Open left menu Hainan. Beach holidays in China: not only Hainan Hainan in March, April, May

The southernmost province of Hainan is located on the island of the same name in the South China Sea. Its capital is Haikou, and the area itself is called Chinese Hawaii because of its tropical landscapes, clear azure sea and white fine sandy beaches.

Resorts with the most developed leisure infrastructure include:

• Sanya, the tourist capital of the island, located in the bay of the same name, is known for the largest number and variety of hotels. All hotels here are built across the road from the sea, and the beaches are surrounded by tropical groves. From here you can get to Nanwan Monkey Island, Pirate Island, Taoist Sky Grottoes Park and World's End Park.
• Sanyavan - the bay between Tanya Bay and Sanya is good primarily for its relatively uncrowded beaches. Due to the fact that this resort began to develop not so long ago, hotel prices here are among the lowest on the island.
• Dadonghai, a Hainan resort beloved by Russian tourists, 3 km from Sanya, has everything necessary not only for a “lazy” holiday, but also for an active holiday. Water entertainment centers operate here during the day, and bars and clubs open at night. The two-kilometer beaches in this area attract surfers thanks to the “right” winds. The local reef with 100 varieties of corals is ideal for recreational diving.
• Yaluvan is an elite resort with 7 kilometers of white sand beaches, the maximum number of 5-star hotels and the cleanest water in the coastal area.

In addition, Hainan is the main health resort of China: there are international-class SPA centers and sanatoriums offering health programs according to Tibetan traditions.

Hong Kong and islands

Hong Kong, which was a British crown colony for almost 100 years, today has the status of a special administrative region. It occupies part of the Kowloon Peninsula and about 260 islands, the largest of which are Hong Kong, Lantau and Lamma. It is not a beach resort, although there are comfortable and picturesque places for swimming in the area - the largest beach Golden Beach and Lower Cheung Sha in the New Territories, Turtle Cove, Repulse, popular with surfers Big Wave Bay, Tong Fuk on Lantau.

Hong Kong has the largest number of skyscrapers in the world. The list of must-see objects in this area includes:

• 34-meter Bronze Buddha;
• Otpor Bay with several statues;
• Hollywood Road;
• Street of cats;
• Man Mo and Wong Tai Sin Temple;
• Victoria Peak observation deck.

China is famous not only for its rich and ancient history. China is home to many sandy islands and picturesque sea distances. Holidays in China are popular due to the comfortable climate and a wide variety of beach resorts. Here you can choose a vacation spot that you will have to suitable for any tourist.

Content:

• Southern China: where to go?

  The most popular resort in South China - Hong Kong. However, this city has never been included in the lists of the most popular beach resorts in China; on its territory there are almost 40 public beaches, and more than fifty private ones. All beaches are protected from sea predators and equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas.

  Hong Kong's central island has 12 beaches. The most popular here is Repulse Bay. On the beach, you can rent a boat and explore the coastal cliffs, or learn how to sail a sailboat, go scuba diving, and then order a portion of freshly caught mussels at a local restaurant.

  The bay located next to the beach is not able to accommodate large ships, so only small boats and yachts can be found here. Harbor protected from strong winds and waves many small islands. Also, swimming in the beach area is completely safe for children.

  Turtle Cove - Hong Kong's cleanest beach. The water, both coastal and deep, is almost transparent. The bottom of the beach is flat, the sand is fine, and waves are extremely rare here. The beach has proven itself to be perfect for families with children.

  Other, less popular beaches, such as Shrek O and Big Wave Bay, are located almost nearby and are great for surfers.

  Memorable souvenirs from China: what to bring as a gift for friends and family? The best ideas are in the next article.

  Hainan Island

• Holidays on the Yellow Sea

  
  

  Hainan Island

  Hainan Island lies in southern China. The name can be interpreted as “an island south of the sea.”

  The climate on the island is quite warm, and there are no industrial enterprises at all – this is why the resort on Hainan Island is recognized as one of the most popular places on the planet.

  The air here is clean and healing, the sea water has a heavenly hue, and the vegetation is so bright and rich, as if it had come straight from the canvas of a talented landscape painter. Was registered directly here longest life expectancy among all the provinces of China. About 7 million people live on the island.

  Holidays in Hainan - in the following video:

  The island is surrounded by the South China Sea. Average temperature The air here ranges from +23°C to +26°C. The hottest month is July; during this month the air heats up to +35 °C. The coldest month is January, and the temperature drops to only +22 °C.

  Swimming in the sea is not prohibited even all year round, because the water changes its temperature slightly.

  Tourists arrive on the island at any time of the year; the mild climate is especially appreciated in the winter months. The sun shines on the island almost all year, about 300 days; on the remaining days it is hidden by clouds.

  Capital of the island Hainan - Haikou. The route, with a mileage of 370 km, connects the capital with the south of the island – the popular resort of Sanya. The capital received a nickname from local residents - “coconut city”. It is here that the evergreen hills of the mountains are covered with tropical clouds, and the snow-white sandy shore is washed by crystal, blue water.

  Ski slopes of this country

  
  

Anna and Vadim have been actively traveling for a long time. And if earlier they went on trips as savages, now they choose package tours. Moreover, they are much more budget-friendly than independent travel.

“For the Russian language the price is increased three times”

In winter, we wanted to go to Vietnam, we looked at the options, until one evening Vadim suggested: “Or maybe to Hainan?” My reaction was something like “Where???” However, the offer was very tempting, so we bought a tour to a Chinese island, which I personally heard about for the first time in my life,” says Anya.

A vacation lasting 12 days and 11 nights with a flight from Moscow cost us $680 for two. We got to Moscow by plane: there with luggage for $75 per person, and back on sale we bought tickets for $17, but that was only with hand luggage.

A visa to the island costs $45, it’s easy to get through a travel agency, you need a passport and a photograph, no certificates, and it only takes a week. True, its specificity is that you can only stay on the island; to travel to the continental part, you need a different visa. It costs $70 and is a little harder to get.

But if you are planning a long trip, it is quite beneficial. Getting from the island to Beijing will cost an average of $80. And if you choose a good option from the low-cost airline AirAsia, then for 20-30 dollars you can fly to any point in Southeast Asia.

The island itself is called “East Hawaii” because they are at the same width and the climate is very similar. It is believed that the air there, despite the fact that it is China, is one of the cleanest in the world. In general, they are very concerned about the environment and are gradually abandoning cars with internal combustion engines. Only electric mopeds are already allowed, and you can take out interest-free installments for electric cars,” says Vadim.

Those who are afraid of Asian unkemptness need not worry - Hainan is very clean. Every morning, even on the free beach, the sand is sifted; there is no trash lying around. Although it’s difficult to call people themselves clean: they constantly spit, and children can pee anywhere.

The resort itself was built for the Chinese. Even the airport there is only military; direct flights there from other countries were allowed only recently. By the way, it itself looks very impressive: made entirely of wood, 70 percent open, palm trees growing on the territory. The only tourists who come are Chinese from the continent and Russians.

We lived in Sanya Bay, there are practically no foreigners there, so they don’t speak other languages. Even in the service sector, no one speaks English. Communication with the locals was like playing crocodile. The difficulty is that even the numbers they show are completely different. For example, a cross is ten, and three fingers are thirty,” Anya shows. - Then we downloaded a translator, where we could translate word by word, so it became easier. The only one who knew Russian was our Chinese guide; in a critical situation we could write to her via messenger.

Park "The Deer Turned its Head"

Nearby was the Dadonghai resort, it is even called a Russian village. Firstly, there are a lot of vacationers from the CIS, and secondly, some locals speak Russian quite well. There you can find the following signs: “Cafe USSR”, “Massage with Natasha”, “Tea Oleg”. The first rule to save money: if you see a Russian menu in a cafe, leave immediately. Once it is transferred, the price is multiplied by three. That’s why many who vacationed in Dadonghai say that it’s almost like Courchevel,” explains Vadim. - But it’s better to buy tea, tickets for excursions and souvenirs in establishments with Russian names. Prices are lower there, and you can bargain.

Firecrackers from morning to night and selfies every minute

We actually took the cheapest hotel, a two-star one, but it was amazing. The first coastline is the sea across the road. Many tour operators indulge in overbooking, so for one day, until places became available, we were checked into a three-star hotel. We think “Oh, great!”, open the window, and behind it is a blank wall.

Our hotel was located in a narrow street where locals also live. So we could observe their life, which takes place in one place: a two-story house is usually both housing and work - for example, a store. Some houses look almost like slums, but there will definitely be a new car parked nearby. It’s difficult to find a car even from 2014, all of them are from 2016-2017,” Vadim is surprised.

The block where Anya and Vadim lived

According to Anya, the Chinese are very hardworking: they work from early morning until late evening. And at the same time gambling: “We watched from the window as they all, young and old, played some kind of game reminiscent of dominoes. And with rather high stakes.”

They also have a special attitude towards health - the cult of the body. In the evenings, thousands of elderly people in multi-colored T-shirts, symbolizing belonging to one or another club, gather in parks and dance. They say that this way they not only improve their health, but also create leisure time for themselves, because Chinese grandmothers now only have one or two grandchildren, so they have nothing to do.

We were very lucky to be there for the Chinese New Year, which is celebrated for a whole month. On the one hand, there were more Chinese people there who went to the resort for the holidays, but on the other hand, the spectacle of this holiday outweighs the minor drawbacks in the form of inflated prices.

Nianshan Buddhism Center

Each week of celebration is dedicated to different themes: for example, there is a week of ancestors, a week of the future. There may be theatrical performances in the evenings. And already in the morning the Chinese begin to scare away evil spirits by exploding firecrackers. Even two-year-olds do this. Apparently, this is some kind of safe option, because they throw them directly into stores. Our morning began with such an alarm at 6 o'clock: we were scared the first time, but gradually got used to it.

The special attitude of the Chinese towards Europeans is known. But we did not expect that it would manifest itself so strongly. They are constantly trying to take photos, many even sneaking selfies against the background. And on the beach, attention manifests itself ten times more actively.

Of course, they have plenty of time - the Chinese are very afraid of water and practically do not swim. And if they do go into the water, then with full protection. Locals “sunbathe” in swimsuits that look more like scuba gear. Occasionally you can meet visitors from the continent wearing something similar to a bikini.

Mostly everyone just sits on the beach and takes pictures. In fact, the Chinese are simply obsessed with photos, they take dozens of pictures every minute and practically never let go of the selfie stick. By the way, behavior on the water is monitored very strictly: you cannot swim behind the buoys, you can swim only in strictly designated areas and until eight in the evening. Then it’s better not to appear on the beach at all - even just to sit. In the city, the sea cannot be called particularly beautiful, but if you drive a little further, you can find very picturesque bays.

They also offer you a longevity cocktail - rice vodka with snake blood. One drink cost about $20. Moreover, the snake’s head is cut off in front of everyone, and the blood is squeezed out directly from the wound. There is also an option for those who want a super effect - to swallow the still beating heart of a snake.

Snake tinctures

At the end we ended up in a park called “The Deer Turned Its Head” - there is a corresponding statue at the top. Electric cars take you up the mountain, where there is an observation deck with stunning views. From there you can go down a slide, like in a water park, only there is no water - they give you a special sliding suit.

Park "The Deer Turned its Head"

We also visited the Nanshan Buddhist center. According to legend, it was here that dolphins brought the first Buddhist monks ashore. Entrance to the park costs about $20 and it was one of the coolest excursions ever. The territory is so huge that you can’t get around it on foot even in a few days - 50 sq. km!

Nianshan Buddhism Center

A train travels through the main locations. Monks live on the territory of the park, there are a lot of temples there - according to an inexplicable system, entrance to some is paid, and to others is free. There is also an alley of Chinese centenarians and a huge statue of the goddess Guanyin, which stands right in the sea.

Yanoda Tropical Park

There is a bridge of love in the park - I looked at the photos in advance and decided to propose to my now wife there. But when we got there, there were a thousand Chinese around. Even to get down on one knee, you would have to push people away! Of course, I was upset, but decided to wait for a more suitable opportunity.

Throughout the park, there are four Chinese people standing every thirty meters, whose whole job is to greet people. And every half hour a song comes on and they all start dancing to it. At these moments they somewhat resemble zombies, because 50-year-old men do this with not entirely joyful faces.

I have a small tradition - I try to go fishing in every country. In China we went to a mountain lake in a local village. The place was somewhat reminiscent of our agricultural estate, only instead of potatoes they grow mangoes there.

I could fish all day, although I only caught one fish at the very beginning - it felt like it had been hooked. But they didn’t regret the food that was included in the price - they constantly brought new dishes, and then we even had to shout “Stop!”

Mango plantation

We also visited the Nantian Hot Springs, where there are many baths with different aromas and temperatures. There is a whole pool with fish that do peeling - you can climb into it entirely. It's ticklish, but fun. There I decided to try out my waterproof case, which I specially bought in China. The seller assured that this is the best. As a result, I had to take the phone in for repair.

Nantian Hot Springs

After that we went to Phoenix Park, where, fortunately, there were almost no people. You can get to the observation deck with a glass floor - 400 meters above sea level - by funicular. Chinese weddings are held there. We met the sunset and I finally fulfilled my plan in the right atmosphere,” Vadim smiles.

Phoenix Park

“In a cafe you have to pay for tea and washing up”

Before your trip, you should download a special VPN program to your phone, otherwise you will not be able to access Instagram, Facebook, or any of the Google services - foreign sites are blocked in China. Personally, we recommend downloading the Maps.me map application, which works even without the Internet.

It is also better to change money in advance: in order to do this in China, you need to write an application to the bank. Or you can do this with local guides. It is better not to count on bank cards: they are almost never accepted anywhere, and if they are accepted, they charge a rather large commission. One dollar is about 6.6-6.8 yuan.

In addition to the tour, we spent $350 per person, despite the fact that we went on more than one excursion and tried everything we wanted. Food in local cafes is quite inexpensive - although for the first few days we were afraid to go there. Since the menu is only in Chinese, we usually chose dishes based on the photos hanging on the wall.

Vadim really liked the local burger: meat in pita made from rice flour. And I like soup - with noodles, egg and meat, which is eaten with chopsticks. The portions are very large, you can take two, each dish will cost about a dollar and a half. Almost everywhere they add the same red seasoning, which some physically cannot stand, although others absolutely love it.

It's funny that in cafes, disposable tableware and napkins or dishwashing service are often included in the bill. And they usually bring tea even without ordering, for which you will have to pay in any case,” says Anya.

Quite by accident, we came across something like a food street, there is a very specific smell, but there is a huge selection and dishes can be bought even cheaper than in a cafe. We ate kebabs of various sea creatures, served on skewers. For two dollars you can easily have dinner. We also tried sea urchin - it tasted like an omelette.

In Hainan there are many exotic fruits for us, which are better to buy from trays rather than in supermarkets: dragon fruit, lychee, mango, papaya, passion fruit, rambutan, carambola, cherry tomatoes are very sweet in Hainan, so they are also considered fruits. Locals are obsessed with durian, which can only be eaten by holding your nose with your hand. I tried the candy flavor and realized that it was not for me. But coconut vodka is one of the most delicious alcoholic drinks I’ve ever drunk,” notes Vadim.

