How to get to Qionghai

When planning a visit to Qionghai, you are choosing an amazing destination on the eastern coast of Hainan Island in China. The city is famous not only for its tropical landscapes and the picturesque Wanquan River but is also known worldwide as the host of the prestigious Boao Forum for Asia.

Thanks to well-developed infrastructure, the question of how to get to Qionghai is easily solved. Travellers have access to various routes, including high-speed trains and intercity buses, which connect this resort to the region's key transport hubs.

For those who value time, the optimal choice is a direct flight to Qionghai Boao Airport (BAR). This modern aviation hub serves both domestic and select international flights, providing quick access to the resort area and the venue of the famous forum.

Alternatively, many tourists fly into neighbouring major cities on Hainan Island, which have extensive route networks. It is convenient to travel via Haikou, located just 92 km away, or via the popular Sanya, situated 151 km to the south. You can also consider a route through mainland Zhanjiang, from where it is easy to continue your journey to the coast.

Travelling by train is one of the most convenient and fastest ways to reach the resort. Qionghai is located on the Hainan Eastern Ring High-Speed Railway line, ensuring excellent connections with the region's largest transport hubs.

Thanks to high-speed trains, the journey from Haikou takes only 40–50 minutes, while the trip from Sanya lasts about one hour. Modern trains run frequently, allowing tourists to easily plan their schedule and enjoy views of the tropical nature from the carriage window.

Bus services on the island are excellent, offering tourists an affordable alternative to rail transport. From the provincial capital, Haikou, comfortable express buses depart regularly, covering the distance of about 90 kilometres in 1.5–2 hours. The scenic drive from the resort city of Sanya takes a little longer—about three hours—allowing you to leisurely enjoy the tropical landscapes along the 160-kilometre route.

For travellers heading from the mainland, there are transit routes from the city of Zhanjiang, which include a ferry crossing over the strait. Although such a journey can take more than 4 hours, modern buses with air conditioning and soft seats make the transfer quite comfortable. Tickets for these trips are easy to purchase at bus station ticket counters, providing flexibility when planning your trip.

Travelling by car around Hainan Island is a great opportunity to enjoy tropical landscapes at your own pace. The fastest route runs from the administrative centre of Haikou: driving along the eastern G98 expressway, you will cover 90 kilometres in approximately one and a half hours. The route from the resort city of Sanya takes about two hours, and the 160-kilometre distance passes quickly thanks to the quality road surface and coastal views.

Those planning to arrive from the mainland, for example from Zhanjiang, face a longer journey involving the ferry crossing across the Qiongzhou Strait, taking a total of 4 to 5 hours. Taxis remain a convenient but pricier alternative: a trip from neighbouring major cities can cost between 300–600 RMB, so many travellers prefer to book a private transfer or rent a car in advance.

Preparation for a trip to Qionghai will help make your holiday as comfortable and carefree as possible. To ensure you can focus on the beauty of the tropical island and cultural discoveries in China, we have compiled a list of useful recommendations covering the most important aspects of the trip.

1. Clothing and Climate. Since the city is in a tropical zone, opt for modest, light clothing made from natural breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. Be sure to bring a head covering and sunglasses. Given the possibility of sudden tropical showers, a compact umbrella or a light raincoat in your backpack will be very useful.
2. Transport and Navigation. It is convenient to use taxis to move around the city, but flagging them down on the street is not always effective. We recommend installing Chinese taxi-hailing apps (such as DiDi) or asking hotel staff to assist with booking. Always carry a hotel business card or the name of your destination written in Chinese characters to show the driver.
3. Finance and Payment. The main currency is the Chinese Yuan (RMB). Although cash is accepted everywhere, the most convenient payment methods are mobile systems like Alipay or WeChat Pay. You can now link foreign bank cards to these apps, which significantly simplifies payments in shops and cafes. It is best to withdraw cash from an ATM in advance or exchange currency at an official bank.
4. Health and Safety. Qionghai is a safe city, but observing basic hygiene rules is necessary. Do not drink tap water; buy only bottled water. Due to the humid climate, mosquitoes may be present, so be sure to use repellents, especially during evening walks by the Wanquan River.
5. Communication. English is not widely spoken outside major international hotels and the Boao Forum area. Download a reliable offline translation app to your smartphone that can translate voice and text via camera (for reading menus and signs). This is a tourist's main tool for communicating with locals.
6. Local Etiquette. The Chinese value politeness and restraint. A greeting is usually limited to a slight nod or a handshake. Avoid loud conversations in public places and public displays of anger—maintaining calm and "face" is very important here. When entering temples or private homes, check if you need to remove your shoes.
7. What to Avoid. Never stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice—this is associated with funeral rites and is considered bad manners. Also, tipping is not customary in restaurants and taxis; it is not part of the local service culture.
8. Gastronomic Tip. While in Qionghai, be sure to try the famous "Jiaji Duck." This is one of the four key dishes of Hainan cuisine, and it is here that it is prepared according to authentic recipes. The duck meat is exceptionally tender and served with aromatic sauces. (Note: Muslim travellers should look for restaurants with the "Halal" (清真) sign to ensure dietary compliance).

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of hospitable Qionghai. May your journey be filled with vivid impressions, new flavours, and pleasant encounters!