Things To Do
in Bo’ao
Bo'ao is a coastal town located in Hainan province, China, known for hosting the annual Bo'ao Forum for Asia. The town features beautiful beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and warm climate year-round. Bo'ao is a popular destination for both tourists and business travelers seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of urban centers.
Visitors can enjoy water activities, explore local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of the region.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely walk on the pristine beaches of Bo’ao. Enjoy the tranquil sounds of the waves and the gentle morning sun.
Visit the nearby Bo’ao Forum for Asia to learn about China's contributions to global development. Grab lunch at a local seafood restaurant and savor fresh catches from the sea.
Relax at one of the beachside bars as the sun sets over the horizon. Indulge in cocktails and light bites while enjoying the beautiful views.
Rent a bike and explore the scenic paths that wind through Bo’ao’s lush landscapes. Stop for photo opportunities along the way.
Take a break for lunch at a café near the river. Afterward, continue cycling towards the famous Bo’ao riverside park.
Wind down with a riverside stroll as the day comes to a close. Sit at a bench to enjoy the calm surroundings and listen to the sounds of nature.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and natural landscapes
- A growing hub for international conferences and forums
- Rich cultural heritage and local traditions
- Pleasant climate, making it suitable for year-round tourism
- Access to diverse recreational activities, including water sports and hiking
- Limited transportation options compared to larger cities
- Seasonal tourism can lead to overcrowding at peak times
- Potential environmental challenges related to tourism and development
- Higher cost of living and accommodation during peak seasons
- Economic reliance on tourism, which can be unstable
Best Activities in Bo’ao
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy water sports, cruises, and scenic views along the Wanquan River.
Take a relaxing walk or cycle across the bridge and admire the picturesque coastal scenery.
Experience hiking, picnicking, and panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes.
Tours
Uncover the best of Bo’ao with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Bo’ao
Visit one of these nice places.
Provides stunning panoramic views of Bo'ao and the surrounding area, ideal for photography.
Offers picturesque views of the river and the surrounding landscape, making it a great spot for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Bo’ao
Bo’ao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A special breed of free-range chicken, typically steamed and served with a dipping sauce. Found at many local restaurants and street food stalls.
Must-Try!
A popular comfort food featuring silky rice noodles served in a fragrant broth with various toppings. Best enjoyed at small local eateries.
Fragrant rice cooked with coconut milk, often paired with fresh seafood or locally caught fish. Available at beachside eateries and traditional Hainanese restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Bo’ao better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering a wide selection of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local snacks. Visitors can savor grilled skewers, seafood dumplings, and other delectable street food treats.
A vibrant street food hub that showcases an array of traditional snacks, such as coconut pudding, grilled squid, and crispy spring rolls. Ideal for sampling a variety of local flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Bo’ao, it is important to show respect for elders through gestures such as bowing or using formal titles when addressing them.
When visiting temples or traditional events in Bo’ao, modest and conservative dress is appropriate to show respect for the local culture.
When dining in Bo’ao, using chopsticks in the proper manner and avoiding tapping them on the table or pointing at others with them is considered respectful.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Bo’ao with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Bo’ao
Ensure a smooth experience
In Bo’ao, China, tipping is not a common practice. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or for other services. However, in some high-end establishments, a service charge may be included in the bill.
Payment in Bo’ao, China is predominantly done using cash or mobile payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay. Credit cards are not widely accepted, especially in smaller businesses and rural areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Bo’ao.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Bo’ao with comfortable temperatures and blooming flowers. Expect the Hainan International Tourism Island Carnival in April.
Great for beach activities and water sports. Expect warm weather and occasional rainfall.
Another good time to visit with mild temperatures and less rainfall. Expect the Bo’ao Forum for Asia in late November.
Cooler temperatures with occasional cold spells. Considered the low season for tourism.
Bo’ao at Night
Hiking in Bo’ao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful island known for its stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and excellent hiking trails offering sea views and lush vegetation.
Located about an hour away from Bo'ao, this site offers serene hiking paths intertwined with scenic views of the surrounding mountains and coast.
A popular hiking location featuring well-maintained trails that lead to panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding area.
This area provides hiking opportunities with trails that offer beautiful views of tropical forests and the coastline.
Various trails along the coast ideal for hiking, featuring both beach and forest environments with diverse flora and fauna.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Bo’ao through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Bo’ao by plane.
Located approximately 168 kilometers from Bo’ao, this is the nearest major international airport, serving a variety of domestic and international flights.
Situated about 220 kilometers from Bo’ao, this airport is the main international gateway for Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province, offering numerous domestic and international routes.
Approximately 570 kilometers from Bo’ao, this airport serves the Guangxi region and provides international flights mainly to Southeast Asia.
Located about 960 kilometers from Bo’ao, this is one of China's busiest airports and offers a wide range of international flights, connecting to various global destinations.
Around 950 kilometers from Bo’ao, this airport serves the Shenzhen area and provides international flights mainly to Asia and parts of Europe.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Bo’ao, making up approximately 90% of the population.
Includes a variety of groups such as the Li, Miao, and Hui, constituting around 10% of the local population.
A smaller population comprising expatriates and long-term residents from different countries, mainly working in tourism and business sectors.
A significant transient demographic, especially during major events and conferences, which swells the local population temporarily.
The Soul of Bo’ao
Discover the essence of Bo’ao through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is a widely popular sport in Bo’ao, played by both locals and visitors, with various courts available for public use.
Soccer enjoys a significant following in Bo’ao, with community leagues and youth teams engaging in regular matches.
Badminton is a favored indoor sport in Bo’ao, with many residents participating in casual and competitive play.
Table tennis is a popular recreational activity in Bo’ao, with several facilities and clubs dedicated to the sport.
Cycling along the scenic coastal routes is a popular pastime for both locals and tourists in Bo’ao.
With luxury golf courses in the area, golf attracts a number of enthusiasts and tourists seeking leisure and competition.
Swimming is a common activity in Bo’ao as it is surrounded by beautiful beaches and resorts, offering a great spot for relaxation and fun.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bo’ao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Hainanese cuisine heavily features seafood and poultry, some restaurants in Bo’ao offer vegetarian stir-fries, tofu-based dishes, and fresh fruit platters to cater to vegetarian and vegan preferences.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can opt for rice-based dishes, such as Hainanese rice noodles and coconut rice, which are commonly gluten-free. Additionally, fresh seafood and fruit-based snacks are generally safe choices.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Bo’ao with these cultural adventures.
