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China’s Tropical Escape
China’s only tropical island province is more than just sun and sand—it’s a vibrant, scenic playground for cyclists, foodies, and cultural explorers alike.
Hainan Island, China’s southernmost province, is a lush, laid-back paradise defined by its stunning geography and warm hospitality. Floating just off the mainland and separated by the Qiongzhou Strait, the island spans 35,400 km² and offers a remarkable mix of landscapes—swaying palm tree-lined beaches, and untamed rainforests.
At the heart of the island rises Wuzhishan Mountain, a majestic peak standing 1,867 metres tall and wrapped in dense forest. From this central highland, the terrain slopes toward golden beaches and sparkling coastal plains, creating a scenic backdrop ideal for outdoor adventure.
Endless Summer: Hainan’s Climate
Hainan enjoys a warm, tropical monsoon climate with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 27°C. Its year is split into two distinct seasons: the dry season from October to April (ideal for cycling), and the wet season from May to September.
Why Hainan Is a Cyclist’s Dream

There are few places in China that offer such a unique combination of natural wonder,cultural richness, and excellent cycling conditions. Hainan’s well-developed infrastructure and welcoming vibe make it a standout destination for both novice and experienced riders.
Nature in Every Pedal Stroke

From shimmering beaches and quiet fishing coves to coconut plantations and volcanic cliffs, Hainan’s coastal roads are a visual feast. The island’s mountainous interior brings a different rhythm to your ride—with waterfalls cascading down forested slopes, and winding roads with panoramic views.
A Ride Through Living Culture

Cycling is not just about scenery—it’s also a deep dive into its multicultural heritage. The island is home to the Li and Miao ethnic groups, whose traditions add rich texture to any journey. In villages like Chubao near Wuzhishan where you’ll find boat-shaped wooden homes and handwoven textiles.
For Every Rider, Every Pace

Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a leisurely pedaler, Hainan is accessible to all. Quiet backroads, a lot of dedicated bike lanes, and a strong tourism infrastructure means there is something for everyone.
Eat Your Way Through the Tropics

Hainan’s culinary scene is a journey in itself. Its food is fresh, colourful, and grounded in local produce and ocean bounty. Think tender coconut chicken simmered in a creamy, sweet broth. Or delicate seafood caught just hours earlier—grouper, crab, or clams.
Tropical fruits abound – juicy mangoes, pineapples, papayas. Herbs like lemongrass and lime leaves infuse dishes with brightness. Desserts like qingbuliang—a refreshing blend of jelly, mung beans, and coconut milk—offer the perfect cool-down after a sunny day’s ride. Even drinks are part of the experience—try fresh coconut water straight from the shell.

Tour Itinerary
NZ $10,995
Day 1 - A Warm Welcome in Haikou
Location: Haikou
Accommodation: Jingting Seaview Hotel (4 Star )
Touching down at Haikou Meilan International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide and driver for a smooth transfer to your hotel in Laocheng, a laid-back coastal enclave on the western edge of Haikou.
You’ll settle in at the Jingting Seaview Hotel, a 4-star property right by the sea. If you arrive early, take a dip in the pool or stretch your legs with a stroll along the beach. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner where your guide will give you a relaxed overview of the tour and answer any questions you might have.
Meals – Dinner
Day 2 - Laocheng to Lingao via Baoliang Village and Guyin Waterfall
Distance:
Cycling 49 km (Optional additional 25km)
Accommodation: Jinshatan Seaview Hotspring Hotel (5 Star)
Today, the wheels hit the road. You’ll cycle 33km through Hainan’s countryside to Baoliang Village, passing rows of banana and pineapple farms along the way. After exploring the 300-year-old village and enjoying a local lunch, it’s back in the saddle for another 16km ride to the Guyin Waterfall. From there, choose your own pace—either hop in the support vehicle for the final 25km to Lingao, or continue pedalling all the way.
Tonight’s stay is at the Jinshatan Seaview Hotspring Hotel, a touch of 5-star luxury to round off the day.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HIGHLIGHTS
Baoliang Ancient Village:
Nestled among rice fields and fruit orchards, this preserved hamlet features volcanic stone houses, ancient wells, and old-growth banyan trees. Get hands-on with local life through rice harvesting, coffee pruning, or cultural crafts like Li rattan weaving and tie-dyeing. Don’t miss the homemade tofu and sticky rice dumplings.
