Cycling tour through Hainan – from Haikou to Sanya
China's Hainan Island is a land filled with great contrasts. With its pristine tropical beaches, rainforests and remote jungle landscapes there is enough to keep you happy for a longer ride through this fantastic landscape. Here is a chance to swim in waterfall lagoons, cycle down mountain roads into minority villages, ride past lush paddy fields, banana, coconut and betel nut plantations, relax in hot spring pools, snorkel amongst tropical fish, raft through mountain rivers, abseil/repel down waterfalls, try some surfing and learn some of the local language and culture.
Haikou to Wenchang
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The banana plantation. [Google.com] |
Cycle over the rolling hills, through farmland and small towns on route to Wenchang town. By the road side you will see small honey farms, colorful plant nurseries and you can take a diversion through a banana plantation. Walk around this Huachow (overseas Chinese) town and learn about its unique history.
Coconut Plantations and Secluded Bays
Just south of Wenchang Town you will take a short ferry trip to the coconut plantation peninsula. The roads here are flat and a mixture of tarmac and dirt sections. These are perfect for cruising on your bike. The winding roads will take you through a unique rural community. Here the local people make the most of the coconuts. Some villagers weave the palm leaves into organic panels that are used for informal structures that houses chickens or wood piles.
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The coconut planation. [Google.com] |
Others process, largely by hand, the different parts of the coconut. You can see people splitting the coconuts with hand tools one by one, slowly working through enormous piles of thousands of coconuts. The pace of life is very laid back, you are likely to see many locals relaxing with friends in hammocks slung between the trees. Further east you will explore an outstanding coastal area boasting secluded bays and massive, unusual rock formations. You can swim on your own private beach and perhaps snorkel depending on the weather. You will stay in a hotel next to the beach and can taste some local fresh seafood.
Central Mountains
Put the ocean behind for a few days and cycle inland to the spectacular mountainous centre of Hainan Island. It's a long ride so the support vehicle will probably transport you some of the way to your destination, Wuzhishan Town. Explore this mountain town which is the capital of the central area in the evening.
Rural mountain road cycling
Hit the road from Wuzhishan town to the base of Wuzhishan Mountain. This is one of the most beautiful roads in Hainan and is an ethnic minority region. Expect to see dramatic river gorges, tropical farmland, waterfalls, thick jungle, and local minority people about their daily business. Wuzhishan Mountain is (1867 meters) the highest peak on the island. Take a hike through the rainforest of Wuzhishan Mountain, observing the fauna and flora.
Wuzhishan to Hot-springs
Cruise down the twisting 9 km drop from Wuzhishan town towards Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County (The Li and Miao are the 2 largest minority groups in Hainan). You will see evidence of local minorities in Baoting Town's architecture. Cycle 10km past Baoting Town and arrive near the base of Seven Fairy Mountain. The road has little traffic and is in excellent condition. Along the way you'll see many betel nut plantations and authentic villages. After cycling you can relax and soak in a landscaped outdoor hot-spring pool fed from the natural mountains springs.
Rolling roads to Lingshui and Sanya
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Nanwan Monkey Island. [Google.com] |
Cycle the quiet, gently rolling road from Baoting to Lingshui. On this day the support vehicle will drop you out side of Baoting on your way to Lingshui. Half-way you can explore the delightful waterfalls and go swimming in fresh spring water streams. After lunch in Lingshui you have the option of visiting Monkey Island on the way back to Sanya.
Cycling Conditions
Cycling conditions are varied. Most roads are in good condition. Some sections are not so well maintained. Other sections are small dirt tracks. The centre of Hainan Island is mountainous and so there are some steep ascends and descends, the support vehicle is on hand to help with these if necessary. Other areas are either flat or gently rolling hills.