Wanning

Introduction

You will find Wanning situated in the southeastern region of Hainan Province. Known locally in the Hainanese dialect as Van Neing or Ban Neing, the name refers to both the county seat and the entire county area.

Before you go

Prepare for a cultural experience shaped by mid-20th century history, as you will notice the significant influence of Overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia throughout the city. This heritage is most prominent in the Xinglong area, where these communities settled and established a local culture famous for its coffee.

When planning your coastal excursions, you can explore areas that rival nearby destinations like Lingshui and Sanya. You can head to Riyue Bay, also known as Sun and Moon Bay, which has established itself as the surfing capital of China and serves as a regular venue for surfing events and competitions.

Getting there

You can reach Wanning by air via Qionghai-Bo'ao Airport, where you can take a bus or taxi to the local railway station to catch a train. Alternatively, flying into Haikou or Sanya provides easier access as both cities feature airports with their own railway stations offering direct train services to Wanning.

Once you arrive by train, you can choose between two stations: Wanning Railway Station, which is located near the city center, and Shenzhou Railway Station, which serves the coastal resort areas. If you prefer traveling by bus, the Wanning Bus Station provides connections to most major towns on the island, while Xinglong Bus Station primarily links to Haikou and Sanya. Note that while buses connect Sanya to coastal areas like Riyue Bay and Shimei Bay, these locations lack formal stations, requiring you to hail a bus from the roadside for your return journey.

Getting around

You can reach nearly all tourist destinations throughout the city by using the public bus system. Because of the city's smaller size, you should plan your travel with patience as buses run less frequently than in larger neighboring cities; some routes may only operate a few times a day or at intervals of several minutes.

Alternatively, you can choose to travel via taxis or motorized pedicabs for more direct transportation options.

Where to stay

Depending on your preferred atmosphere, you can choose between the urban center or the coastal regions of Wanning. In Central Wanning, you can find accommodations ranging from standard stays to a luxury option located near Renmin Park. If you prefer the coast, the Riyue Bay area offers nearby options for those seeking proximity to the water, while the Shenzhou Peninsula provides high-end selections in its dedicated tourism area.

For a beach-focused retreat, choose between the resort experiences in Shimei Bay or the lakeside atmosphere of Xinglong.

• Stay in the coastal areas of Riyue Bay or Shimei Bay for easy access to the shoreline.
• Experience luxury at your own pace in the Shenzhou Peninsula area.
• Relax in the Xinglong district, where you can find both resort-style accommodations and a hot spring holiday hotel.

Food & drink

Savor a variety of Southeast Asian flavors throughout the region. You can find diverse dishes at Nanyang Fengwei locations in Wancheng and Xinglong, or visit Istana Indonesian Restaurant in Xinglong for authentic flavors prepared by an owner who grew up in Indonesia. Another option for local flavors is Lau Pa Sat Singapore Restaurant in Xinglong. If you prefer seafood, the Old Ship Captain's Ocean Themed Restaurant in Liji Town offers a popular dining experience.

Experience the local coffee culture that has gained fame across Hainan and the Mainland. You can visit a plantation and café in the Xinglong area to learn about production and taste locally grown beans, or head to a performance hall where you can enjoy various brewing methods like pour-over and cold brew. Numerous small cafes throughout Xinglong also provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy a cup.

What to see and do

Explore the spiritual side of Wanning at Dongshan Ridge, one of the few sacred mountains on Hainan Island where Buddhist temples have been active since the Song Dynasty. You can wander through the park to visit the Chaoyin Temple or take a ropeway and sightseeing cars to navigate the grounds. For those seeking coastal scenery, head to the waterfront areas of Riyue Bay, known as a surfing capital, Shimei Bay, and the Shenzhou Peninsula.

Experience the local culture in the Xinglong area by visiting a coffee plantation that features a museum on the history of the coffee industry and various cafes where you can sample locally grown products. You can also explore the diverse plant life at the Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden or visit the nearby tropical garden. If you enjoy active pursuits, the coast offers opportunities for water sports such as diving, rowing, sailing, jet skiing, and paragliding, while several golf clubs are located throughout the region.

When to go

You can experience Wanning's tropical monsoon climate throughout the year, which is characterized by hot and very rainy conditions. If you prefer a drier period, visit during the months of January and February when rainfall is at its lowest and you can enjoy the coolest temperatures of the year.

During the monsoon season from late June through early November, you should prepare for pronounced rainfall and heavy rain typical of the region's tropical climate.

Three days in Wanning

Day one, you arrive in Wanning and settle into your accommodations to experience the local atmosphere. You can explore the area around the Shenzhou Peninsula or visit Renmin Park in central Wanning.

Day two, you travel toward the coast to see the scenery of Shimei Bay or Riyue Bay. You can also spend time exploring the coastal views near Sanya and Lingshui.

Day three, you enjoy the surroundings of Sun Moon Bay before preparing for your departure from Hainan Province.