Guyin Waterfall:
Tucked inside tropical forest, this 20-metre cascade—dubbed the “Fairy Waterfall”—is a peaceful detour into Hainan’s untouched beauty, complete with birdsong, cool mist, and leafy green trails.
Day 3 - Lingao to Yangpu
Distance:
Cycing 90 km
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn (4 Star )
After breakfast, ride 9km to the Lingao Cape Scenic Area, home to Hainan’s oldest lighthouse and a 7km coastline with crystal waters and soft sands. Then it’s onward for a 39km ride to Gungcun Town for lunch.
The afternoon ride follows the sea—42km along a coastal tourism road to Eman Town and the dramatic Longmen Jilang Scenic Area, known for its crashing waves and volcanic rocks. A short 40-minute drive takes you to your hotel in Yangpu, where the evening is yours to relax.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HIGHLIGHTS:
Lingao Cape:
With its French-built lighthouse (circa 1894) and role in the 1950 Liberation Campaign, this headland combines military history with tranquil beach scenery.
Longmen Jilang Scenic Area:
Watch the surf explode against ancient rock formations—the “Wave Surge” spectacle is pure, unfiltered nature at its most dramatic.
Yangpu:
A modern port city that also holds ancient stories, Yangpu is key to Hainan’s economic future but also home to one of China’s oldest salt-making traditions.
Day 4 - Yangpu to Qizi Bay
Distance:
Cycling 71 km (about 50km on scenic seaside roads)
Accommodation: Jiayuan Holiday Hotel (4 Star )
Start the day with a short drive to the Yangpu Ancient Salt Fields, where stone pans carved from volcanic rock have been used for over 1,200 years to harvest sea salt the old-fashioned way.
From there, it’s on to Paipu Town, where the ride begins. Pedal 30km south to Haitou Town. for lunch, continue 41 km along the coast to arrive at Qizi Bay, where your beachfront hotel and soft sand await.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HIGHLIGHTS:
Yangpu Ancient Salt Field:
These remarkable salt pans offer a living lesson in sustainable coastal craftsmanship—an echo of ancient ingenuity still practiced today.
Qizi Bay:
Named for its rounded, chess-piece-like stones, this tranquil bay is divided into three photogenic sections, each offering a different kind of beachside serenity—cliffs, coves, and wide sandy beaches.
Day 5 - Qizi Bay-Dongfang-Banqiao
Distance:
Cycling 87km
Accommodation: Jerome Hotel & Resort (4 Star )
This morning begins with a short 25-minute drive to Sanjia Town, where the day’s ride kicks off. Pedal 15 km westward to the sea, then continue along the coast for another 26 km south to the seaside city of Dongfang, where a well-earned lunch awaits.
Post-lunch, there is time to stretch your legs at the Yulinzhou Scenic Area—a coastal gem famous for fish-scale-like sandstone reefs, wind turbines, and a vibrant blue lighthouse that towers above the sea.After soaking in the views and the sea breeze, hop back on the bike for a 46 km ride south to Banqiao Town, where the day ends with a relaxing seaside stay.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HIGHLIGHTS
Yulinzhou Scenic Area
Positioned at Hainan’s westernmost point, Yulinzhou blends natural drama with historical depth. Explore formations, a golden beach lined with wind turbines, and The Yulinzhou Lighthouse, still guiding ships through the Beibu Gulf. Don’t miss the Memorial to Deceased Laborers, a poignant reminder of the island’s wartime history.
Day 6 - Banqiao to Sanya via Yinggehai
Distance:
Cycling 32km
Accommodation: Jinsha Seaview Hotel (5 Star )
t’s a crisp start as you ride 32km to Yinggehai, home to one of China’s largest and most scenic salt fields. After lunch and a visit to the Sea Salt Cultural Museum, it’s time to leave. the saddle and drive 1.5 hours to your beachfront hotel in Sanya, a city where the sun nearly always shines.
Settle into your 5-star resort by the sea, take a dip in the large swimming pool, or just watch the waves roll in from your balcony.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HIGHLIGHTS
Yinggehai Salt Field
These vast saltpans, stretching across 3,793 hectares, glisten under the tropical sun and offer a rare look at traditional salt production. Visitors can see hand-harvested sea salt, stroll among mirror-like pools, and even sample salt-infused delicacies.
Sanya
Nicknamed the “Deer City,” Sanya is China’s tropical holiday capital, known for clear turquoise waters, soft sand, and year-round warmth. It’s a perfect place to recharge before heading inland.
