There is more to a National Day holiday in Hainan than a trip to the beach. Whether you are traveling solo or with company, choose a route to suit your interests. These four themed itineraries take you through the island's heritage, into its forests, out onto the water, and among its bustling streets to discover Hainan from different angles.

Heritage and Culture

Best for: History and cultural heritage enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys exploring historic buildings and villages at a leisurely pace.

Highlights: Southeast Asian-influenced qilou architecture, living traditions, and historic sites that reveal the island's thousand-year cultural legacy.

Suggested stops:

HAIKOU: Qilou Historical and Cultural Quarter

Qilou Historical and Cultural Quarter in Haikou. (Source: Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province)

Stroll among century-old qilou arcade buildings whose weathered, carved columns recall the islanders who ventured to Southeast Asia. Explore the historic Shuixiangkou neighborhood and visit Haikou Clock Tower. When you need a break, try Hainan rice noodles or latangfan, a meal of peppery soup and rice, and savor the atmosphere of this old port quarter shaped by generations of overseas Chinese.

DANZHOU: Dongpo Academy

Dongpo Academy in Danzhou. (Source: Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province)

Visit an academy steeped in Hainan's literary history. The centuries-old Zaijiu and Qinshuai halls, stone inscriptions, and plaques recall the years the polymath official and eternal optimist Su Dongpo spent in exile on the island. Pause in the stele corridor to read the inscriptions, explore his Hainan writings, and learn how his teaching shaped the island's cultural life.

BAOTING: Binglanggu Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park

Binglanggu Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park in Baoting. (Source: Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province)

Watch demonstrations of living traditions such as Li brocade weaving and fire-making with a wooden drill. Enjoy live outdoor performances, try a photo shoot in traditional ethnic dress, and learn about the customs and heritage of the Li, Miao, and other ethnic communities.

Rainforest and Mountain Trails

Best for: Travelers keen to hike through the rainforest and get closer to nature.

Highlights: Tropical forests, canyon rafting, and mountain walks in Wuzhishan, Baoting, and other parts of central Hainan. Head into the hills and breathe deeply.

Suggested stops:

Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park —Wuzhishan Section

Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park — Wuzhishan Section. (Source: Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province)

Step into the pristine tropical rainforest, where towering old trees, tangled vines, and murmuring streams fill the landscape, and the air is rich in negative oxygen ions. Take a leisurely walk, admire distant views of Wuzhishan's peaks, and look out for rare plants such as tree ferns.

WUZHISHAN: Red Canyon

Red Canyon in Wuzhishan. (Source: Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province)

Try a 3.8-kilometer rafting adventure through the canyon, with lush rainforest lining both banks. Alternating rapids and calm pools make for a refreshing, exhilarating ride.

BAOTING: Qixian Ridge Hot Springs National Forest Park

Qixian Ridge Hot Springs National Forest Park in Baoting. (Source: Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province)

Spend the day on gentle mountain walks, taking in layer upon layer of rainforest, then unwind in natural hot springs as evening falls. Soak away the day's exertions and take in the sounds of the forest at night.

Coastal Adventures

Best for: Young travelers who love the outdoors and have a taste for adventure.

Highlights: Surfing, diving, paddleboarding, and island road trips. Head for the sea for an energetic holiday with room to roam.

Suggested stops:

WANNING: Riyue Bay

Riyue Bay in Wanning. (Source: Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province)

At one of China's best-known surfing destinations, even beginners can join a taster lesson and learn to ride the waves with an instructor. Take an evening drive along the coast, stop at Jiuli Bookstore, and relax over a coffee in the sea breeze.

LINGSHUI and SANYA

Source: Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province

Visit Boundary Island, Xidao Island, or Wuzhizhou Island for snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports. Dive into blue waters to discover colorful corals and darting shoals of fish, with crystal-clear seas providing a beautiful backdrop for your holiday photos.

Hainan's Two Scenic Ring Highways

Hainan's Two Scenic Ring Highways. (Source: Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province)

Drive the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway as coconut groves, bays, and mountain-and-sea views unfold along the way. Take your time and stop whenever a beautiful bay catches your eye. For a different landscape, follow the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park Tourist Highway through forests, stream-cut valleys, and rolling mountains, with captivating scenery around every bend.

Local Life and Island Flavors

Best for: Slow travelers who want to experience everyday island life.

Highlights: Fishing harbors, laoba tea gatherings, old-town lanes, and local food finds. Skip the rush between attractions and settle into Hainan's daily rhythms.

Suggested stops:

QIONGHAI: Tanmen Fishing Harbor

Tanmen Fishing Harbor in Qionghai. (Source: Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province)

At this thousand-year-old harbor, watch fishing boats return,and their catches pile up on the quayside. Enjoy fresh local seafood nearby, wander the old streets, and discover Tanmen's seafaring traditions. You can also stop at the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea to explore the stories of these waters.

LINGSHUI: Tanka Floating Village

Tanka Floating Village in Lingshui. (Source: Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province)

Clusters of fishing rafts floating on the blue sea are home to the Tanka community, whose way of life is rooted in the water. Step aboard to experience life at sea and enjoy seafood cooked fresh from the catch. Discover Hainan's distinctive floating settlements and the Tanka's thousand-year maritime culture.

Local Night Markets

Source: Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province

Follow local residents into the lanes and night markets for a leisurely feast. Try qingbuliang, a cooling dessert; zaopocu, a tangy fermented-vinegar broth; Lingshui sour rice noodles; Hainan-style fried skewers; grilled seafood; salted lemon drinks; and fresh tropical fruit. Take your time and savor the flavors of everyday Hainan.