Wuzhishan

Located in central Hainan, Wuzhishan is known for the island’s highest peak and pristine tropical rainforest. Summer temperatures here are five to six degrees Celsius lower than on the coast, making it a good destination for escaping the heat, relaxing and exploring the rainforest.

• Wuzhishan Tropical Rainforest National Park: Wuzhishan’s main peak rises to 1,867 meters. Along the park’s rainforest boardwalks, you can see roots wrapped around rocks and strangler plants growing around other trees. The unofficial trails to the main peak are closed, but you can follow an official boardwalk to an elevation of 1,250 meters for distant views. Admission is about 40 yuan.

• Fangnuo Village: Set amid rainforest vegetation, this scenic area has treehouses, Miaomei Lake and viewing platforms for sightseeing and photography. Admission and the sightseeing shuttle cost 68 yuan in total.

• Yahu Rice Terraces: Known as “Hainan’s finest rice terraces,” more than 160 tiers of fields follow the contours of the mountain up to its middle slopes. The main viewing season is around October, when the fields are flooded. The viewing platform is free to visit.

• Maona Village: This Li ethnic village in Shuiman Township is free to visit. You can see traditional granaries, waterwheels and streams, and take part in activities such as long-table banquets and bonfire evenings.

• Red Canyon Rafting: This 3.8-kilometer rafting route has a substantial drop in elevation, making for an intense ride suited to visitors who enjoy water activities. Tickets cost 168 yuan per person.

Local Food

Food in Wuzhishan features Li-style cooking and ingredients from the surrounding mountains. Try a few local specialties as your itinerary allows.

For meals, consider Lixiang Youyue or Shuiyunju in the city center, or the farmhouse restaurants in Maona Village. These options focus on local flavors at fairly modest prices.

Where to Stay

Suggested Itineraries

• Relaxed Two-Day, One-Night Trip:
  • Day 1: Drive from Haikou or Sanya in the morning and arrive in central Wuzhishan for lunch. Visit Maona Village in the afternoon to learn about life in a Li village, then take an evening walk along the Nansheng River to enjoy the night views. Stay overnight in the city center or Shuiman Township.
  • Day 2: Head to Wuzhishan Tropical Rainforest National Park early in the morning and explore on foot along the trails. Go rafting at Red Canyon in the afternoon before heading back.
• More In-Depth Three-Day, Two-Night Trip:
  • Day 1: After arriving, browse Wuzhishan Market beside the Nansheng River. Open every Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to noon, it offers a glimpse of local trade and daily life. Check in at Fangnuo Village in the afternoon, then explore and take photos around the rainforest treehouses.
  • Day 2: View the Yahu Rice Terraces in the morning, have farmhouse-style food in Maoyang Town for lunch, then walk the boardwalks in Wuzhishan Tropical Rainforest National Park in the afternoon. Return to the city center in the evening to try five-footed pork and fish in sour broth.
  • Day 3: Enjoy a leisurely morning, then visit the Li Ancestral Hall at Lidong Cultural Park. Alternatively, stay in the city center to buy Wuzhishan black tea and Shanlan rice wine as gifts before heading home.

Getting Around

• Driving: The journey from Haikou via the Central Expressway takes about 2.5 hours, while the drive from Sanya takes about 1.5 hours. The winding mountain road from the city center to Shuiman Township takes about 40 minutes and has frequent bends and steep slopes. Less experienced drivers should travel during daylight and keep their speed down.
• Coach: Both Haikou and Sanya bus stations have direct coaches to central Wuzhishan, with journeys taking about 2–3 hours. After arriving, you can transfer to a minibus or hire a car with a driver to reach Shuiman Township and other scenic areas.

Travel Tips

• Main Peak Access Restrictions: The unofficial trails to Wuzhishan’s 1,867-meter main peak are closed. Do not follow directions for unofficial routes. Entering without permission poses safety risks and may result in a fine; use only the official boardwalks that are open to visitors.
• Rafting Times: Water activities such as Red Canyon rafting usually begin around 1:30 p.m. Check the day’s schedule before setting out and buy tickets online in advance to avoid arriving and being unable to take part.
• Mosquito and Sun Protection: Mosquitoes and other insects are common in the rainforest. Bring plenty of repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers where possible, and use sun protection. Mountain temperatures vary noticeably between morning and evening, so bring a light jacket even in summer.
• Water and Food: There are no shops inside the rainforest scenic areas or along the mountain boardwalks. Bring your own drinking water, snacks and other food; at least 1.5 liters of water is recommended.
• Driving on Mountain Roads: Roads into the mountains are narrow and winding. Slow down and give way when passing oncoming vehicles. Watch for slippery surfaces in the rain, and do not use high beams in fog.
• Dinner Planning: Few restaurants in Shuiman Township remain open after 8 p.m. Eat in the city center first, or have an early dinner in the afternoon before heading into the mountains.

Best Time to Visit

October to April is Wuzhishan’s dry season, with cooler temperatures and relatively little rain, making it suitable for hiking and camping. May to October is the rainy season, when afternoon thunderstorms are more likely. Pay attention to the weather and safety conditions when hiking in the mountains.