Qionghai is more than just Boao! This slow travel guide will help you unlock the small town with the richest "Hainan flavor"

Qionghai is like a pearl wrapped in a gentle sea breeze on Hainan's east coast—not too flashy, but naturally exuding a leisurely and comfortable "islander" vibe. This guide is based on my personal visits, and I want to share with you how to enjoy Qionghai. Day 1: Experience Boao’s “International Style” and “Fishermen’s Warmth” Morning: Check in at the Boao Forum for Asia Venue When you come to Qionghai, Boao is an unavoidable stop. Don’t think “forum venue” means a boring conference place. Standing in the main venue you’ve only seen in the news, facing the vast mouth of the Wanquan River, the feeling of openness and grandeur is truly wonderful. You can take the scenic area’s electric shuttle car to wander through the tree-shaded park. The breeze from where the river meets the sea is incredibly refreshing. This spot is perfect for photos—blue skies, white clouds, and magnificent buildings. Post a photo on social media with the location tagged as Boao, and your style instantly levels up. Afternoon: Stroll through the “Sea Story” Popular Beach After leaving the venue, a short drive takes you to Boao’s most famous beach—the “Sea Story.” This isn’t just a tourist spot but an open-air bar cluster nestled by the sea. All the tables, chairs, fishing boats, and decorations are made from reclaimed boat wood, giving it a unique vibe. I recommend coming here at dusk. Order a coconut, sit in the signature booth made from a repurposed old boat, watch the sunset paint the sky and sea golden, and listen to the waves rolling in. The lazy, cozy atmosphere will wash away all your fatigue. Photos here are absolutely stunning—every corner feels like a scene from an art film. Day 2: Immerse Yourself in the Millennium Fishing Port Charm of Tanmen Town Morning: Be a “Fisherman for a Day” and Explore Tanmen From Boao, drive less than half an hour along the beautiful coastal road to Tanmen Town. This is one of Hainan’s largest deep-sea fishing ports. As soon as you enter the town, a strong sea smell hits you—that’s the authentic “taste of the sea”! You must visit the Tanmen Central Fishing Port. The shore is packed with fishing boats of all sizes, their masts like a forest—truly spectacular. Nearby, the South China Sea Museum (free admission!) is well worth a visit. It offers deep insights into Hainan’s marine culture and fishing history, helping you understand this land better. Noon: Feast at the Seafood Market Tanmen’s seafood is incredibly fresh! Near the port, there’s a seafood market where you can pick freshly landed catches yourself and take them to a nearby processing shop. Watching lively shrimp and crabs turn into delicious dishes on your table brings unmatched satisfaction. While we won’t discuss specific types, simple cooking methods like steaming, boiling, or garlic sautéing best honor the ultimate freshness. Afternoon: Check in at Paigang Village’s “Anywhere Door” In Tanmen, there’s a new popular spot called Paigang Village. It features a dreamy scene—a door built right in the sea. At low tide, you can walk along the beach to it; at high tide, it stands alone in the blue water, as if it could really transport you to another world. Zhang Yixing filmed the MV for “Ghost in the Shell” here, and the photo effects are absolutely stunning. Day 3: Taste the “Old Qionghai” Flavor in Jiaji Town Morning: Explore Xizai Ancient Street and Grains Save your last day for Qionghai’s urban area—Jiaji Town. It lacks the hustle and bustle of big cities, with a slow pace of life that’s enviable. I recommend a walk along Xizai Ancient Street, where old stone pavements and weathered arcade walls silently tell century-old stories. When you get tired, be sure to experience Qionghai’s “Old Dad Tea” culture. Find a local-favorite shop, order a milk tea or lemon black tea, and pair it with various pineapple buns and char siu buns. Like the elderly locals sitting nearby, leisurely spend a morning relaxing. Noon: Don’t Miss Jiaji Duck You can’t visit Qionghai without trying the famous Jiaji Duck! It’s completely different from Beijing roast duck or Nanjing salted duck. Jiaji Duck is served white-cut, with crispy skin and tender meat—rich but not greasy. Dip it in the special sauce, and the flavor is incredible! This is truly the soul of Qionghai cuisine. Afternoon: End with a Bowl of Refreshing “Mianmian Bing” (Shaved Ice) Qionghai is one of the important birthplaces of Hainan’s “Qingbuliang” and “Mianmian Bing.” On a hot afternoon, find a well-reviewed dessert shop and order a bowl of coconut milk Qingbuliang or a serving of melt-in-your-mouth mango shaved ice. Cool and sweet, it’s the perfect ending to your Qionghai trip. Some Tips: · Transportation: Qionghai’s attractions are quite spread out, so self-driving is highly recommended. Driving along the coastal road is an experience in itself. High-speed trains are also convenient, with Qionghai Station and Boao Station both accessible. · Accommodation: Stay in Boao for lively convenience; stay in Tanmen to experience fishing village charm; stay in Jiaji Town to feel local city life. · Pace: In Qionghai, be sure to slow down your pace. It’s not a place for “special forces” style check-ins but for you to walk slowly and savor the experience. Qionghai’s beauty requires you to calm your mind to truly appreciate it. Wishing you a gentle sea breeze and healing food-filled wonderful memory in Qionghai!