Bo'ao Travel Guide

Discover Bo'ao, a beautiful town in the Hainan province of South China with a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, outdoor adventures, delicious food, and more. Plan your perfect trip with our comprehensive guide.


A Comprehensive Bo’ao Travel Guide - Explore the Best of South China

Bo’ao is a beautiful town in the Hainan province of South China that boasts of a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, outdoor adventures, delicious food, and more. Located on the east coast of the province and overlooking the South China Sea, Bo’ao is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Whether you want to stroll along the beaches, sample local delicacies, explore historical sites, or go on an adventure in the great outdoors, Bo’ao has something for everyone. Plan your perfect trip with our comprehensive guide to Bo’ao.

List of Places to Visit in Bo’ao

Here is a list of places to visit in Bo’ao:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums, and Historical Places

  • Bo’ao Ancient Town: A well-preserved ancient town with traditional houses, narrow streets, and a beautiful river. The town is also home to the Bo’ao Asian Forum, an annual conference that brings together world leaders and policymakers.

  • Luhuitou Park: A beautiful park with a statue of a deer looking back over its shoulder towards the city. The park offers stunning views of the city, the sea, and the surrounding countryside.

  • Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden: A large garden that features more than 1,000 species of plants and trees, including tropical fruits, flowers, and medicinal herbs.

  • Dongyu Island: A small island located near Bo’ao that is home to several scenic spots, including a lighthouse, a beach, and a temple.

Natural Attractions of Bo’ao: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Yudai Beach: A scenic beach with soft sand, clear water, and coconut trees. It is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

  • Qixingling National Forest Park: A beautiful park that features mountain peaks, dense forests, waterfalls, and a vast array of flora and fauna. It is an excellent spot for hiking, camping, and picnicking.

  • Nanqiang Ecological Reserve: A large reserve that is home to several rare and endangered species such as the Hainan black-crested gibbon, the Hainan partridge, and the Hainan slow loris. The reserve offers guided nature tours, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bo’ao

Bo’ao is a great place to hike, bike and explore. Here are some of the best hiking and biking trails in and around Bo’ao:

  • Luhuitou Peninsula Trail: A scenic trail that winds around the peninsula and offers stunning views of the sea and the city.

  • Qixingling National Forest Park Trail: A challenging hiking trail that leads through dense forests, up to the highest peak, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas.

  • Surfing Beach Trail: A moderate hiking trail that leads along the coast, through forests and fields, and offers stunning views of the beach and the sea.

Best Things to Do in Bo’ao: Activities and Tours

Bo’ao has plenty of fun activities and tours to keep visitors busy. Here are some of the best things to do in Bo’ao:

  • Water Sports: Bo’ao is a great place to enjoy water sports like swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Surfing Beach is the perfect spot for surfing and other water sports.

  • Boat Tours: Take a boat tour along the Qionghai River and explore the waterways, see the natural beauty of the region, and learn more about the history of Bo’ao.

  • Bird Watching: Bo’ao is home to many species of birds, including egrets and black-faced spoonbills. Join a guided birdwatching tour and see these beautiful creatures up close.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bo’ao

If you’re visiting Bo’ao for a week, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activities
1 Visit Bo’ao Ancient Town and Luhuitou Park
2 Go to Surfing Beach for water activities and try local seafood
3 Take a boat tour along the Qionghai River
4 Visit Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden
5 Explore Dongyu Island
6 Go for a hike in Qixingling National Forest Park
7 Relax on Yudai Beach and go shopping for souvenirs

Food and Drink Scene of Bo’ao

Bo’ao is a foodie’s paradise, with plenty of delicious local dishes to try. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hainan Chicken Rice: Bo’ao’s version of this classic dish features fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, served with tender poached chicken, and a side of chili sauce.

  • Wenchang Chicken: Another Hainanese delicacy, this dish features succulent chicken that is poached and served with a side of ginger and scallion sauce.

  • Seafood Platter: Bo’ao’s location on the coast makes it an excellent place to sample fresh seafood. A seafood platter usually includes prawns, crabs, clams, and other seasonal seafood.

