BIKING IN HAINAN – RIDE THROUGH PARADISE

Biking is getting very popular in Hainan, and it’s easy to see why. Beaches, trees dripping with ripe tropical fruit, picturesque villages, and tons of bike routes at every level from easy and flat along the scenic east coast all the way up to some seriously challenging mountain tracks in central and western Hainan. Whether you’ve got your own bike or are looking to rent one here, whether you prefer camping under the stars or staying in quirky hostels, whether you love to ride fast or take your time and explore every random path, you’ll find a great biking experience here in Hainan.

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO BIKING IN HAINAN:

Biking all the way around Hainan island is not only possible, but has become something of a rite of passage for bikers in Hainan. The entire route is about 900 km long. Get started along the East coast of Hainan, where development is relatively advanced. Once you’ve got the hang of Hainan by biking the east coast, head back along the West coast, which is more rugged and challenging. If you really have something to prove, try the central Hainan route. The mountains will punish you, but the sense of accomplishment and the scenery are both worth it.

BEST TIME TO BIKE:

While it’s possible to bike Hainan year round, the best season is winter. In January and February the weather is cool and refreshing without being cold.

BIKING COMPETITIONS:

Every year several major bike competitions are held in Hainan, including the China Mountain Bike Open and the Tour of Hainan.

TOUR OF HAINAN

The Tour of Hainan was founded in 2006. Since then, every year the course has been changed and improved, and the Tour takes riders along the coast, through lush rainforests, over city streets and village roads, giving them a real taste of Hainan’s many scenic landscapes. Top bikers from around the world come to compete at the Tour of Hainan every year.

BIKING HAINAN’S EAST COAST: CHASE THE SETTING SUN THROUGH THE PALM TREES

The East coast route is the number one biking route in Hainan, where most cyclists choose to begin their Hainan biking adventure. This route has excellent road conditions, low difficulty, and sweeping ocean views. Starting from Haikou, you will ride through Wenchang, Qionhai, Wanning, and Lingshui before arriving in Sanya. Most of the route follows the coastline, and is lined with swaying palm trees. There are many cultural and historic sites to visit along the way, as well as plenty of shops, restaurants, and hotels to take care of your every need.

Total distance:420 km.

Riding difficulty:Low

CENTRAL HAINAN BIKING ROUTE: MOUNTAINS AND MINORITY CULTURE

The first thing you need to know about biking the Central Hainan route is that it is full of steep mountain roads, which means this route is best left to the experienced and skilled biker. Those up to the challenge will ride through thick rainforests and discover the beating heart of Hainan’s Li and Miao minority cultures. There are less restaurants, shops, and hotels here, so make sure to stock up on everything you need when you get a chance. The road conditions are good on the central route however, with mainly asphalt and cement road surfaces. The Tunchang section is fairly flat, but the rest of the route is up and down the whole way. The Central route passes through Wuzhishan, Baoting, Tongshi, Qiongshong, and Tunchang. These are fairly rural areas where most of the inhabitants are Li and Miao, and you’ll get to really experience the vibrant culture of these minority peoples.

Total distance:300 km.

Riding difficulty: Medium to High

BIKING HAINAN’S WEST COAST: WILD AND RUGGED

The West Coast biking route is the longest of the three main routes in Hainan. Road conditions north of Dongfang are not good, and the pavement is often broken or rough. However, road conditions improve greatly south of Dongfang. The whole route is a bit hilly, but none of the slopes are too steep, meaning the route should be ok for most riders. The West coast of Hainan is much less developed than the East, and the scenery is much more rugged and natural. Starting from Haikou, you’ll pass through Danzhou, Changjiang, Dongfang, and Yacheng before arriving in Sanya.

Total distance:450 km.

Riding difficulty: Medium

SPECIFIC ROUTE RECOMMENDATIONS

1. CENTRAL TO EAST ROUTE (G224-G223)

Day 1: Haikou – Tunchang 110 km.

Day 2: Fengmu, Tunchang – Maoyang, Wuzhishan 82.3 km.

Day 3 Maoyang, Wuzhishan – Sanya 109 km.

Day 4: Sanya – Xinglong, Wanning 114 km.

Day 5: Xinglong – Longlou, Wenchang 160 km.

Day 6: Longlou – Puqian – Yanfeng – Haikou 120 km.

RECOMMENDED STOPOVERS

1. Muse Lake, Fengmu Town (G224 110KM marker)is a great camping spot. Check out Leigong Beach in the morning (1 km. mountain road).

2. See the Yahu Rice Terraces across the river from Maoyang Town.

3. Soak in the hot springs in Xinglong.

4. Camp at Tongguling’s Xiao’ao Bay in Longlou.

5. Turn on S203 at the 7KM marker, and go into Mulan Bay to see the northernmost point in Hainan and Asia’s second tallest lighthouse.