There is one feature in Hainan that can ruin a vacation for some - the local midges. They do not bite everyone - there is even an opinion that only women become their “victims”. The bite is painless, but after a few days the bite site begins to itch very much. Their peak activity is from late February to late March. Our insect repellents do not work on them, so you should definitely take allergy medications with you, and buy Chinese “999” ointment at local pharmacies.

Medicine in China is really at a high level, all the medicines are very effective, many even come there specially, as if to a sanatorium. An acupuncture session costs about fifteen dollars, and an hour of full-body massage costs eight, Anna adds.

Shopping center Pineapple

It is true what they say that in terms of technology, China is very much ahead of us. Not far from where we lived there was an artificial Phoenix Island, like in Dubai. We also saw a seven-star hotel in the shape of a tree, where live trees grow along the entire façade. This is truly amazing - as, indeed, many things in their culture.

Photo: archive of heroes.

There are 3.4 thousand islands belonging to China . Many of them are uninhabited, very small, and in some places there is not even drinking water. The largest and most developed islands are Taiwan, Hainan and Chongming. They have a well-developed economic and tourism industry.

In terms of area, China ranks 3rd; this country is rich in a variety of reliefs and climatic conditions. There are tall mountains and wide plains, dry sandy deserts and a huge number of lakes, rivers and other bodies of water.

The outline of the island of Taiwan resembles some kind of fish or tobacco leaf . The scale of the island is 394 km in length and 144 km at its widest part. The coastline has a fairly smooth outline and stretches for 1566 km.

The island is separated from the eastern coast of mainland China by the Taiwan Strait, 130 to 220 km wide, and is located almost the same distance from Shanghai and Hong Kong.

The island is also called Formosa . It is the largest economic center. The tourism and entertainment industry also works well here. Taiwan attracts tourists from all over the world with its measured, relaxing holidays, excellent service, a huge variety of entertainment, picturesque landscapes and amazing parks.

Besides this, on the island Taiwanmany ancient buildings, villages, museums, temples have been preserved and so on. Therefore, a holiday on the island of Taiwan can serve to develop your cultural awareness, as well as contribute to the restoration of emotional and physical strength.

The tourist destination to the Chinese island of Hainian cannot be called new. This tropical corner of Southeast Asia has already been explored by Russian travelers. However, an economic crisis began in the country. The number of people wishing to holiday abroad has decreased. True, the island was not forgotten. But to get there, beach lovers had to change planes in Beijing or Hong Kong. Gradually the situation stabilized. At the end of 2016, direct charter flights from Russia to Hainian resumed.

The resort city of Sanya and Phoenix Airport

The unofficial name of the island is "East Hawaii". Why? Because these islands are located at the same latitude. And like Hawaii, Hainian has long been a vacation destination. Chinese from the mainland constantly come here. On the southern coast in the city of Sanya, the necessary infrastructure has been created for this. There are several hundred hotels along the coastline and in the city itself, with prices to suit a wide range of budgets.

Of course, it is too early to talk about the high level of popularity of this Chinese resort. But the flow of tourists from Russian cities here is gradually increasing. This is facilitated by the relatively low price of the trip, when compared with a tour to some other tropical destination. However, guests from Russia, especially those who have previously visited other South-Eastern countries, have to deal with surprises that to some extent complicate their vacation.

The fact is that the bulk of vacationers, 92 percent, are Chinese. They are accustomed to a special way of life. What is considered unusual for Russians is long-established rules for the Chinese.

Some features begin immediately after the plane lands. Phoenix Airport is located within the city of Sanya. Although airliners land here at intervals of three to fifteen minutes, there are not many international flights. The existing terminal is working, one might say, to the limit of its capabilities. However, with the commissioning of a new terminal, the construction of which is nearing completion, the situation will change.

As for the first surprises, the pause between landing and leaving the plane was too long. If at other airports a maximum of five minutes pass after the engines stop before the doors open, then at Phoenix the wait drags on for almost half an hour.

