Tunchang

Tunchang is located in the central part of Hainan Island. Although it does not have the stunning seascapes of Sanya, it has an extremely high forest coverage rate and is known as “China’s Natural Oxygen Bar.” Hidden here are quiet bamboo groves, tranquil lakes, and down-to-earth local food, making it a wonderful weekend short-break destination near Haikou for getting away from it all.

• Dream Xiangshan Fragrance Culture Park: A national 4A-rated scenic area themed around year-round flower fields and aromatic plants. The park has European-style castles and windmills, making it great for photo stops. You can also try blending essential oils and tasting fragrant tea, making it an excellent choice for family trips and couples’ outings.
• Muse Lake: A natural scenic area in southwestern Tunchang, centered on Muse Lake and Leigongtan Lake. The two lakes are connected by a waterfall, surrounded by hills, and have an excellent ecological environment. Watching the sunset and pink-purple evening glow by the lake at Nanxi Coffee is wonderfully soothing.
• Meiheyuan Village: A beautiful countryside village known for its bamboo forest scenery. Surrounded by large stretches of bamboo, the setting is quiet and peaceful, with swaying bamboo shadows everywhere. Any casual photo can look like a forest-style Chinese aesthetic shoot, making it ideal for visitors who enjoy tranquility and rural scenery.
• Oil Painting Pedestrian Street: An art district about 200 meters long, home to several galleries and resident painters. You can enjoy an immersive art experience, watch local farmer-painters create works on site, and feel the rich artistic atmosphere.
• Fengmu Deer Farm: A comprehensive deer-breeding base established in 1963, covering more than 200 mu. You can feed sika deer, Hainan Eld’s deer, and others up close, making it especially suitable for interactive family fun with children.

Must-Try Foods and Local Snacks

Tunchang’s food is full of authentic rustic flavor, with many gems hidden in everyday street scenes that are worth seeking out.

In addition to the snacks above, Tunchang’s Fengmu Herb Duck and Black Pork Zongzi are also must-try main-meal specialties, with firm meat and an irresistible aroma.

Immersive 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary

A self-driving trip is recommended, as it gives you more flexibility and lets you better enjoy Tunchang’s slow pace.

• Day 1: Flower Fields, Fragrance, and a Lakeside Sunset
  • Morning: Head to Dream Xiangshan Fragrance Culture Park, stroll through the flower fields, take photos at the European-style castle, and try a handmade DIY fragrance experience.
  • Afternoon: Drive to Muse Lake for a walk or bike ride around the lake. At dusk, wait by the lakeside for sunset, watch the pink-purple glow color the water, and take in the quiet beauty of nature.
  • Evening: Return to Tunchang County town, explore Tunchang Food Culture Street, sample all kinds of local everyday snacks, and stay in the county town for convenient travel.
• Day 2: Bamboo Forest Hideaway and Artful Culture
  • Morning: Visit Meiheyuan Village and walk through its quiet bamboo sea, taking in the stillness of the old village. Then head to Fengmu Deer Farm to feed the deer and enjoy some family-friendly interaction.
  • Afternoon: Stop by Oil Painting Pedestrian Street to watch painters work on site and experience art creation; alternatively, visit the Tunchang County Museum to learn about local history and culture. Then start the return trip with a satisfied stomach.

Practical Travel Tips

• Transport Advice: Tunchang’s attractions are fairly spread out, and public transport services are limited, so self-driving or hiring a car is strongly recommended. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive directly from Haikou.
• Mosquito and Sun Protection: Tunchang has dense vegetation, and mosquitoes are especially common in bamboo groves and by the lakes. Be sure to bring strong mosquito repellent. The midday sun is intense, so avoid going out around noon where possible and protect yourself from the sun.
• Best Time to Visit: It is recommended to visit the bamboo groves and lakesides after 3 p.m., when the light is softer and better for photos. Muse Lake and Leigongtan Lake are especially beautiful in the early morning or after rain, when morning mist makes the scenery feel like a fairyland.
• Pitfall Reminder: Navigation signals may be weak at some natural attractions, such as the Leigongtan Lake waterfall, so download offline maps in advance. For popular farm restaurants serving Fengmu Herb Duck and similar dishes, it is best to call ahead and make a reservation.