6. Take a boat ride from Puqian to Yanfeng.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATIONS

1. There is lodging at Fengmu Town, but no restaurants at Muse Lake.

2. There are two small hotels in Maoyang Town (0898-86720698), and several places to eat.

3. There are 60 beds available at Laobanzhang Hostel, but there is plenty more cheap accommodation available near the Bus Terminus in the Jiefang Road area of Sanya.

4. There are many places to stay in Xinglong. Prices are reasonable and many places have swimming pools. There is food available in the Old Street area.

5. There is plenty of accommodation in Longlou, and a hotel room averages 80 RMB. There are also quite a few restaurants, but there is only a small shop in Xiao’ao Bay, no other food options.

6. There is a small shop in Mulan Bay, some restaurants in Linwu, and seafood is available in Puqian.

2. WEST TO EAST ROUTE (G225-G223) class="last"

Day 1: Haikou – Danzhou 132 km.

Day 2. Danzhou to Dongfang 118 km.

Day 2. Danzhou to Dongfang 118 km.

Day 3: Dongfang – Sanya 162 km.

Day 4: Sanya to Xinglong, Wanning 114 km.

Day 5: Xinglong to Longlou, Wenchang 160 km.

Day 6: Longlou – Puqian – Yanfeng – Haikou 120 km.

RECOMMENDED STOPOVERS

1. Stop to drink locally grown coffee in Fushan Town.

2. Lanyang Hot Springs, Danzhou (16 km. from Danzhou), Songtang Reservoir, Danzhou (inscription from Zhou Enlai)

3. Jianfeng Rainforest is worth a visit, stay for 1-2 days.

4. Soak in the hot springs in Xinglong.

5. Camp at Xiao’ao Bay in Tongguling, Longlou.

6. Turn on S203 at the 7KM marker, and go into Mulan Bay to see the northernmost point in Hainan and Asia’s second tallest lighthouse.

7. Take a boat ride from Puqian to Yanfeng.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATIONS

1. Eat lunch in Fushan, where there are plenty of restaurants.

2. There are plenty of hotels in the area around the Danzhou Bus station, and a hotel room averages 80 RMB.

3. Hotel rooms in Dongfang average 80 RMB.

4. There are 60 beds available at Laobanzhang Hostel, but there is plenty more cheap accommodation available near the Bus Terminus in the Jiefang Road area of Sanya.

5. There are many places to stay in Xinglong. Prices are reasonable and many places have swimming pools. There is food available in the Old Street area.

6. There is plenty of accommodation in Longlou, and a hotel room averages 80 RMB. There are also quite a few restaurants, but there is only a small shop in Xiao’ao Bay, no other food options.

7. There is a small shop in Mulan Bay, some restaurants in Linwu, and seafood is available in Puqian.

3. RIDE ALL 3 ROUTES: (G225-G224-G223)

Day 1: Haikou – Danzhou 132 km.

Day 2: Danzhou – Maoyang 118 km.

Day 3: Maoyang – Sanya 109 km.

Day 3: Dongfang – Sanya 162 km.

Day 4: Sanya – Xinglong, Wanning 114 km.

Day 5: Xinglong – Longlou, Wenchang 160 km.

Day 6: Longlou – Puqian – Yanfeng – Haikou 120 km.

RECOMMENDED STOPOVERS

1. Stop to drink locally grown coffee in Fushan Town.

2. Danzhou Lanyang Hot Springs (16 km from Danzhou), Danzhou Songtao Reservoir

3. Yingge Ridge

4. Yahu Rice Terraces, Maoyang Town

5. Atuo Ridge

6. Tonggu Ridge

7. Mulan Bay

8. Puqian Fishing Boats

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATIONS

1. Eat lunch in Fushan, where there are plenty of restaurants.

2. There are plenty of hotels in the area around the Danzhou Bus station, and a hotel room averages 80 RMB.

3. There are two small hotels in Maoyang Town (0898-86720698), and plenty of places to eat.

4. There are 60 beds available at Laobanzhang Hostel, but there is plenty more cheap accommodation and food available near the Bus Terminus in the Jiefang Road area of Sanya.

5. There are many places to stay in Xinglong. Prices are reasonable and many places have swimming pools. There is food available in the Old Street area.

6. There is plenty of accommodation in Longlou, and a hotel room averages 80 RMB. There are also quite a few restaurants, but there is only a small shop in Xiao’ao Bay, no other food options.

7. There is a small shop in Mulan Bay, some restaurants in Linwu, and seafood is available in Puqian.

RIDING HAINAN’S GREENWAYS

SHISHAN GREENWAYS, HAIKOU 海口 石山绿道

Shishan Greenway is a total of 44 km. long, and includes the Haikou Volcano Park, travelling through an excellent natural environment with many cultural and historical points of interest and waterfront views. This is an eco-tourism treasure, showing off the beauty of the local Haikou countryside.

YANFENG GREENWAYS, HAIKOU 海口 演丰绿道

The Yanfeng Mangrove Forest Greenways stretch over 20 km., with service stations along the way. The Greenways travel along the coast, with the ocean on one side, and a flourishing mangrove forest on the others. Here you will see rare migrating birds as well as many other animals that make their home in the mangroves.

