Cities in Hainan

Introduction

Hainan is located in southern China and consists mainly of Hainan Island and nearby smaller islands. The region has a tropical climate with coastlines, rainforests, volcanic landforms, and rivers. It is known for its role as a growing economic zone, its natural landscapes, and its cultural links through trade and migration over centuries.

Haikou is located in the northern part of the island, along the coast. The city has a population of around 3 million and is approximately 280 km from Sanya. Haikou is known as the administrative and cultural center of Hainan, with a calm and coastal environment.

Haikou is known for its administrative significance, educational institutions, and cultural sites reflecting historical trade links. It is also home to Hainan University, an important academic center for the province. The city has preserved a number of historic areas showing architectural influence from trade networks across Southeast Asia.
In recent years, the city has expanded into sectors such as technology, tourism, and modern services, reflecting the province’s growing role in national development. Cultural heritage, museums, and historic ports make Haikou a key point of reference for understanding the region’s past and present.

📍 Main places to visit include Haikou Arcade Old Street, Hainan Museum, Haikou Volcano Cluster Global Geopark, Wugong Temple, Holiday Beach.

Haikou (海口)

Sanya (三亚)

Sanya is located in the southern part of the island along the coastline. The city has a population of around 1 million and is approximately 280 km from Haikou. It is known for its coastal environment.

Sanya is recognized for its role in tourism development, with coastal landscapes and marine conservation efforts shaping its modern identity. The city also reflects cultural elements linked to history, migration, and coastal settlements. In addition, research and environmental initiatives related to marine studies and tropical biodiversity are notable.

📍 Main places to visit include Yalong Bay, Nanshan Temple, Wuzhizhou Island, Luhuitou Park, Tianya Haijiao.

Danzhou is located in the northwest of the island on plains and hills. The population is around 1 million, and the city is approximately 160 km from Haikou. Danzhou has a calm and regional administrative character.

Danzhou is known for its cultural heritage and the presence of local traditions shaped by history and settlement patterns. Agriculture and regional industries contribute to its development. It is also linked to research activities through institutions supporting education and regional studies.

📍 Main places to visit include Dongpo Academy, Lanyang Hot Spring, Shihua Water Cave, Bawang Ridge National Forest Park, Haitou Ancient Village.

Danzhou (儋州)

Wuzhishan (五指山)

Wuzhishan is located in the central mountainous area of Hainan. The population is around 0.1 million, and it lies southwest of Haikou. The city is associated with a landscape defined by mountains and forests.

Wuzhishan is known for its environment, which supports research in ecology and biodiversity. Cultural links also exist through history and communities present in the region.

📍 Main places to visit include Wuzhi Mountain, Shenquan Valley, Yahu Terrace Fields.

Qionghai (琼海)

Qionghai is located in eastern Hainan near rivers and green areas. The city has around 1 million people and is about 90 km from Haikou.

Qionghai is known for regional development, research initiatives, and cultural relevance. Historical events and cultural legacies are reflected in the city’s preserved sites and institutions.

📍 Main places to visit include Bo’ao Forum Site, Wanquan River, Red Detachment of Women Memorial.

Dongfang (东方)

Dongfang lies on the west coast of Hainan, facing the Gulf of Tonkin and framed by coastal plains and low hills. The city has a population of about 0.3 million and sits roughly 200 km southwest of Haikou. It functions as a regional port and agricultural center with growing coastal development.

Dongfang is known for its coastal economy, including fishing and port activity, and for energy exploration in nearby waters. The area also has notable natural scenery with beaches, mangroves, and forested hills that support local ecotourism. Some districts are developing light industry and services tied to maritime trade and regional logistics.

📍 Main places to visit include Binglang Mountain, Yacheng Port, Dongfang Guantou National Forest Park, Xiaohai Bay Scenic Area.

Wanning (万宁)

Wanning lies in southeastern Hainan along a coastal and forested landscape. The city has around 0.6 million inhabitants and is located between Sanya and Haikou.

Wanning is noted for regional development, environmental areas, and cultural heritage shaped over time. Institutions and research activities also support local development.

📍 Main places to visit include Shimei Bay, Dongshan Ridge, Jiajing Island, Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden.