Better than Sanya! A 3-Day, 2-Night Niche Hainan Itinerary in Wanning

### **1. Itinerary Overview** - **Recommended duration**: 3 days, 2 nights - **Best time to visit**: November to April. The weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. - **Transportation**: Rent a car and drive yourself after landing in Sanya/Haikou (approx. RMB 120/day), or take the high-speed train to Wanning Station (approx. 1 hr from Sanya). --- ### **2. Must-See Attractions** 1. **Shimei Bay** - **Highlights**: Rated as "the most beautiful bay in Hainan" by *Chinese National Geography*. In the evening, you can overlook the "Orange Sea" spectacle of Jiajing Island from the Guanhai Pavilion. Enjoy Xinglong coffee (RMB 15/cup) at the nearby Phoenix Nine Mile Bookstore, a great place for photos and relaxation. - **Activities**: Snorkeling requires booking a certified instructor in advance. Beginners should not snorkel alone. 2. **Riyue Bay** - **Highlights**: The training base for the National Surfing Team. Shaka Surf Club offers 2-hour lessons (RMB 298). In the evening, rent a Snoopy electric car (RMB 30/hr) and ride along the Coconut Grove Highway. Take photos at the White Cross Church. - **Experience**: International surfing competitions are held here annually. Suitable for water sports enthusiasts. 3. **Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden** - **Highlights**: The largest tropical botanical garden in Asia, with 3,200 rare plant species. At night, you can participate in the luminous mushroom exploration activity (RMB 98/person). Must-try vanilla ice cream (RMB 18) and DIY chocolate. 4. **Shenzhou Peninsula** - **Internet Famous Lighthouse**: The best time to take photos is before 7am. You may need to wade through 200m of water to reach it during high tide. The Corona Sunset Bar offers buy-one-get-one-free Mojitos (promotion valid until the end of 2025). - **Accommodation recommendations**: Home to many high-end resorts, suitable for families and couples. 5. **Jiajing Island and Dazhou Island** - **Jiajing Island**: A pristine uninhabited island and a diver's paradise, with abundant coral reefs and tropical fish. Suitable for snorkeling and camping. - **Dazhou Island**: A national marine reserve and habitat for swiftlets. Take a speedboat from Wuchang Pier. --- ### **3. Food Guide** 1. **Xinglong Nanyang Flavor** - **Must-try dishes**: Curry fish balls, seven-layer cake, and French toast. Average price: RMB 50/person. Hidden gem: Curry sauce mixed with pandan rice. - **Night market tips**: Fruit is half price after 6:30pm. Mangoes offer great value. 2. **Hele Crab Porridge** - **Recommended restaurant**: The old restaurant at Wuchang Pier. 20-year-old traditional porridge, one pot for RMB 98 is enough for 3 people. Best served with crispy fried dough sticks. 3. **Hou'an Noodles** - **Authentic way to eat**: The RMB 10 set meal at Wenji Breakfast Shop (opens at 7am), paired with onsen eggs and yellow lantern chili sauce. ### **6. Practical Tips** 1. **Sun protection and equipment**: High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and non-slip sandals are essential. It is recommended to bring your own mask for snorkeling. 2. **Transportation tips**: Taking a Didi from Wanning High-speed Railway Station is 40% cheaper than taking an unlicensed taxi. 3. **Environmental protection and safety**: Protect the coral reefs and do not pick up marine life at will. Follow the instructor's guidance when surfing. 4. **Budget control**: Seafood processing fee is approx. RMB 15/dish. Electric car rental is approx. RMB 120/day. Proper planning can save you 30% on expenses.