Local Beverages

  • Coconut Juice: A refreshing drink that comes straight from the coconut, served chilled.

  • Mango Juice: Made from local mangoes, this sweet and tangy drink is perfect for a hot day.

Where to Stay in Bo’ao: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bo’ao has plenty of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, and cozy guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay in Bo’ao:

  • The Bo’ao Golden Coast Hot Spring Hotel: A luxury hotel with hot springs, swimming pools, and stunning views of the sea.

  • Hainan Yueji Warm Guesthouse: A cozy guesthouse located in the heart of Bo’ao Ancient Town, featuring traditional architecture and decor.

  • Bo’ao Junlin Hai’an Hostel: An affordable hostel located near Surfing Beach, offering basic amenities and a friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in Bo’ao: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bo’ao is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local products. Here are some of the best things to buy in Bo’ao:

  • Pearls: Hainan is known for its high-quality pearls, and Bo’ao is no exception. You can find a wide variety of pearls at local shops and markets.

  • Coconut Products: As Bo’ao is located in a coconut-growing region, you can find a range of coconut products like coconut oil, coconut candy, and dried coconut.

  • Handicrafts: Bo’ao Ancient Town is an excellent place to shop for traditional handicrafts like paper cuttings, bamboo carvings, and folk paintings.

Local Culture and Customs of Bo’ao

Bo’ao has a rich cultural heritage that is evident in its architecture, food, and festivals.

  • Architecture: Bo’ao is home to many ancient buildings that showcase traditional Chinese architecture, with red roofs, white walls, and intricate carvings.

  • Food: Hainanese cuisine is famous for its delicacy and freshness, with an emphasis on seafood and local produce.

  • Festivals: Bo’ao hosts several festivals throughout the year, the most important of which is the Bo’ao Asian Forum.

Best Time to Visit Bo’ao

Bo’ao has a pleasant tropical climate with warm temperatures all year round. The best time to visit Bo’ao is from November to April when the weather is cooler and drier.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bo’ao

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine: Bo’ao is famous for its delicious seafood and local delicacies.

  • Explore the outdoors: Bo’ao has plenty of natural attractions, including beaches, forests, and parks.

  • Respect the locals: The people in Bo’ao are friendly and welcoming, so be respectful and polite towards them.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Bo’ao is a beautiful place, so please do not litter.

  • Wear revealing clothing: Bo’ao is a conservative town, so dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bo’ao

Bo’ao is a safe city, with low crime rates. However, you should always take precautions to ensure your safety, such as locking your doors and not carrying too much cash with you.

Health in Bo’ao

Bo’ao has excellent medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics with modern equipment and well-trained staff.

Getting to Bo’ao: Transportation Options and Logistics

Bo’ao is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Here are some transportation options to consider:

Airports Near Bo’ao

  • Haikou Meilan International Airport: Located about 100 km from Bo’ao, the airport is the closest international airport to Bo’ao. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Bo’ao.

  • Sanya Phoenix International Airport: Located about 170 km from Bo’ao, the airport is another option for international travelers.

Bus Stations Near Bo’ao

  • Qionghai Bus Station: Located in Qionghai city, about 20 km from Bo’ao. Buses from Hainan’s major cities stop here.

Other Options

  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Bo’ao and are a convenient way to get around.

How to Get Around in Bo’ao

Bo’ao is a small town that is easy to navigate on foot or by bike. Taxis and buses are also available for longer distances.

Where to Go Next from Bo’ao: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Bo’ao is a great starting point for exploring the rest of Hainan province. Some popular destinations include:

  • Haikou: The capital city of Hainan province, known for its historical sites, modern architecture, and shopping.

  • Sanya: A popular tourist destination known for its beaches, resorts and a good place for diving.

Conclusion

Bo’ao is a beautiful place to visit with a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, outdoor adventures, delicious food, and more. Plan your perfect trip with our comprehensive guide to Bo’ao, and explore all that this gem of South China has to offer.

An artefact on display at the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea. An artefact on display at the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea.