📍Dong Fang Top Attractions in Hainan Island

Discover the Untamed West of China’s Tropical Island

Located on the remote southwest coast of Hainan Island, Dongfang offers rugged coastal beauty, ethnic heritage, and stunning geological wonders. Often overlooked by mass tourism, this area is perfect for adventurous travelers and those seeking authentic local culture and landscapes.

⭐ 1. 🌊 Yulinzhou Scenic Area (鱼鳞洲景区)

📍 Location: Southwest coast of Basuo Town
A tranquil pebble beach marked by volcanic cliffs, coastal wind turbines, and a striking lighthouse perched on dark rocks.
🌟 Highlights:

• Stunning sunsets over the South China Sea

• Ideal for photography, quiet walks, and drone footage

• Often nicknamed “Little Scotland” by local photographers

⭐ 2. 🌿 Dongfang Natural Treasures Park (东方天然珍珠园)

📍 Location: ~14 km east of downtown Dongfang
A 3A-rated national botanical park and nature reserve offering a rich collection of native and rare plants.
🌟 Highlights:

• Over 1,200 plant species, including 325 rare/endangered types

• Wood Culture Museum with 20,000+ exquisite woodcrafts

• Perfect for families, botany lovers, and nature photography

⭐ 3. 🏞️ Exian Ridge (峨仙岭) – “Little Guilin of Dongfang”

📍 Location: Guangba Township
Dongfang’s answer to Guilin—a karst wonderland of jagged limestone peaks and hidden caves.
🌟 Highlights:

• Exian Cave with striking stalactite formations

• Cable car access, hiking trails, picnic zones, and camping areas

• Great for nature getaways and adventure lovers

⭐ 4. 🛖 Baicha Village (白查村) – Boat-Shaped Houses

📍 Location: Near Dongfang city outskirts
A preserved Li ethnic village showcasing ~80 traditional boat-shaped houses, some centuries old.
🌟 Highlights:

• Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage site

• Explore ancient architecture, weaving traditions, and local life

• Ideal for cultural immersion and historical photography

⭐ 5. 💧 Daguangba Reservoir & Dam (大广坝水库)

📍 Location: 40–50 km northeast of downtown
Home to Asia’s largest earth dam, this peaceful reservoir is Hainan’s most important water source.
🌟 Highlights:

• Vast water reflections, often likened to ink wash paintings

• Free entry, ideal for picnics, light boating, or scenic walks

⭐ 6. 🐒 Macaque Cave (猕猴洞)

📍 Location: Near urban Dongfang
A wild and rarely visited karst cave, also called Macaque Ridge Karst Cave.
🌟 Highlights:

• Unique rock formations resembling animals

• Surrounded by native Sindora glabra and redbud trees

• Adventurous choice for cave explorers and nature enthusiasts

⭐ 7. 🏯 Gan’en County Confucian Temple (感恩孔庙)

📍 Location: Gan’en Town, Dongfang
A Song Dynasty-era Confucian site with the classic layout: “school in front, temple in back.”
🌟 Highlights:

• Restored Dacheng Hall remains open

• Site under partial restoration, but still rich in historical atmosphere

• Good for history buffs and students of Chinese philosophy

⭐ 8. 🧵 Dongfang Ethnic Museum (东方民族博物馆)

📍 Location: City center
A showcase of Hainan’s ethnic diversity, especially Li and Miao cultures.
🌟 Highlights:

• Traditional costumes, crafts, and tools

• Reconstructed village scenes & live performances

• Insightful for understanding Hainan’s multicultural roots

⭐ 9. 🦌 Datianpo Sika Deer Nature Reserve & Monkey Hill (大田坡梅花鹿保护区)

📍 Location: Inland Dongfang
A natural habitat for over 400 sika deer and 100+ other wildlife species.
🌟 Highlights:

• Peaceful sanctuary for wildlife viewing

• Adjacent Monkey Hill has macaques, forest trails, and lookouts

• Great for eco-tourism and wildlife photography

📌 Travel Tips for Visiting Dongfang

🌴 Why Visit Dongfang?

• Untouched natural beauty, far from mass tourism

• Rich ethnic heritage and rare architectural styles

• Ideal for eco-travel, photography, and road-trip explorers

Whether you’re tracing karst peaks, watching wild deer at dusk, or discovering lost temples, Dongfang offers a side of Hainan that’s wild, soulful, and unforgettable.