Wanning, My Hidden Gem of an Island Town

Wanning, My Hidden Gem of an Island Town ❤️ My favorite island town has finally emerged! Just returned from a trip around Hainan Island, and I fell head over heels for Wanning along the way. Coconut groves and beaches 🌴, surfing and water fun 🏄, glass-clear seas 💦... It's incredibly free-spirited and chill here, perfect for a relaxing vacation getaway ⛱️. Must-visit spots in Wanning: 1️⃣ Sun River Scenic Bridge: A beach surrounded by sea on three sides with stunning waters, fewer crowds, and plenty of seashells 🐚. 2️⃣ Shimei Bay Beach: The Seaview Pavilion offers a panoramic view of the entire beach, with paths leading to the shore. Don’t miss La Plage beach bar at Le Méridien, Jiuli Bookstore, and the seaside swing. 3️⃣ Shenzhou Peninsula Lighthouse: The same lighthouse featured in "Lost in the Stars." The coconut-lined road to the lighthouse is breathtaking! Cycling with the sea breeze is so therapeutic. Catch a sunset at Sunset Bar in the evening 🌄. 4️⃣ Shanhai Langren: A beautiful rocky beach where you can sit under trees and enjoy the sea breeze. The stone platform atop the hill overlooks the bay. 5️⃣ Riyue Bay: Lively and fun, great for surfing and water activities, with plenty of chill little shops. Highlights include the Coconut Grove Road, Haimen Yefang, "Get Rich with a Coconut," Summer Surf Shop, 216 Beach Bar, and the Sun Moon Bay Chapel. 6️⃣ Shanqin Bay: The black rocky beach gives off "Little Iceland" vibes, and the Swallow Cave is super photogenic. 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary for Wanning: Day 1: Arrive in Wanning - Qiaohai Ranch - Shenzhou Peninsula Lighthouse - Sunset Bar - DEDECO Day 2: Seaview Pavilion - Shimei Bay Beach - Jiuli Bookstore - Sun River Scenic Bridge - Shanhai Langren Day 3: Riyue Bay - Shanqin Bay ✈️ Transportation: Flying to Haikou Meilan Airport is cheaper. The high-speed rail station is right below the airport, taking about 1 hour to Wanning or Shenzhou. Alternatively, rent a car at the airport for a ~2-hour drive. 🏨 Accommodation: Le Méridien Shimei Bay is highly recommended for its prime beachfront location. Wake up to a stunning sunrise 🌅 on the hotel’s private beach, then enjoy a meal with a view at Horizon Restaurant. The hotel offers activities like coconut picking, paddleboarding, land surfing 🏄, and kayaking—enough to keep you entertained all day without leaving. 🍜 Food: Zao Po Cu (fermented sour soup), Qing Liang Bu (cooling dessert), coconut chicken, Nanyang cuisine, sour rice noodles... Hainan’s specialties are endless. Must-tries include Dada’s Coconut Chicken, Taiqiong Zao Po Cu, Hupo Xiangcao Duck, and the 87 Seafood Fishing Village. Wanning, an island town that rivals international destinations—come here for the perfect vacation.