Hidden Island Gem｜3-Day Wanning Itinerary with More Chill Vibes Than Abroad

Just finished my Hainan island loop trip, and the biggest surprise was this little city called Wanning—coconut groves spilling onto highways, glass-clear waves lapping at my feet, and even the wind carried a chill rhythm as surfboards sliced through the waves. Compiled here are hidden gems and an itinerary for crowd-free beauty—just follow along!

🌴 Must-Visit Spots: Don’t Miss These

1. **Sun River Scenic Bridge**
A secluded beach surrounded by sea on three sides, with water so clear it’s like glass. Scattered shells dot the sand, and the solitude lets you soak in the sound of waves all to yourself.

2. **Shimei Bay Beach**
From the Sea View Pavilion, the bay’s gradient of blues and greens looks like a spilled palette. Walk down to the beach to find camping tents, Le Méridien’s La Plage bar, and further along, Jiuli Bookstore’s blend of literature and sea breeze. Don’t miss GoofyDog’s seaside swing—sway into sunset bliss.

3. **Shenzhou Peninsula Lighthouse**
A must-visit for fans of *Lost in the Stars*, but the real magic is the coconut-lined road to the lighthouse. Rent an e-bike, let dappled coconut shadows dance on your skin, and feel the sea breeze turn worries into foam. At dusk, head to Sunset Bar to watch the ocean turn into orange soda.

4. **Mountain & Sea Drifters**
Rugged rocks hide another kind of romance—sit under tree shade listening to waves crash, or climb to the stone platform atop the hill to cradle the entire bay in your palms.

5. **Riyue Bay**
A paradise for vibes-lovers! The coconut-lined road is straight out of a magazine, while spots like Haimen Coconut Workshop and the "Get Rich with One Coconut" sign add playful charm. Learn surfing at Summer Surf Shop, sip cocktails at 216 Beach Bar, or admire the serene white chapel against blue skies.

6. **Shanqin Bay**
Black reefs give this "Little Iceland" its stark beauty. Swallow Cave frames the sea perfectly—when waves rush in, it’s like trapping the Milky Way in stone crevices.

📅 3-Day Itinerary

**Day 1**: Arrive in Wanning → Qiaohai Ranch (watch cows graze) → Shenzhou Peninsula Lighthouse → Sunset Bar → DEDECO for drinks
**Day 2**: Sea View Pavilion (overlook Shimei Bay) → Beach stroll → Jiuli Bookstore → Sun River Scenic Bridge (shell hunting) → Mountain & Sea Drifters
**Day 3**: Surf/shop at Riyue Bay → Shanqin Bay (black reef photos)

🚗 Transport Tips

✈️ Fly to Haikou Meilan Airport for better deals—the adjacent high-speed rail station gets you to Wanning or Shenzhou in 1 hour. Prefer freedom? Rent a car at the airport and drive 2 hours to Wanning, stopping for photos along coconut-lined roads.

🏨 Stay Recs

**Le Méridien Shimei Bay** puts you right on the sand—wake up to sunrise views, breakfast at Horizon Restaurant, and try coconut-picking, paddleboarding, or land surfing without leaving the resort.

🍜 Wanning Bites

- *Zuo Bo Cu*: Spicy-sour fermented soup that’ll wake up your senses.
- *Qing Liang Bu*: A summer staple with mango, red beans, and jelly.
- *Dia Dia Coconut Chicken*: Broth so good you’ll crave thirds.
- Tiger Grandma’s Herbal Duck and No. 87 Seafood Spot: Fresh catches cooked to order—finger-licking good!

Wanning’s romance? Coconut trees shade your path, waves greet you, and time slows down. No passport needed—just turn every day into a vacation reel.