Things To Do
in Wenchang

A poached free-range chicken known for its tender flesh and clear broth; traditionally served with ginger-scallion oil and rice. Find it at specialty restaurants across Wenchang and family-run eateries in the city center.

Must-Try!

Rice cooked with coconut milk and often paired with seafood or chicken; widely available in seaside restaurants and guesthouses.

Grilled, steamed or stir-fried fish, prawns and shellfish bought from local ports and prepared at market-side restaurants, especially around Qinglan Port.

Simple, comforting bowls often served for breakfast or supper—look for shrimp or shredded chicken toppings at local noodle shops.

A local evening market where you can try skewers, seafood snacks, local pastries and tropical fruit; great for sampling many small dishes in one place.

A working fishing market by the port where vendors sell live seafood and nearby stalls will cook purchases to order—ideal for the freshest meal.

Tipping is not customary in most of Wenchang; small tips may be accepted in tourist-focused restaurants or for helpful guides but are not expected. Round up fares or leave small change for exceptional service if you wish.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are ubiquitous for shops, markets and restaurants; cash (RMB) remains useful for small vendors and in rural areas. Major hotels accept international credit cards, but smaller businesses may not—carry some cash and download a mobile payment option if possible.

March–May brings warming temperatures and increasing humidity. This is a good time for beach visits before the heaviest rains begin; pollen and flowering trees add color to rural landscapes.

June–August is hot, humid and the start of the rainy/typhoon season—expect heavy showers and occasional storms. Pack light rain gear, plan some indoor activities, and monitor weather warnings if traveling during typhoon months.

September–November can still be warm with lingering showers early on but gradually becomes drier and more comfortable; late autumn is one of the best times for outdoor exploration and photography.

December–February is mild and drier compared with the mainland—temperatures are comfortable for hiking and sightseeing, though evenings can be cooler; this period is popular with domestic travelers escaping colder regions.

The main airport for northern Hainan, approximately 1–1.5 hours away by car depending on traffic; offers domestic and limited international connections, with transfers by highway or coach.

A smaller regional airport located in Qionghai, closer to parts of eastern Hainan and within around 40–70 minutes of Wenchang by road—useful for some domestic flights and access to the Bo'ao area.

The majority population, with local Hainanese cultural traditions, dialects and cuisine prevalent in daily life.

Smaller populations of indigenous and minority groups on Hainan Island, whose cultural presence is stronger in inland and rural areas; their handicrafts and traditions contribute to the island’s cultural diversity.

Wenchang has historical ties to overseas Chinese (Huaqiao); many families have relatives abroad and return visitors maintain cultural and economic links.

A noticeable portion of the population lives in villages and is engaged in agriculture, fishing and small-scale trade; older generations tend to preserve traditional lifestyles.

A popular pastime played in schools and local fields; community matches are common among youth and adults.

Widely enjoyed in towns and villages—outdoor courts are common gathering places for locals.

Held seasonally in coastal and river communities, dragon boat events are tied to cultural festivals and attract local teams.

Beach volleyball, casual beach soccer and recreational fishing are common leisure activities along the coast.