Although there are few windows at the passport control point in the terminal, this procedure does not take much time. Passengers also receive their luggage quite quickly. As usual, arrivals are greeted by guides. They accompany them on large buses to their hotels. Since the airport is located within the city, the trip takes very little time, from twenty minutes to forty. Of course that's a plus. However, guides accompanying travelers during such a period of time can give visitors the necessary information in a rather concise form.

Characteristic features of hotels

There are no serious difficulties with checking into hotels. Although the language barrier hinders the matter, the situation is always corrected by the Chinese guide, who is also a translator. A deposit is taken upon arrival. Although China has its own currency, the Yuan, deposit amounts are quoted in dollars. Its size is one hundred dollars (however, it is possible that in some hotels the conditions are different).

When traveling to some countries in Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, Russian travelers often travel with rubles, since they can be easily exchanged for local currency there. In China, at least on Hainian Island, this is quite difficult. It is impossible to find street exchange offices in the Sanya resort area, as well as in the city itself. It is also difficult to use a bank card. ATMs are installed in some hotels. But for some reason, most of them either don’t work or they don’t have cash.

The best option is to stock up on RMB at home. Of course, some losses are possible. But they are compensated by the fact that you don’t have to search for a place where you can exchange dollars. As for the deposit, the hotel will take it in yuan in dollar equivalent.

Most Russian tourists, going to tropical countries, try to choose a three-star hotel located closer to the sea. At the same time, they prefer to stick to the “Breakfast Only” food type. Chinese three-star hotels are not very different from the same ones that exist in other countries. True, the area of ​​the room in a double room is somewhat reduced here. This was done by increasing the area of ​​the bathroom. Here, in addition to the required equipment, there is always a washing machine. This is due to the fact that the Chinese who come on vacation live in hotels for a month or longer, preferring to be in the same conditions as at home.

It happens that the small refrigerators in the rooms do not work. In such cases, contacting the hotel staff is useless. They will promise that the repairs will be completed within 24 hours, but no one will do anything.

As for breakfast, the menu depends on the hotel. There is almost no fruit in a three-star. As for the five-star ones, they are available there every day.

There is always a swimming pool on site. Usually it has a fairly large area. Of course, the water smells like bleach. True, by the evening it becomes barely noticeable.

For some reason there are very few sunbeds and umbrellas around the pools. For example, in a three-star hotel, the number of rooms in which exceeds two hundred, there may be seven or eight sun loungers around a pool with an area of ​​at least 250–300 square meters.

However, Russian tourists find a way out of the situation. There is a lot of greenery in the hotel areas. Most of the pool's perimeter is surrounded by green lawns. Russo-tourists sit on them, using beach towels instead of sunbeds.

Beach, sea and some exotic details

If the hotel is on the first line, then it is separated from the beach only by the roadway. There are special driving rules in China. Drivers do not allow pedestrians to pass even at zebra crossings. So it can be difficult to cross the roadway. Fortunately, traffic in the Sanya resort area is not very intense.

Most of the beaches here are quite large. They are just pure sand. Sun beds and umbrellas are a rarity. Traders familiar in other places also do not appear there. But they always wait for tourists at the stairs leading to the beaches. Chinese women come here on three-wheeled electric bikes. Usually these are Muslim women. They invite everyone to buy pearls from them. In Sanya, probably in the suburban area, there are special pools where the shellfish from which these pearls are extracted are grown.

The water in the sea is crystal clear. Its temperature in the winter months does not fall below 24 degrees. But this happens rarely. Usually it is 26 degrees. Big waves are rare in winter. Most often their height does not exceed half a meter.

Although Hainian Island is located slightly north of the popular beaches of other countries in Southeast Asia, even in winter there is enough sun to get a good tan within the time provided by the package.

Unfortunately, beach holidays here are very monotonous. There are no usual banana boat rides, no one offers paragliding behind a high-speed boat.

