Dongfang

Dongfang, Hainan is a hidden gem on the island’s western route, somewhat overshadowed by its name. It doesn’t have Sanya’s crowds or high prices, yet it boasts Hainan’s driest climate and stunning orange-sea sunsets. Here is a detailed Dongfang travel guide to help you enjoy this slow-paced little city with ease.

• Yulinzhou Scenic Area: The westernmost point of Hainan’s landmass, where the lighthouse, reefs, and wind turbines appear in the same frame. It is an excellent place to watch an orange-sea sunset.
• Baicha Village Li Boat-Shaped Houses: The best-preserved original Li ethnic village, with 87 thatched boat-shaped houses full of primal beauty, ideal for cultural photography.
• Exianling: With karst landforms and tropical rainforest, it is known as Hainan’s “Little Guilin.” You can take a boat tour on the lake, and the scenery is wonderfully soothing.
• The Secluded Beach Behind Hong Bar: A quiet beach open for free, with few people and beautiful views, facing the sunset directly. Bring a chair and sit by the sea in a daze.
• Daguangba Reservoir: Hainan’s second-largest reservoir, with broad lake views. The road along the dam has a fresh Japanese-style feel, making it great for a self-drive photo stop.

Classic 2-3 Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Coastal Scenery and a Stunning Sunset
  • Morning: Head to Yulinzhou Scenic Area, stroll along the pebble beach, and check in at the lighthouse and wind turbines.
  • Afternoon: Go to the secluded beach behind Hong Bar for the sea breeze, or wander around Changshun Market in the city to soak up local everyday life.
  • Dusk: Return to Yulinzhou or the Sigeng Tourist Road and wait for a spectacular orange-sea sunset.
  • Evening: Try authentic Sigeng roast suckling pig, then hunt for snacks at Fumin Night Market or Haili Snack Street.
• Day 2: Li Ethnic Culture and a Hidden Mountain-Water Retreat
  • Morning: Drive to Baicha Village, photograph the panoramic view of the boat-shaped houses, and experience traditional Li culture.
  • Afternoon: Head to Exianling, take a boat tour through the “Little Guilin” landscape, and breathe in the fresh air of the tropical rainforest.
  • Evening: Find a seafood dai pai dong in the city and enjoy a fresh, inexpensive seafood feast.
• Day 3: Reservoir Views and Relaxed Tidepooling
  • Morning: Drive along the road on the Daguangba Reservoir dam and take cinematic road-trip photos.
  • Afternoon: Go tidepooling in Duntou Village, or find a seaside cafe for afternoon tea and enjoy the slow pace.
  • Evening: Buy some Dongfang specialties, such as pickled cucumber, dragon fruit, and pineapple, before preparing for the return trip.

Must-Try Local Foods

Prices in Dongfang are wonderfully reasonable, and the food is full of character. Don’t miss these authentic local flavors.

• Sigeng Roast Suckling Pig: Dongfang’s signature dish, with golden, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. It is excellent dipped in sugar or a special sauce.
• Gangmen Lumian: The “soul breakfast” of Dongfang locals. The sesame-based gravy is savory-sweet, paired with flat rice noodles or thin noodles for a rich texture.
• Dongfang Shrimp Cakes: A traditional fried snack made by mixing fresh shrimp with starch and frying until golden, crispy outside and tender inside.
• Seafood Congee/Seafood Noodles: The seafood at Basuo Central Fishing Port is fresh and inexpensive, and when cooked into congee or noodles, it is sweet, rich, and full of flavor.
• Qingbuliang/Stir-Fried Ice: Hainan-style desserts with rich coconut milk and plenty of toppings, essential for cooling off in summer.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Where to Stay: Staying in Dongfang city center, or Basuo Town, or near Yulinzhou is recommended. The city center is more convenient for dining and transport, and for 150-300 yuan per person you can stay in a very comfortable hotel. The area near Yulinzhou is convenient for watching the sunset, and sea-view rooms offer good value, making it suitable for travelers who want a quiet seaside stay.
• Transportation:
  • Getting There: You can fly into Sanya Phoenix Airport or Haikou Meilan Airport, then transfer to the island-loop high-speed rail directly to Dongfang Station, taking about 40 minutes to 1.5 hours.
  • Getting Around Locally: Dongfang’s attractions are fairly spread out, so self-driving is the most recommended option. It offers flexibility and lets you stop anytime for photos. If you are not driving, you can rent a shared electric scooter in the city for short trips, or hire a car to reach more remote attractions.

Practical Tips and Things to Watch Out For

• Best Season: October to April of the following year has the most pleasant weather, dry with little rain. In summer, UV rays are extremely strong and it is quite hot, so sun protection is essential.
• Sun and Mosquito Protection: Hainan’s UV rays are strong, so apply sunscreen and wear a hat no matter when you visit. There are many mosquitoes by the sea and in villages at dusk, so bring mosquito repellent.
• Buying Seafood: When buying seafood at Basuo Central Fishing Port or farmers’ markets, pay attention to the pricing unit, whether it is per jin or per liang. It is best to ask the price in advance, choose a proper stall, and then have nearby small restaurants cook it for you after purchase.
• Respect Local Customs: When visiting Li villages such as Baicha Village, do not enter villagers’ locked homes without permission. Ask politely before taking photos, and note that open flames are strictly prohibited throughout the village.