Day 7 - Sanya to Wuzhishan via Ledong
Distance:
Cycling 56km
Accommodation: Hainan Yujing Hotel (4 Star)
Today marks a change of scenery as we head north into Hainan’s mountainous core. A short drive brings you to Yucai Town, where you’ll start cycling 56km through the island’s lush interior to Ledong.
After lunch, drive another hour to Wuzhishan City for a visit to the Hainan Provincial Museum of Nationalities, then we wind our way up the mountain roads for a final drive to your foothill hotel nestled at 600m above sea level, right on the edge of the rainforest.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HIGHLIGHTS
Mount Wuzhishan
Towering at 1,867 m, Wuzhishan—“Five Finger Mountain”—is a pillar of biodiversity and cultural heritage. Its dense rainforest, ethnic villages, and steep, cloud-kissed peaks make It’s a haven for ecotourism and cultural exploration.
Hainan Provincial Museum of Nationalities
This museum tells the stories of Hainan’s Li, Miao, and Hui peoples through a rich collection of artifacts and exhibitions. The traditional courtyard architecture and permanent exhibits offer deep insight into the island’s ethnic roots.
Day 8 - Ledong to Qiongzhong.
Distance:
Cycling 34km
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton (4 Star)
This morning is all about nature. A short trip to the Shuiman River Rainforest Scenic Area offers a guided rainforest walk, with two looping trails through twisting fig trees, towering canopies, and hidden waterfalls.
Then it’s back on the bikes for a gentle 18 km ride to Chubao Village, a traditional Li settlement. After exploring its distinctive thatched homes and terraced fields, continue another 16 km to Maoyang Town, then drive about 45 minutes to Qiongzhong.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HIGHLIGHTS
Shuiman River Tropical Rainforest
Boardwalk trails wind through this lush nature reserve, where buttress roots, srangler figs, and the sounds of the rainforest create an immersive escape.
A viewing platform offers a grand vista of Wuzhishan’s peaks.
Chubao Village
Home to Li people, this mountain village preserves centuries-old architecture made of wood and palm leaves. It’s a living example of indigenous resilience, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional life and artistry deep in Hainan’s interior.
Day 9 - Qiongzhong to Xinglong
Distance:
Cycling 62km
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton (4 Star)
The next leg of your ride begins just outside Qiongzhong, where you set off on a 62 km country-road ride to the town of Xinglong, a vibrant community rich in tropical agriculture.
After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the Xinglong Tropical Botanic Garden, where coffee plants and exotic herbs grow side by side under the sun. The evening is yours to relax and reflect on a journey through one of China’s most surprising and diverse regions.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HIGHLIGHTS
Xinglong
With roots and tropical innovation, Xinglong is known for its coffee, cocoa, and spices—and for welcoming visitors with open arms and unforgettable flavours.
Xinglong Tropical Botanic Garden
More than a garden, this is a full sensory experience. Wander through zones of medicinal plants, herbs, and fruit groves, all part of a lush, living tribute to tropical biodiversity.
Day 10 - Xinglong-Bo’ao
Distance:
Cycling 60km
Accommodation: Island Forest Seaview Hotel (4 Star)
After a leisurely breakfast, the day begins with a short 20-minute drive to the sea, where the morning’s ride starts. With the sparkling ocean on the right and a freshly paved tourism road beneath your wheels, you’ll cycle 20km through one of the most scenic coastal stretches of the tour.
After soaking in the sea views, it’s time to pause and unwind on the beach—perfect for some quiet reflection. Then it’s back in the vehicle for a short 15-minute drive to an aquaculture farm, where a guided tour sheds light on Hainan’s impressive seafood production and sustainable marine practices.
Lunch awaits in Hele Town, a coastal community with a rich tradition in both farming and fishing, followed by an afternoon ride. The route continues with a rewarding 40km pedal to Bo’ao Town, where you’ll spend the night in comfort just steps from the shore.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HIGHLIGHTS
Hele Town:
Home of Hainan’s Famous Crab. Located in Wanning City, Hele Town is celebrated for its rich resources and ideal climate for agriculture, aquaculture, and fishing. The star of the local cuisine is the revered Hele Crab, known for its sweet roe and delicate flavour—a prized ingredient in Hainan’s culinary scene.
Hele’s aquaculture industry is vast and diverse, with highlights including Gangbei shrimp, grouper, red snapper, and shellfish—all farmed under modern, eco-conscious systems. Gangbei Village remains a hub of this marine culture, with sustainable innovations like the Lequn Tail Water Treatment project leading the way.
