Hainan, China,
explained by a local.
A tropical island in China's far south. I was born and raised here, and I often help visitors with their questions about coming to Hainan. This site is what I tell them.
Still deciding?
What Hainan is like, where to go and when to come.
Meet the islandDecided to come?
Get ready in order, one step at a time: entry, flights, payments and mobile data.
Start getting readyStuck on something?
Message me. I live on the island and I'm happy to help.
Ask me
An island the size of Belgium, at the latitude of Hawaii
Hainan sits in the South China Sea, just off China's southern coast. Most visitors fly into Haikou in the north or Sanya in the south.
- 33,900 km²
- Hainan Island, a little larger than Belgium.
- 18°–20° N
- About the same latitude as Hawaii.
- Above 23 °C
- The yearly average temperature everywhere on the island.
- 30 days
- Visa-free, for citizens of 61 countries who enter China through Hainan.
18 cities and counties, each with its own thing
Point at a place on the map, or tap it, to see what's there.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and Natural Earth.
26 guides, written and checked by a local
In the order you'll need them, from a month before you fly to your days in Hainan. Start at the top.
- 11 month beforePick when to come, how you'll enter China and how to book your flights.5 guides
- 22 weeks beforeGet payments working: Alipay, WeChat Pay, a ¥1 test, fees and backups.8 guides
- 31 week beforeMobile data and getting around: eSIM, apps, taxis, food delivery and trains.8 guides
- 41–3 days beforeFill in the arrival card online.1 guides
- 5In HainanHotel registration, beach safety, doctors, duty-free and everyday tips.5 guides
Stuck on something? Ask a local.
Before you fly, I can help you set up payments and check how you'll enter China over a video call. Once you're here, I can meet you at the airport and come along anywhere on the island. Chatting is free.
Message me on WhatsAppWhat I can help with