Tucked along Hainan’s southeastern coast, Lingshui Li Autonomous County (陵水黎族自治县) blends turquoise bays, coral islands, soothing hot springs, and centuries-old Li ethnic heritage. Quieter than neighboring Sanya, Lingshui is perfect for travelers who want reef dives by day and rainforest serenity by night.
⭐ 1. 🐠 Fenjiezhou Island (分界洲岛) — Hainan’s Coral Kingdom
Access: 15-min ferry from Haitang Bay pier
Best season: Oct – Mar (dry, clear water)
Why go:
Vast coral gardens alive with clownfish, rays, and sea turtles
Snorkeling & scuba tours, plus glass-bottom boats for non-swimmers
Powder-white sand and Instagram-worthy swings over the shallows
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ 2. ♨️ Nantian Hot Spring (南田温泉) — Tropical Onsen Bliss
Setting: Palm groves at the foot of volcanic hills
Highlights:
50+ outdoor pools, from herbal infusions to cool plunge baths
Spa menu featuring TCM massages and coconut-milk scrubs
Open until late evening—perfect after a beach day
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ 3. 🌊 Clearwater Bay (清水湾) — Low-Key Luxury
Vibe: Quiet, family-friendly alternative to Sanya’s main beaches
Things to do:
Morning paddle-boarding over glassy water
Sunset jogs along an 8 km palm-lined promenade
Chic cafés and five-star resorts tucked behind dune gardens
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ 4. 🏝️ Shimei Bay (石梅湾) — Curve of Calm
Scenery: Crescent bay framed by emerald hills and casuarina trees
Why visit:
Off-shore reefs for easy snorkeling straight from the beach
Small seafood shacks grilling daily catches—don’t miss chilli crab
Unspoiled sand ideal for sunrise yoga or stargazing
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐ 5. 🛖 Lingshui Li Cultural Village — Living Heritage
Experience:
Tour boat-shaped wooden houses, unique to the Li people
Watch loom-work demonstrations of Li brocade (intangible-heritage listed)
Evening bonfire dances and bamboo-tube rice tastings
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ 6. 🌳 Tongguling Nature Reserve (铜鼓岭) — Rainforest to Reef Panorama
Terrain: Coastal rainforest rising to windswept granite peaks
Highlights:
Short summit hike for 360° views of Shimei & Hongtang bays
Rare orchids, hoopoe birds, and seasonal butterfly clouds
Eco-boardwalks suitable for casual walkers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🧭 Travel Smart in Lingshui
| – | Practical Info |
|---|---|
| 🚗 Getting There | 60-90 min drive from Sanya Phoenix Airport; hire car or Didi. |
| 🗓️ Best Months | Oct – Mar: sunny 23-28 °C, clear seas for diving and comfortable hot-spring soaks. |
| 🛌 Where to Stay | Luxury clusters at Clearwater & Shimei Bays; cozy guesthouses near hot springs; eco-lodges in Li villages. |
| 🗣️ Language | Mandarin everywhere; basic English in resorts; Li dialect in rural areas—offline translator helps. |
| 💳 Payments | Alipay & WeChat ubiquitous; carry small cash for village stalls and ferry snacks. |
🌟 Why Lingshui?
World-class reef snorkeling minus the crowds
Authentic Li culture you can see, hear, and taste
Perfect triangle of beach leisure, jungle hikes, and hot-spring wellness
Swap big-city buzz for gentle waves and warm island hospitality—Lingshui is Hainan at its purest.