Hele Zongzi (bamboo-wrapped sticky rice dumplings) and Liulian Village Roasted Duck Eggs are other beloved local treats. The town’s aquaculture heritage spans over a millennium. tracing its roots to Fujian fishermen during the Tang Dynasty.
Bo’ao Town:
A jewel at the meeting point of three rivers and the South China Sea, Bo’ao Town is renowned as the host of the Boao Forum for Asia. This international gathering spot draws world leaders and thinkers to its shores, positioning the town as a hub for openness and cross-cultural exchange.
Despite its global profile, Boa maintains a peaceful, coastal charm. Local life still revolves around fishing, agriculture, and age-old maritime traditions. It’s a rare place where tradition, natural beauty, and modernity co-exist in perfect harmony.
Day 11 - Bo’ao to Wenchang
Distance:
Cycling 67km
Accommodation: Aijing International Hotel (4 Star)
The day starts with a short 20-minute drive to the stately Cai Family Mansion in Bo’ao. Built in the 1930s by Chinese-Indonesian entrepreneurs, the mansion blends a traditional Chinese layout with Southeast Asian colonial flavour—arched windows, wide balconies, and ornate carvings.
After an hour exploring the residence, it’s time to ride. The morning’s ride takes you 19 km to Tanmen Town, a coastal fishing community perfect for a laid-back lunch.
In the afternoon, the route stretches 48km along a picturesque seafront road, heading north toward Wenchang. The final leg into Dongjiao Coconut Grove is by vehicle, avoiding city congestion.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HIGHLIGHTS
Cai Family Mansion:
Spanning 2,000 square meters, the Cai Family Mansion tells the story of overseas Chinese returning home and bringing the world with them. Its blend of traditional and Nanyang styles captures a unique chapter in Hainan’s cultural evolution and stands as a provincial-level heritage site.
Dongjiao Coconut Grove:
Covering over 10,000 hectares, Dongjiao Coconut Grove is more than just the island’s most iconic landscape—it’s also the source of over half of Hainan’s coconuts. With golden beaches, coastal trails, and a 600-year history of cultivation, the grove is a paradise for nature lovers, cyclists, and anyone craving a fresh coconut straight from the tree.
Day 12 - Wenchang to Longlou
Distance:
Cycling 30km
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express (4 Star)
The morning begins with a drive back to Wenchang’s city centre to visit the Coconut Garden, a research and eco-tourism centre showcasing over 100 coconut species. From here, stroll the historic Wennan Old Street, where Southeast Asian-style arcades meet traditional Chinese culture.
After lunch town, it’s back to Dongjiao for the day’s ride—30 km through lush terrain to Longlou Town, where the Tongguling Scenic Area offers volcanic vistas and sweeping coastal views.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HIGHLIGHTS
Wenchang Coconut Garden:
Run by the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, this lush 53-hectare garden explores coconut genetics, cultivation, and conservation—perfect for those who want to dive deep into the science behind Hainan’s favourite fruit.
Tongguling Scenic Area:
At the northeastern tip of Hainan, this national nature reserve is packed with biodiversity. dramatic coastlines, and untouched tropical forest.
Day 13 - Longlou-Tanniu Town-Mulan Bay-Haikou
Distance:
Cycling 52km
Accommodation: Huangma Holiday Hotel (4 Star)
Your final ride begins in Longlou Town with a 32 km stretch to Tanniu Town, the heartland of Wenchang Chicken. After a visit to a chicken farm and a delicious lunch, the group travels north by vehicle to Fengpo Town for the tour’s closing ride—20 km to the windswept shores of Mulan Bay.
At Mulan Cape, the iconic lighthouse marks the northern most point of the island. The journey concludes with a transfer to your hotel in Haikou.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HIGHLIGHTS
Tanniu Town:
Tanniu produces 15 million Wenchang Chickens a year and has become a model for agricultural tourism and innovation. Visit a working farm and explore the roots of one of China’s most beloved culinary exports.
Wenchang Chicken:
Known for its tender meat and rich flavour, this dish symbolises Hainan’s farm-to-table heritage. Traditionally raised on a diet of coconut pulp and grains, Wenchang Chicken is best enjoyed poached and dipped in a fragrant lime-garlic-soy sauce.
Mulan Bay:
Mulan Bay’s windswept cliffs, wild shores, and towering lighthouse provide a fitting finale to your island cycling adventure. Popular with windsurfers and photographers alike, the bay showcases the raw, unfiltered beauty of Hainan’s northeast.
