Hainan presents a condensed mix of culture and attractions – located only a short journey north.
Tang Dynasty Emperor Xuanzong once said “If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Hainan”
Hainan may be China’s smallest province, but it is also one of its most diverse. The island plays host to a range of different attractions – the unique local culture, a range of different Chinese cuisines, a diverse wildlife and a rich local history – all located on a small pocket of land largely unknown, yet so close to Australia.
“…a unique cultural experience…”
Hainan is home to two indigenous communities with their own distinct culture and traditions. The Li and the Miao people have inhabited the island for thousands of years, and they offer an insight into the traditional lifestyle of the region.
Isolated from the Mainland, their unique practices have endured on the island and are proudly displayed to visitors.
Touring through indigenous villages, an outsider can get a feel of the original ways of the region and witness truly unique rituals – like a traditional Bamboo dance.
The overall population of Hainan is a mix of locals and Chinese who have migrated from every part of the Mainland – North, South, East and West – all living together, bringing a mix of different regional cultures, cuisines and practices into one location, unlike anywhere on the Mainland.
“…a spiritual Nirvana…”
A Buddhist presence is embedded deep within Hainan, the island hosting many sacred sights and attractions unique to the religion. A 108 meter statue of Guanyin, a Buddhist Goddess, located on the beautiful island foreshore, is the largest statue of its kind in the world.
The Nanshan Buddhism Cultural Park, the window into China’s Buddhist culture, features several temples and plays home to traditional monks, making it one of the most important spiritual hubs in the region.
Such spiritual sights are open to all visitors, with many tours incorporating the ancient practices, traditional vegetarian cuisine and magnificent temples of this peaceful religion.
“…a curious history…”
Located at the crossroads of former Empires, Hainan has experienced a contrasting history unique to its Mainland counterparts.
The island’s Sino-Portuguese heritage is clearly visible in the architecture of its capital Haikou, with its streets lined with a mix of European style buildings contrasting with more traditional Oriental styles – the mark of past visitors to its golden shores.
Hainan’s history stretches back to the Tang Dynasty, when politicians banished by the Emperor would serve out their remaining days on the islands beaches. Deprived of their powers, they soon grew bored of Hainan’s stretches of sparkling coastline and long, sun-drenched days – a far stretch from the vibrancy that hangs over the island today.
“…untouched wildlife sanctuary …”
A diverse range of wild species call Hainan home, from the inland rainforests to the waters just off its shore. “Butterfly Valley”, deep within the islands mountainous forest, is home to the world’s largest concentration of butterflies.
Within the warmth of pools by the natural hot springs of the island, delicate “Turkish Kissing Fish” roam the waters and provide those who bathe with them a truly unique sensory experience.
“Monkey Island”, located a short drive from the city of Sanya, is a 1000 hectare sanctuary to about 2,000 Macaque monkeys. An over-water cable car that spans two kilometers over the island gives you an unobstructed view of this unique habitat.
Under the surface of Hainan’s clear waters lies a rich selection of marine wildlife, including sea-turtles, exotic tropical fish species and a wide variety of coral life that rivals the Great Barrier Reef in beauty.
“…diversity in cuisine …”
Hainan’s cuisine has been influenced by a diverse selection of styles from across the region and around the world.
The migration of people from all over the Mainland has immeasurably influenced the island’s cuisine – in no other place can you taste such a rich selection of Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern Chinese dishes, all in one destination.
The islands abundance of tropical fruits and sea-food presents a signature taste to the local cuisine and the endless selection of high-class restaurants catering for both Western and Oriental cuisines has seen the world’s best chefs descend upon the island.
Hainan