Just returned from Xinglong, here are some unpleasant truths
Just returned from Xinglong, here are some unpleasant truths😅
In December, I thought about escaping the crowds to a tropical town for summer, but... it really wasn't quite what I imagined! This guide is all about an unfiltered review, laying out all the pros and cons, so you can decide if you want to go for it🌴
🚗Transportation: It almost got me down
Xinglong has no airport and no direct high-speed train! I flew to Sanya, then booked a car in advance on a rental platform. The drive took about an hour and a half. If you don't rent a car, you can also take a high-speed train from Sanya to Wanning Station, then take a taxi, but taxi fares aren't cheap, and transportation in town mainly relies on self-driving or electric scooters. The road conditions are decent, but some sections have dim streetlights at night, so drive with extreme caution! I recommend renting a brightly colored car; it makes for great photos and can even be a prop🚗
To be honest, the transportation cost and time were higher than expected, but the tropical scenery along the way—coconut groves, banana trees, blue skies, and white clouds—can instantly cure road rage! Especially that moment when you roll down the window and feel the breeze, it feels totally worth it🌤️
🏨Accommodation: Don't be fooled by "influencer" filters!
Accommodation here is polarized. Either high-end resort hotels, where prices skyrocket but the facilities and environment are indeed excellent, with private pools and beautiful gardens. Or local old-brand guesthouses or B&Bs, which are affordable but some facilities might be old, and soundproofing might not be great. I chose a mid-range hot spring hotel, and soaking in the hot springs at night to relieve fatigue was quite nice♨️
Here's the key! Before booking, be sure to compare prices across multiple platforms. I used Trip.com, but I also checked other apps. Look at recent reviews with actual photos, don't just rely on retouched promotional images! Some popular B&Bs are in very remote locations with nothing around, making it inconvenient to buy anything at night. I recommend staying near Xinglong town center for easier access to dining, shopping, and experiencing local life🛌
🍍Food & Drink: Xinglong coffee and Nanyang flavors are truly top-notch!
I must praise this! Xinglong coffee truly lives up to its reputation. There are coffee shops everywhere; just walk into any old establishment, order a charcoal-roasted coffee, and the rich, mellow taste for only about ten yuan is an incredible value☕️
There are also tons of Nanyang snacks, like Indonesian-style pastries, curry zongzi, coconut rice... the flavors are very unique, and those who love Southeast Asian cuisine will be thrilled. However, the taste tends to be sweet and fragrant, which can get a bit cloying after too much, and hygiene conditions vary. It's more reliable to find old shops where locals queue up🍛
One thing to avoid: Don't eat seafood at restaurants near scenic spots! You might get ripped off. If you want seafood, you can go to the town market to pick your own, then find a restaurant to process it; it's fresh and cost-effective. Qingbuliang (Hainanese dessert) and fried ice, however, can be bought anywhere; it's hard to go wrong with them🍧
🌴Activities: Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden vs. "Photo-deceiving" Beaches
Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden is worth visiting! All sorts of exotic tropical plants, great for green photos, and you can learn a lot. Remember to hire a guide, otherwise, you'll just be casually strolling through🌿
But!
Don't have high expectations for the beaches. The sea here isn't as clear as Sanya's, and the beaches are more natural, not as fine. You can try surfing, but the water is a bit cold in winter. A better mindset is to find a seaside cafe, quietly watch the sunset, and just chill out; that feeling is truly amazing🌅
Bali Village and Coffee Valley are photo-op spots. If you're not very interested in history and culture, you might find them a bit boring, and tickets aren't cheap. Choose wisely📸
💰Cost Truth: Varies by individual, but avoid scams
Overall consumption isn't too high, but don't be a sucker! You can confidently buy fruit; it's cheap and sweet. Local specialties like coffee cakes and pepper powder are good. But for handicrafts in scenic spots, just look. For food, drink, and entertainment bills, pay extra attention and ask for prices before consuming💸
December is the beginning of the peak season, so crowds are slowly increasing, and prices will slightly rise, but it's still much more comfortable than Sanya. Remember to bargain, especially in markets and small shops; boldly try to cut the price in half, and if it doesn't work, no harm done💪
📌 My Sincere Tips:
Be sure to bring sunscreen! The winter sun in Hainan can still give you uneven tan lines, so arm yourself with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses🧴
Carry mosquito repellent with you! Mosquitoes in tropical regions don't care if it's winter or summer, especially when visiting the botanical garden🦟
Bring a light jacket, as there's a temperature difference between morning and evening, and the sea breeze can still be a bit chilly🧥
Wear comfortable shoes! You'll rely on them for exploring the botanical garden and old streets. You can bring a nice pair of slippers for photos too👟
Bring a 128GB stomach and phone memory! The food and scenery here will truly make you unable to stop taking photos and eat until you can barely walk😋
I've shared so many truths, not to deter you, but to help you enjoy it better. Xinglong's charm lies in its not-so-"perfect" everyday vibrancy. It's riding an electric scooter through old streets filled with the scent of coffee, the surprise of discovering a super delicious pastry, and the moment of seeing a stunning sunset on a not-so-perfect beach. This place is suitable for those who want to walk slowly, see slowly, and savor life slowly.
If you're also tired of generic influencer hotspots, then Xinglong in December, with its tropical warmth carrying the scent of coffee and Nanyang flavors, is truly worth experiencing firsthand. Looking at flights?✈️🍃
Other visitors' reviews of Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden
Show More Reviews1. The biggest advantage is that many of the guides are very dedicated and there's no hard selling or anything. Compared to Bali Village across the street, it's so much better. 2. Like Bali Village, the facilities are a bit dated, but they're updated quite frequently, and the maintenance is much better than in Bali Village. 3. There are so many mosquitoes! Before I knew it, I had over 20 bites on my legs. Definitely don't wear shorts inside.