Haikou:
Back where it all began, Haikou welcomes you with its volcanic parks, bustling night markets, and Southeast Asian-style arcades. Whether relaxing by the sea or exploring old town charm, the capital city offers the perfect backdrop for your final night on the island.
Day 14 - Haikou
Accommodation: Huangma Holiday Hotel (4 Star)
Today’s adventure begins just outside Haikou with a trip to one of Hainan’s most remarkable geological treasures—the Haikou Volcanic Cluster World Geopark. In the afternoon, things slow down with a stroll through the historic heart of the city along Qilou Old Street, where the past lingers in the shade of the arcaded buildings.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HIGHLIGHTS
Haikou Volcanic Cluster World Geopark: Hainan’s Fiery Origins
Tucked away in the outskirts of Haikou, this UNESCO Global Geopark is a window into a prehistoric world shaped by fire and time. Over 10,000 years old, the park features more than 40 volcanic cones and five major craters—some towering over villages that still use the dark basalt rock for walls and homes.
The crown jewel of the park is Ma’anling Volcanic Crater, a 222.8-metre-high formation where you can follow stone paths to the rim and take in sweeping views of the surrounding lava-sculpted landscape. Trails wind past lava tubes, tropical flora, and interpretive signs that reveal the geology behind the drama.
Shishan Village, built almost entirely from volcanic stone, adds a cultural layer to the
natural marvels. It’s a fascinating blend of nature, history, and human resilience—perfect for geology buffs and curious wanderers alike.
Qilou Old Street:
In the afternoon, we walk down Qilou Old Street, a nostalgic district incentral Haikou, where history meets everyday life. These elegant, columned buildings—called “Qilou”—were inspired by Southeast Asian architecture and built by returning overseas Chinese in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Today, the covered arcades offer shade and character as you browse quirky shops, linger over local snacks, or relax with a coffee or tea at a café. It’s a place for both. souvenirs and stories. You’ll find ancestral halls, tiny museums, and local stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to candied hawthorn.
Landmarks like the Tianhou Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, hint at Haikou’s seafaring roots. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift or simply soaking in the charm, Qilou Old Street is a living postcard of Hainan’s multicultural past.
Day 15 - Haikou
Transfer to Haikou Airport
It takes about 45 minutes to drive from the hotel to the airport.
Gallery
What’s Included
Accommodation
We stay in modern 4 star hotels or resorts most nights. We will also stay in local minority village guest houses whilst in Tibet to savour the culture and lifestyle of these very hospitable people.
- Hotels in China are of exceptional standard and are comparable with hotels in more developed western countries. They are clean and tidy with modern facilities throughout.
- Rooms are double/ twin with ensuite facilities. Most rooms have coffee and tea making facilities.
- Single Supplement: NZ$1500
Bike Hire
We have carbon fibre Ebikes available for hire as well as manual bikes
- EBike Hire NZ$90
- Manual Bike Hire NZ$57
For details of bike hire please enquire at time of booking
An experienced guide
- You will be accompanied by a New Zealand guide (host). Your host will be with you for the duration of the tour. (T&C’s apply)
- We will also have a fully accredited Chinese English speaking guide for the duration of the tour. Our guide is very well versed and qualified to comment on all that is Chinese.
- Our driver is also accredited by the Chinese government.
Food
- All meals are included in the cost of your tour in China –
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Lunches are generally in restaurants with a great array of choices.
- Dinner will be the main focus of our evenings – it is well known that Chinese cuisine is some of the best in the world! It is less well known that, usually, each city has its own specialty. We will be trying each town’s best food as we make our way along the journey.
- We cater for special diets of all description.
- Bottled water is available for you at all times.
- Chinese cuisine is not just about heat. It is also known for its variety of flavours and cooking techniques, ranging from sweet and sour to smoky and savoury. Chinese cuisine uses a wide array of ingredients and methods such as stir-frying, steaming, braising, and smoking.
Luggage & Transfers
- We provide a comprehensive list of gear for you in the tour trip notes (sent to you on completion of the booking process.)
Tour Kit Bag Exclusive to Tuatara Tours
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Transport
- All transport is provided throughout the tour from Haikou airport on arrival to Haikou airport on departure.
- On arrival at Haikou airport you will be met by our Chinese Government accredited guide and driver.
- You will be travelling in a well appointed small bus with very comfortable seating.
Visas
- You may require a visa for China. Please talk to us at the time of booking and we can tell you the current situation with visas. Currently – 2025 – if you are a New Zealand citizen you do no need a visa to visit China if you are visiting for less than 30 days.