When it comes to coastal destinations in Changjiang Li Autonomous County, Hainan, most people first think of Shayutang Village, which became famous in China after featuring in a variety show. However, nearby is another seaside community known for its seafood — Haiwei Community.

Together, the two neighboring fishing villages and Haiwei National Wetland Park form a perfect outing that combines dining, leisure, village walks, and wetland birdwatching.

Situated along the central coast of Haiwei Town in Changjiang, Haiwei Community has thrived due to its proximity to the sea. It functions as the main hub for government and commerce and serves as a key gateway to Shayutang Village, Haiwei National Wetland Park, and Qizi Bay Scenic Area.

The Changjiang section of the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway passes directly through the community, while the Haiwei Sea-Viewing Bridge extends across lagoons and wetlands. The bridge has become a favorite stop for self-driving travelers and cyclists, providing perfect sunrise and sunset views. Below the bridge, the combination of blue sea and wetlands creates a unique coastal scenery.

Haiwei Sea-Viewing Bridge along the Changjiang section of the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway

Fresh Seafood at the Fishing Port

Haiwei Fishing Port is the top choice for locals seeking seafood. When fishing boats come back, they unload catches like Spanish mackerel, grouper, shrimp, crabs, and shellfish right onto the dockside, drawing crowds of buyers.

Visitors familiar with the area often take special trips to the port to buy the freshest seafood. They then arrange for nearby restaurants to prepare and cook their catch, allowing them to enjoy seafood flavors straight from the sea as quickly as possible.

Wetland Birdwatching

Situated next to Haiwei Community, Haiwei National Wetland Park is one of the few coastal inland freshwater marsh wetlands in Hainan and is recognized as a significant national habitat for terrestrial wildlife. Each autumn and winter migration season, large flocks of birds gather and rest there, earning the wetland the nickname “bird paradise of western Hainan.”

The park now features sightseeing spots, public education areas, dining options, and lodgings. It also includes a wetland science exhibition hall and birdwatching platforms, enabling visitors to immerse themselves in and learn about wetland ecology.

Bird flocks resting and feeding in Haiwei National Wetland Park

Deep-Sea Fishery Industry

Sea temperatures in the waters off Qizi Bay stay between 20°C and 30°C year-round. The clear water and favorable currents create ideal natural conditions for developing aquaculture.

In recent years, several fishery projects have been launched and implemented in Changjiang. Various companies and research institutions involved in deep-sea aquaculture have established operations in the region, supporting local fishermen by creating nearby jobs and boosting their incomes.

Changjiang’s deep-sea aquaculture industry celebrates a bumper harvest (Photo: Hainan Yuandao Aquaculture Co., Ltd.)

Leveraging Haiwei Fishing Port's convenience, the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway's accessibility, and the wetlands' unique ecological resources, Haiwei Community is steadily evolving from a peaceful fishing village on Hainan’s west coast into a vibrant coastal destination that blends fishing-port culture, ecological tourism, and marine industry activity.