BAMEN GREENWAYS, WENCHANG 文昌 八门湾绿道

The total length of the Bamen Greenways is 54 km., with the main route traversing 45 km., and branch routes adding another 9 km. The Bamen Greenways travel through lush mangrove forests, and offer an ecological countryside route past historical points of interest, through farming and fishing villages and wild lands, and under waving palm tree branches.

LONGSHOUYANG RURAL PARK, QIONGHAI 琼海龙寿洋万亩田野公园

Round trip distance is 25 km., and the route passes rural vegetable fields, fruit orchards, simple village homes, ancient wells, rice paddies, and unique wetlands, giving riders an immersive Hainan countryside experience.

BAILIBAI VILLAGE, DING’AN 定安 百里百村

This route is over 60 km. long, starting from Longmen Town in the north and ending at Murui Mountain Revolutionary Commemorative Park in the south, passing through Longmen Town, Lingkou Town, Hanlin Town, Longhe Town and Zhongrui Farm. Along with these four towns, riders will travel through over 100 unique and charming small villages.

RIDING CLUBS AND BIKE HOSTELS

HAINAN APEX BIKE CLUB 海南鼎点自行车俱乐部

Address:Intersection of Fengxiang Rd. and S. Zhongshan Rd., Haikou / #5 Hedong Rd., Sanya 海口凤翔路与中山南路交汇处/三亚河东路5号

Phone: +86-13648655892/+86-898 88261164

HAINAN PIONEER BIKE CLUB 海南开拓者自行车俱乐部

Address:#3 N. Longkun Rd., Longhua District, Haikou 海口市龙华区龙昆北路3号

Phone: +86-898-66567333

HAIKOU 517 HOSTEL 海口517驿站

Address:Xiyuan Villa, Xinbu Island, Haikou

Phone: +86-898-66217315

HAIKOU MANQI BIKE HOSTEL

Address:# 73 Xincheng Rd., Sanya Bay 三亚湾新城路73号

Phone: +86-898-88917665

WENCHANG TIANYA BIKE HOSTEL 文昌天涯骑驴逍遥驿站

Address:# 186 Qingling Rd., Wencheng Town 文城镇庆龄路186号

Phone: +86-898-63256000

BO’AO BACKLIGHT BIKE HOSTEL 博鳌逆光驿站

Address:Wenhua St., Bo’ao Town 博鳌镇文化街

Phone:+86-18656012360

ISLAND BIKE HOSTEL 海岛骑驴驿站

Address:# 318 Yangguang Baluoke Mall, Minzhong Rd., Nada, Danzhou, Hainan 那大人民中路318号-阳光巴洛克商城内

Phone:+86-18976089899

XINGLONG 517 BIKE HOSTEL 兴隆517驿站

Address:Tianweidui, Donghe Farm, Wanning 万宁东和农场田尾队

Phone:+86-13337679710

Biking ESSENTIALS

1. Bike helmet: soft foam biking helmet to protect from head injuries

2. Bandanas: wear under your helmet to soak up sweat, and use the spares to wipe off road dirt and dust

3. Biking sunglasses: if you choose sunglasses with changeable lenses, you can choose the best lens for the lighting conditions.

4. Biking clothing: make sure you have comfortable, well fitting biking clothing to wear on your trip. Check the weather forecast to see if you need warm clothing or cool. All clothing should be breathable and sweat-wicking.

5. Sunscreen: the sun is intense in Hainan all year round, and the highest possible SPF sunscreen is essential. It should be reapplied every few hours. If you can’t get good sunscreen, make sure to wear sun blocking clothing over all exposed skin.

6. Gloves: biking gloves are thicker across the palms, and can reduce injury in case of a crash.

7. Backpack or waist pack: a small pack can help you carry essentials like a change of clothing, snacks, or cash and cell phone.

8. Biking shorts: special biking shorts are padded, and can make long rides more comfortable. Wear padded biking pants instead if you are coming in the winter.

9. Biking socks: biking socks should be comfortable and cool, able to wick sweat and dry quickly.

10. Ankle bands: bind your pant leg to keep in from getting caught in the bike chain. This will keep your clothes from getting dirty or torn, as well as keep you safe from crashing.

11. Biking shoes: biking shoes should allow you to grip the pedal securely, and protect your feet from injury.

12. Shoe covers: shoe covers can reduce wind drag as well as keeping your shoes clean.

Biking Equipment

1. Bike pump: a small portable bike pump should fit on the front fork for easy access.

2. Handlebar bag: a handlebar bag is a convenient place to keep small essential items for easy access.

3. Bike lights and reflectors: bike lights and reflectors improve your visibility during low light or nighttime riding conditions.

4. Horn: a horn is essential for safe riding, and should be easy to reach and loud enough to warn others of your presence.

5.Triangle frame bag: this small bag attaches directly to the bike frame, giving you an additional convenient storage option.

6. Water bottle: attach a water bottle to the bike frame, and refill often to keep hydrated.