My bestie tricked me into becoming a beach bum in Wanning, and now I wear bikinis to work—so what?

📸 Must-visit spots👇 ### **1. Riyue Bay** - **Highlights**: China's top surfing destination, filming location for the variety show *Summer Surf Shop*, liveliest during surf season (October-March). - **Activities**: Take surf lessons (~¥300-500/session), snap photos at beachside cafés, watch sunset. - **Budget tip**: Free beach access even if you don’t surf; cheap street snacks. ### **2. Shimei Bay** - **Highlights**: One of Hainan’s most beautiful bays, uncrowded with crystal water, featured in *If You Are the One 2*. - **Must-dos**: Phoenix Jiuli Bookstore (oceanfront), snorkeling at Jiajing Island (join a day tour). ### **3. Shenzhou Peninsula** - **Viral lighthouse**: Red-and-white beacon against blue seas—photos look straight out of a manga (go at dawn/dusk to avoid midday heat). - **Corona Sunset Bar**: Ultra-chill beach bar, magical at sunset (drinks ~¥50/person). ### **4. Xinglong Town** - **Vibe**: Hainan’s “Overseas Chinese Town,” brimming with Southeast Asian flair. - **Recs**: - **Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden** (¥50, exotic plants). - **Bali Village** (¥30, Insta-worthy SE Asian architecture). - **Xinglong Coffee Valley**: Local coffee culture (¥5/cup!). ### **5. Dahuajiao** - **Hidden gem**: Pebble beach + clear water, perfect for hiking or chilling (free; 10-min walk after navigating to “Dahuajiao”). --- ## **🍜 Wanning Food Guide** ### **[Must-try specialties]** 1. **Hele Crab**: One of Hainan’s “Four Famous Dishes”—try crab congee or spicy stir-fry (¥80-120/person). - **Spot**: “Hele Feijie Seafood Stall” in downtown Wanning. 2. **Hou’an Rice Noodles**: Rich broth, spiced up with yellow lantern chili (¥10/bowl). - **Spot**: “Old Narrow Lane Hou’an Noodles” in Xinglong. 3. **Xinglong Coffee**: Local beans + condensed milk—cheap and delicious (¥5-10/cup). - **Spot**: “Longyuan Coffee Estate” or street vendors. 4. **Southeast Asian snacks**: - **Curry fish balls**, **kueh lapis**, **durian fried ice** (“Southeast Asian Flavors” restaurant, ~¥40/person). ### **[Night markets & food streets]** - **Wanning Renmin Road Night Market**: BBQ, *qingbuliang*, mango with chili salt (~¥30 for a feast). - **Xinglong Overseas Chinese Market**: Tropical fruits (jackfruit, mangoes—super cheap). --- ## **🏠 Budget Stays** Top areas: **Riyue Bay, Shimei Bay, Shenzhou Peninsula, Xinglong**. Affordable picks: ### **1. Riyue Bay** - **Surf hostels**: Youth-friendly, ¥200-300/night (low season). - Rec: **Surfing Family Community** (great vibe, shared lessons). - **Hostels**: **Riyue Bay Star Hostel** (beds ¥50-80/night). ### **2. Shenzhou Peninsula/Shimei Bay** - **Apartments**: Ideal for groups/families, ¥200-400/unit (low season). - Rec: **Apartments near Shimei Bay Le Méridien** (half the price of hotels). ### **3. Xinglong Town** - **Hot spring hotels**: ¥100-200/night with pools. - Rec: **Xinglong Hot Spring Hotel** (classic budget option). --- ## **💰 Money-Saving Tips** 1. **Transport**: Rent e-bikes (¥50-80/day) or drive—public transit is spotty. 2. **Tickets**: Most beaches are free; book paid attractions (e.g., botanical garden) online. 3. **Eats**: Xinglong has lowest prices; seafood is cheaper downtown than at tourist spots. --- ## **📅 Best Time to Visit** - **Peak (Nov-Mar)**: Cool weather, great surf, pricier stays. - **Off-peak (Apr-Oct)**: Fewer crowds, lower costs, but hotter with occasional typhoons. Wanning is perfect for travelers who love **off-the-beaten-path, nature, and value**. Save this and go! 🌴