Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Hainan offers visa-free entry for visitors from 59 countries, making it accessible for international tourists. (0:16)
- Tip 2Use DiDi, China's version of Uber, for convenient transportation around Sanya and other cities. (0:53)
- Tip 3Try Luckin Coffee for a refreshing break, a popular chain found throughout China. (3:51)
- Tip 4Consider the value of 5-star resorts in Hainan, with rooms around £65 including breakfast and amenities. (8:46)
- Tip 5Explore local cuisine like traditional coconut hot pot, a unique and flavorful Hainan dish. (13:55)
- Tip 6When visiting islands like Wuzhizhou, ensure you have your passport ready for ticket redemption and security checks. (16:54)
- Tip 7Be aware that China prioritizes safety, which may lead to restrictions in activities like swimming or exploring certain areas. (21:50)
- Tip 8Many Chinese hotels offer free self-service laundry facilities, a convenient perk for travelers. (24:25)
- Tip 9Hainan is known for its massive and incredibly sweet mangoes, a must-try tropical fruit. (25:02)
Joel and Emilia investigated China's tropical beach paradise, Hainan Island, focusing on Sanya and Haitang Bay's 5-star resorts. They experienced the heat and vibrant atmosphere of Sanya, contrasted with the luxury and value of their resort, which offered stunning pools and thrilling water slides. Culinary adventures included a unique coconut chicken hot pot and massive, sweet mangoes. A visit to Wuzhizhou Island revealed beautiful beaches but also a commercialized, restrictive environment. They concluded Hainan offers affordable luxury for relaxation but less for nature enthusiasts.
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Joel and Emilia embarked on an investigation into China's burgeoning beach paradise, Hainan Island, specifically exploring Sanya and Haitang Bay. They aimed to uncover the reality behind the government's multi-billion dollar investment in developing this tropical region into a luxury resort destination. Their journey began in Sanya, the original beachfront town, which they found to be bustling with activity but also surprisingly quiet due to the intense heat. They noted the tropical climate and the surprisingly blue water, though swimming was restricted due to safety concerns. The explorers encountered some linguistic challenges, particularly with translation apps, which led to amusing interpretations, such as a translation for 'opium'.
Their accommodation was at the five-star Taikang Beach Resort in Haitang Bay, which offered a stylish, Japanese-inspired design and an exceptionally large sink. However, they were disappointed by the lack of a bidet toilet and the limited usefulness of the TV due to language barriers and restricted internet access. Despite these minor inconveniences, the resort provided excellent value at £65 per night, including breakfast, and boasted beautiful gardens, multiple swimming pools, and a serene atmosphere. They particularly enjoyed the water slides in the kids' pool, finding them surprisingly thrilling for adults, and the expansive adult pool area, which offered private cabanas.
A culinary adventure led them to try a traditional Hainan coconut hot pot, a unique dish featuring fresh coconut water and broth, with raw chicken and various accompaniments. While Emilia found the flavors appealing, she struggled with the bones in the chicken. They also indulged in massive, sweet mangoes, a local specialty.
The second part of their investigation took them to Wuzhizhou Island, nicknamed Lover's Island, a former military base transformed into a tourist hotspot. Despite its stunning white sand beaches and clear water, they found it to be overly commercialized, with a strong emphasis on photo opportunities, even seeing people in wedding dresses. The island's beauty was somewhat marred by the presence of large hotels, and swimming was restricted to designated areas, limiting the potential for snorkeling, which was advertised as a prime activity. They observed that while China prioritizes safety, it can come at the expense of freedom and natural experiences.
Returning to the resort, they explored its 'valley' area, a garden designed for photos, and highlighted the convenience of free self-service laundry facilities. They also praised the resort's Chinese restaurant and the abundance of large, delicious mangoes. Ultimately, Joel and Emilia concluded that while Hainan offers affordable luxury resorts and beautiful beaches, it might not be the ideal destination for those seeking nature or extensive freedom to explore. It's best suited for travelers prioritizing relaxation and resort-based experiences.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What is Hainan Island known for?
- A: Hainan Island is being developed as China's luxury beach paradise, featuring tropical weather, resorts, and visa-free entry for many nationalities.
- Q: What was the experience like at the 5-star resort?
- A: The resort offered stylish rooms, great pools, and good value for money, though some amenities like bidets were missing.
- Q: What was the food like?
- A: They tried a unique coconut chicken hot pot and enjoyed incredibly large and sweet mangoes, a local specialty.
- Q: What was Wuzhizhou Island like?
- A: It's a beautiful island with white sand beaches, but it felt very commercialized and restrictive, with limited areas for swimming and snorkeling.
- Q: Is Hainan recommended for nature lovers?
- A: While it has beautiful beaches, the development and restrictions might make it less ideal for those seeking a purely natural experience.