There is also no street trading in the resort area. There are no shops, no markets, no cafes here. For this reason, those who, expecting the usual conditions, chose the “Breakfast Only” meal type, find themselves in a difficult situation. They have to spend a significant part of their time searching for food. Finding street cafes is not difficult. But this will require about a half-hour walk. However, you can use public transport. You can find out where exactly to go from your guide-translator.

Those who have chosen the All Inclusive meal plan are in a better position. The difference in the cost of the trip is not so great. In addition, this choice eliminates unnecessary worries.

Of course, when you are in a foreign country, you always want to try something special. You can do this in Sanya. There are cafes here where you just need to point to some inhabitant of the deep sea. It will be immediately prepared and served to the customer. True, it will cost several hundred yuan. But no problem. But you will have something to brag about after returning home.

Chinese medicine, excursions, communication with local residents

Usually, when visiting a country, tourists try to learn as much as possible about it. This can be done on excursions. Hainian also offers travelers various trips. Unfortunately, most excursions here are inferior in both intensity and excitement to those that exist in other countries of Southeast Asia. Moreover, their cost exceeds similar ones existing in Vietnam, Thailand, and other countries.

But still, you can see something interesting here. True, it is difficult to single out any excursion based on popularity. As always, a sightseeing tour is offered. It is usually carried out free of charge. The group visits a tea factory, a factory where various drugs and cosmetics are made from sharks. Stops are made in other places as well.

The best part is the observation deck. From its height you can see almost the entire city of Sanya. By the way, by Chinese standards it is small. The number of inhabitants is only seven hundred thousand people.

Tourists travel part of the ascent to the observation deck in electric vehicles. They walk about half the way. The climb cannot be called tiring. It is brightened up by short stops in some interesting places.

The mountain where the observation deck is located has its own name. It is considered a park. It’s called, rather intricately, “The Deer Turns its Head.” The name is associated with a legend that the guide will tell you on the bus.

In Sanya, tourists can also visit medical centers. Here they will get acquainted with the methods of Chinese medicine. Some even express a desire to undergo treatment. If you come to the island for this purpose, you should remember that the cost of just one session of Chinese medicine is usually one hundred yuan. True, diagnostics are carried out free of charge.

A special feature of excursions in Hainian is payment. It often happens that, having bought an excursion from a hotel guide and gone on a trip to some interesting place, tourists are faced with an unpleasant surprise. They are asked to pay extra for entry to places where they have already purchased a trip.

Another feature is the lack of normal competition. Travel agencies selling tours on the island are monopolists. There are no street excursion bureaus. True, a way out can be found. You can meet enterprising Chinese near hotels (usually where the stairs leading to the beaches are located). They offer interesting trips to tourists at their own risk. Moreover, their services cost about half as much.

It should be especially noted that these entrepreneurs cope with their task brilliantly. At the same time, they offer not only those excursions that can be purchased from a travel agency, but also provide any other trips. For example, they can take tourists to some distant market where they can buy inexpensive fruit.

Usually these Chinese (probably illegal) entrepreneurs speak Russian quite well. Most often, they lived in Russia for some time, so there are no difficulties when communicating with them.

Finally, about the language barrier. On the streets of Sanya, although not often, you can still meet Russian-speaking Chinese. English is not useful here. For some reason, the Chinese try to ignore it, preferring to memorize a few Russian words.

In hotels, if Russians stay there, there are always signs in Russian. Such inscriptions can be found in the city.

The Chinese have a traditional respect for Russians. They love to take pictures with Russian tourists. If Russian tourists try to say something in Chinese, the degree of respect for them increases. It also increases when a Russian traveler invites a Chinese to take a photo with him. Sometimes this is enough to win over some merchant at the market. After such an offer, he will definitely reduce the price for his goods.

Video: China Part 1. Hainan, excursions, legends, Hotel reviews

Video: China Part 2. Hainan, prohibitions, fakes, pearls, silk..