Lingao Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Lingao, Hainan, China with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Lingao

Located in Hainan, a province in South China, Lingao is a county-level city that offers travelers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The city is home to various attractions, including museums, historical sites, national parks, and temples. With its impressive food and drink scene and friendly people, Lingao is an ideal place to immerse yourself in Chinese culture while enjoying some fresh air and outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in Lingao

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Lingao Museum: The Lingao Museum is a must-visit cultural center that showcases the rich history of the city. It has an extensive collection of artifacts, including pottery, paintings, and ancient coins.

  • Heqian Village: Located in the central part of Lingao, Heqian Village is a well-preserved ancient village that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. It is home to several temples, clan halls, and ancient buildings that reflect the traditional architecture of the region.

  • Sanmen Li Village: This village is home to the Li ethnic group, one of the indigenous peoples of Hainan. It offers tourists a unique insight into the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Li people.

Natural Attractions of Lingao: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Dongshan Ridge: Dongshan Ridge is a popular hiking spot that offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery. It is also home to various exotic animals, such as Macaques and Wild Boar.

  • Yin Tan Beach: If you’re in the mood for some sun, sand, and sea, Yin Tan Beach is the place to be. It provides pristine waters and soft sandy beaches, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

  • Wanquan River: The Wanquan River is a scenic river that passes through Lingao. It is surrounded by lush forests, limestone hills, and picturesque landscapes, making it a perfect spot for kayaking and bamboo rafting.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lingao

  • Dongshan Ridge Hike: This hike is a challenging but rewarding one. It takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Lingao, including bamboo forests, waterfalls, and hidden caves. The trail covers a distance of around 5 kilometers and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.

  • Jiuwu Mountain Bike Ride: Jiuwu Mountain is one of the highest peaks in Lingao. The bike ride provides scenic views of the surrounding countryside and an adventurous off-road experience. The distance of the entire route is around 10 kilometers, taking 2-3 hours to finish.

Best Things to Do in Lingao: Activities and Tours

  • Chinese Calligraphy Class: Learn about the ancient Chinese art of calligraphy from a master calligrapher in Lingao.

  • Temple Tour: Take a temple tour and see some of the most beautiful temples in Lingao, including the Guanyin Temple, the Temple of Confucius, and the Temple of the Five Lords.

  • Fishing Tours: Join a local fisherman and try your hand at traditional fishing in the rivers of Lingao.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lingao

Day Activities
1 Visit Lingao Museum, Heqian Village, and Sanmen Li Village
2 Enjoy hiking at Dongshan Ridge and finish it off with a stroll along Yin Tan Beach
3 Wanquan River kayaking and bamboo rafting
4 Chinese calligraphy class and temple tour
5 Traditional fishing tour
6 Jiuwu Mountain bike ride
7 Explore local markets and souvenir shopping

Food and Drink Scene of Lingao

Must-Try Dishes

  • Wenchang Chicken: Wenchang Chicken is a famous dish in Hainan. It is a traditional dish made with free-range chicken cooked with fragrant herbs and dipped in ginger onion sauce.

  • Hainanese Rice Noodles: Hainanese Rice Noodles are a popular breakfast dish. They are served with shredded pork, peanuts, and anchovies and are delicious with a touch of spicy sauce.

  • Hainanese Coconut Rice: Hainanese Coconut Rice is a fragrant rice dish flavored with coconut milk and pandan leaf.

Local Beverages

  • Coconut Water: Hainan is known for its sweet and refreshing coconut water, which is a must-try when traveling in Lingao.

  • Hainanese Coffee: Hainanese coffee is a unique blend of coffee and condensed milk, representing the taste and aroma of Hainanese coffee culture.

  • Hainanese Rice Wine: Hainanese Rice Wine is a popular liquor made from glutinous rice and fermented in earthen jars.

Where to Stay in Lingao: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Lingao Gouxiang Guesthouse: This guesthouse is located in the center of Lingao and offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

  • Hainan Eden Hotel: This hotel is perfect for travelers who want to stay in one of the more luxurious accommodations in Lingao.

  • Lingao Yamei Hostel: If you’re looking for a cozy and friendly atmosphere, the Lingao Yamei Hostel is the place to be.

What to Buy in Lingao: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Hainan Coffee: Bring back a packet of Hainanese Coffee to remind you of the unique taste and aroma of Hainanese coffee culture.

  • Handmade Embroidery: Lingao is known for its intricate and detailed embroidery patterns. A beautiful piece of Lingao embroidery is a must-buy souvenir for any art lover.

  • Pearls: Hainan is famous for its high-quality pearls. You can find a wide variety of pearls in Lingao from fresh-water pearls to South Sea pearls.

Local Culture and Customs of Lingao

  • Unlike many other parts of China, the main language spoken in Hainan is Hainanese, a dialect of its own.

  • Lingao is heavily influenced by Buddhism and Taoism, and many of the city’s attractions are temples and historical sites associated with these religions.

  • Lingao is known for its unique ethnic culture, including the Li and Miao minorities, who add diversity to the region’s customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Lingao

The ideal time to visit Lingao is between October and March when the temperature is moderate and comfortable for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lingao

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Carry a jacket or umbrella as the weather can change abruptly during certain times of the year.

Don’t:

  • Use your left hand to receive or give things.
  • Disrespect locals’ religious beliefs or practices.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lingao

Lingao is a safe city for tourists. However, as with any other tourist destination, it is advisable to take necessary precautions to avoid theft or pickpocketing.

Health in Lingao

The standard of healthcare in Lingao may not be the same as in developed countries. It is advisable to carry an adequate supply of prescribed medication, if necessary, and travel insurance.

Getting to Lingao: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lingao

Haikou Meilan International Airport, located about 170 kilometers from Lingao, is the nearest airport to the city.

Bus Stations Near Lingao

The Lingao Bus Station and Hainan Bus Station offer regular bus services to Lingao from other cities in Hainan and other neighboring provinces.

Other Options

Taxis, private cars, and rental bikes are available as other modes of transportation within Lingao.

How to Get Around Lingao

Taxis, buses, bikes, and private cars are available for getting around the city. The most convenient and cost-efficient mode of transportation is by bike or walking, especially for short distances.

Where to Go Next from Lingao: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Haikou City: Haikou is the capital city of Hainan, located about 150 kilometers from Lingao.

  • Sanya City: Known as the “Oriental Hawaii,” Sanya is a beautiful coastal city located about 140 kilometers from Lingao.

  • Wuzhishan City: Located about 80 kilometers from Lingao, Wuzhishan City is famous for its stunning natural scenery and tea plantations.

Conclusion

Lingao is a city with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in cultural heritage, outdoor adventures, or luxurious accommodations, Lingao has it all. With its beautiful natural scenery, friendly locals, and unique food culture, Lingao is a must-visit destination on your next trip to China.