When it comes to traveling in Hainan, most people rush into the crowds of Sanya, missing out on the western route’s small mountain and sea town full of surprises—Changjiang. Here you’ll find a popular road leading straight to the blue sea, a sunset wonderland with “half sea, half desert,” lung-cleansing tropical rainforests, and a laid-back seaside fishing village. No crowds, no high expenses—spend 3 days exploring sea views, caves, rainforests, and ancient villages. After reading this, you’ll want to book your ticket immediately✨
Day 1 Bay Sunset: Own a whole stretch of romantic coastline
Dive straight into the blue embrace of Qizi Bay on the first day and soak up the most beautiful coastal scenery on Hainan’s west coast.
In the morning, head to Qizi Bay’s Big Cape, the beauty highlight of Changjiang🌊. A straight road stretches directly to the azure sea, flanked by wild cacti. The clear blue sky with cotton candy-like clouds makes every photo a healing road trip masterpiece. The water is crystal clear, and the beach is scattered with smooth chess stones, said to be chess pieces dropped by immortals playing a game. Pick a few to keep in your pocket and take the seaside romance with you. For lunch, feast at Ye Jie Seafood Stall nearby, where freshly caught seafood is cooked on the spot, so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows raise. Paired with the shop’s secret spicy and sour dipping sauce, you’ll fall in love with this seaside flavor instantly.
In the afternoon, move to Qizi Bay’s Middle Cape, the happy home of tide collectors🦀. Check the tide schedule in advance; after the tide recedes, the entire rocky shore becomes a natural treasure hunt ground. Flip over the rocks to find little crabs scurrying sideways, clams and small sea snails hiding in the mud. Bring a small shovel and bucket to slowly search, and you can gather half a bucket in just half an hour. When the sun sets, warm golden light spreads over the sea, jagged rocks are edged in gold, and the sunset silhouettes look like movie scenes, creating an atmosphere that’s simply perfect.
The ultimate sunset spot is Qizi Bay’s Small Cape🌇. Compared to the popular Big Cape, this place is more secluded and quiet, with almost no tourists. The most amazing sight is the unique “half sea, half desert” phenomenon—one side is the blue sea shimmering with golden waves, the other a stretch of golden sand. As the sun slowly sinks below the horizon, the sky shifts from orange-red to pink-purple, waves gently lap the shore, creating a romance that makes you reluctant to blink. End the evening with a bowl of fresh seafood noodle soup, warm and comforting, perfectly capping off day one.
Day 2 Rainforest Adventure: Dive into the mountains to unlock magical landscapes
After soaking in the vast sea, head into the mountains on day two to discover another side of Changjiang’s surprises.
In the morning, go straight to Bawangling National Forest Park, a true natural oxygen bar🌿. The moment you enter the tropical rainforest, the heat instantly fades away, replaced by layers of lush greenery. Over 80,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter mixed with the scent of plants greet you, making every deep breath feel like a full body cleanse. Walk along the gentle wooden plank trail, surrounded by towering ancient trees and entwined vines. At the end lies the hidden Yajada Waterfall, where water cascades from high above, spraying a fine mist that cools your face and washes away hiking fatigue. Have lunch with packed food in the forest, fully immersing yourself in the tranquility of the mountains.
In the afternoon, drive to Emperor Cave, a natural cave halfway up the mountain, perfect for adventure🕳️. Inside, the stalactites take on countless shapes under the lights—some like towering pillars, others like flowing waterfalls. Nature’s craftsmanship will leave you amazed. Climb to the cave entrance for a panoramic view of the famous “Ten-Mile Gallery,” where karst peaks rise in layers like a slowly unfolding ink painting, grand yet elegant. Spend the night in Wangxia Village, tasting authentic Li bamboo tube rice and five-legged pig, with chewy, flavorful meat, fully experiencing Li ethnic culture.
Day 3 Fishing Village Relaxation: Steal some slow seaside moments
No rush on day three—sleep in and start the day relaxed.
In the morning, visit Shayutang Village, where the mushroom house from “Back to Field” is hidden in this small seaside fishing village🐚. The village is small and free from commercial noise, lined with rows of coconut trees and small fishing boats docked by the shore, exuding a slow-paced lifestyle. Buy a freshly opened coconut and sit by the shore daydreaming, listening to the waves gently hitting the beach as time seems to slow down. If you want to catch seafood, follow local fishermen to the tidal flats, bending down to find small sea creatures—simple joys that heal the soul. For lunch, don’t miss the freshly fried shrimp cakes made by village aunties, crispy outside and tender inside, bursting with sweet shrimp flavor that’ll make you stomp your feet.
In the afternoon, drive along Island Road No. 7, a hidden healing scenic route by the sea🚗. The Rainbow Road winds along the coast, lined with white windmills whose blades turn slowly in the sea breeze. Outside the car window, the blue sea and sky roll by endlessly, perfect for snapping Japanese-style soothing photos. When tired, stop at a roadside coffee stall for an iced coffee and sea breeze, forget everything, and quietly enjoy the moment of relaxation. In the evening, return to Shilu Town and head straight to Xiangqin Night Market for stir-fried blue crab, clams with skewers, and a lively atmosphere to end this perfect trip.
In Changjiang, your taste buds will never be disappointed🍤. Besides Qizi Bay’s seafood stalls, Li ethnic three-color rice and bamboo tube rice carry a unique herbal fragrance. Five-legged pig tastes better the more you chew, whether boiled or hot pot style. For breakfast, visit the locals’ secret spot, Haizhijian Food Shop, where a bowl of seafood noodle soup is so fresh it’ll raise your eyebrows, made with only the freshest daily catch.
Finally, key tips to avoid pitfalls⚠️
1. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are essential: Changjiang has strong sun, so hard sunscreen is needed by the sea; bring mosquito repellent for rainforests and mountains.
2. Prepare in advance for tide collecting: Check tide schedules before heading out; low tide is best for collecting. Bring a small shovel and non-slip shoes. Middle Cape and Xiantian Village are great spots.
3. Self-driving is the best transport: Attractions are spread out, so renting a car from Haikou or Sanya offers the most freedom; electric bikes can be rented at high-speed rail stations for short trips.
4. Choose accommodation as needed: Stay at Qizi Bay for sea views, Wangxia Village for Li ethnic culture, or Shilu Town for convenience in dining and shopping.
5. Mountain roads require caution: Emperor Cave and Wangxia Village involve winding mountain roads with many curves and narrow lanes. Drive slowly and try to descend before dark.