and has fine sand and clear water. You can watch the sunset from the shore in the evening; during rocket launches, it is also a free viewing spot.

• Dongjiao Coconut Grove: Wenchang is known for its coconut palms, and Dongjiao Coconut Grove is one of its signature landscapes, with palms stretching all the way to the sea. You can ride an electric scooter through the groves. Freshly opened young coconuts cost 5–6 yuan each.

• Wennan Old Street: Southeast Asian-style arcaded buildings are the main attraction here, with a more old-fashioned feel than Haikou’s arcade streets. The evening light is good for viewing and photographing the buildings, and there are plenty of local snacks nearby.

• Wenchang Confucius Temple: The most completely preserved of Hainan’s surviving Confucian temples, it has an unusual east-facing layout. Red walls and green roof tiles define its appearance, and the peaceful setting invites a leisurely visit.

• Mulan Bay: Here you will find a structure known as Asia’s foremost navigation lighthouse, along with large wind turbines lining the coast. There are few visitors, and the shoreline retains a relatively natural appearance. Follow the coast by the wind turbines to enjoy the sunset.

• Wenchang Space Science Center: Exhibits include actual rocket debris and realistic models, offering a close-up introduction to spaceflight. Families traveling with children can also consider the cinema and go-karting activities here.

Getting Around

• Getting to Wenchang: After flying into Haikou Meilan Airport, take the four-minute indoor walk to Meilan High-Speed Railway Station, then catch the island-loop high-speed train to Wenchang Station. The train journey takes about 20 minutes and costs around 20–27 yuan.
• Local transport: Attractions are spread out, so driving makes it easier to connect stops. The coastal roads also offer scenic views along the way. If you are not driving, you can rent a vehicle at Wenchang Station. Electric scooters cost about 40–50 yuan per day and are better suited to short trips. To reach Longlou Town, you can also take a taxi or the Tourist Route 1 bus. Relying entirely on public transport will place considerable limits on your itinerary.

Where to Stay

• For rocket viewing or a resort stay: Stay in Longlou Town, for example at the Luneng Hilton. It is close to Qishui Bay and Stone Park, and balconies in some sea-view rooms face the launch tower.
• For dining and exploring the old streets: Choose Wencheng Town in the city center, for example the Weijia International Hotel. The Confucius Temple and Wennan Old Street are within walking distance, nearby amenities are plentiful, and accommodation offers relatively good value.
• For sunrise views or a family trip: Consider Gaolong Bay, for example the Nanguo Wyndham Garden Hotel. The area offers 180-degree sea views and a lively local atmosphere, with seaside walks after dinner.

Local Food

• Wenchang chicken: Ranked first among Hainan’s four signature dishes, it is traditionally poached and served with a dipping sauce made from green calamansi, sand ginger, and minced garlic. It is prized for its crisp skin and tender meat. Long-established restaurants in Tanniu Town and on Sanjiao Street are options for trying it.

• Baoluo rice noodles: A common breakfast choice in Wenchang, these noodles are thicker and springier than Hainan rice noodles and are usually served with a rich beef-bone broth. Try them at Wangcheng Baoluo Noodles or Fengji Baoluo Noodles.

• Zaopo vinegar hotpot: This specialty from Puqian Town uses fermented lees left over from alcohol production to make a sour, spicy broth for cooking seafood or beef offal. Its tangy, spicy flavor makes it an appetizing part of a meal.

• Laoba tea: Experience the local afternoon tea tradition at Wangxi Chinese and Western Tea Shop or Longhua Tea Garden. Pair black tea with flaky taro buns, durian pastries, and assorted fried snacks. A budget of 30–50 yuan per person buys a generous spread.

• Qingbuliang: Choose the chilled coconut milk version of this dessert, which comes with a variety of toppings, including soft, creamy taro. It is a refreshing sweet treat in hot weather.

• Seafood: Choose fresh seafood at Huanqiu Wharf in Qinglan Port, then have a nearby restaurant cook it for you. At around 80 yuan per person, this is a relatively affordable way to enjoy seafood.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1 (Mountains and Sea): Climb Tonggu Ridge in the morning for views of Moon Bay. In the afternoon, photograph the rocky coast at Stone Park. Head to Qishui Bay toward evening for the sunset, and stay to watch a rocket if a launch is scheduled. Spend the evening walking and dining on Wennan Old Street.
• Day 2 (Coconut Groves and Local Life): Start the day with laoba tea, then cycle through Dongjiao Coconut Grove in the morning. Visit Wenchang Confucius Temple in the afternoon, and return to the city center in the evening for Wenchang chicken or zaopo vinegar hotpot.
• Day 3 (Spaceflight and the Coast, Optional): Start at Wenchang Space Science Center to see the rocket models, then head to Mulan Bay for the lighthouse and wind-turbine-lined coast. If you continue to Puqian Town, try the local zaopo vinegar hotpot and buy some seafood.

Travel Tips

• Sun and insect protection: Hainan has strong UV radiation. Apply plenty of SPF50+ sunscreen before going out, and bring sunglasses and a hat. Mosquitoes are common in Dongjiao Coconut Grove, so pack insect repellent.
• Safety on the rocks: The rocks at Stone Park are slippery and uneven. Wear trainers with good grip, avoid climbing without assessing the risks, and keep track of the rising tide.
• Transport and accommodation during launches: On rocket launch days, traffic restrictions in Longlou Town begin three hours before launch, and accommodation prices rise sharply. Book hotels more than a month ahead. If traveling by vehicle, register your license plate through the “Chengxin Wenchang” mini program.
• Tonggu Ridge tickets: Admission and the sightseeing shuttle cost about 70 yuan per person in total. Book online at least an hour ahead. Entry before 6 a.m. is free.
• Buying young coconuts: Young coconuts in Dongjiao Coconut Grove usually cost 5–6 yuan each. If quoted 20 yuan, try another seller.