Located in southern China, at the same latitude as Hawaii, lies Hainan. An island of pristine beaches, tropical weather, a distinctive local culture and endless opportunities for adventure and sport. And when it comes to things to do in Hainan, surfing and golf stand out.
While northern China freezes, here you can work on your swing in a T-shirt and ride waves in your swimwear. And not just anywhere: Hainan combines exceptional natural conditions with some of China’s best sporting facilities, from world-class golf courses to state-of-the-art wave pools.
The Kingdom of Waves
If you’re wondering where to surf in China, keep reading. The coast around Wanning, on Hainan’s east coast, is the heart of Chinese surfing, with Riyue Bay widely regarded as one of the country’s best surf spots. It is also home to the Chinese national surf team’s training base. Its warm waters and consistent waves attract everyone from professional surfers to beginners.
Other must-visit spots include Shimei Bay, with gentler waves that are ideal for those just starting out, and Shenzhou Peninsula, which offers conditions suitable for different levels.
For those looking to learn from scratch or fine-tune their technique, Hainan is also home to a true game-changer: SURFLAND. Opened in late 2025, it is China’s first Olympic-level wave pool. Powered by PerfectSwell technology, it can generate 23 different types of waves, reaching up to 2.7 metres in height, with a new wave approximately every six seconds. The 10,000-square-metre facility is part of the new Riyue Bay Surf Resort in Wanning.
The biggest advantage is complete control over the conditions. For beginners, that means starting out on waves tailored to their level. For experienced surfers, it means maximising the number of waves and attempts in every session.
And the best part? You don’t have to choose. Start your morning in the wave pool, then cross over in the afternoon and put what you’ve learned to the test on the real waves of Riyue Bay.
When to Surf in Hainan
The best time to surf in Hainan is from November to March, when the waves tend to be more consistent, clean and fun.
From August to October comes typhoon season. Waves can be bigger and more powerful, but conditions are also far more unpredictable. For safety reasons, this period is best suited to experienced surfers.
In summer, from May to July, the waves are generally smaller and gentler, making it a great time for beginners taking their first steps on a board.
Things to do in Hainan: A Golf Destination
Beyond surfing, Hainan has also established itself as one of China’s leading destinations for golf. Several of its courses rank among the top 100 in Asia, including Blackstone, set among spectacular volcanic rock formations at Mission Hills Haikou; The Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula, with fairways overlooking the ocean; and Yalong Bay Golf Club in Sanya.
The island has also attracted a long list of international celebrities. The renowned World Celebrity Pro-Am at Mission Hills has welcomed stars including Michael Douglas, Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman, Yao Ming, Ronaldo and Michael Phelps, alongside golf legends such as Gary Player, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo and Justin Rose.
Here, a round of golf is more than an excuse to enjoy the sunshine: it’s an opportunity to play against some of the most spectacular backdrops in China.
And… What Else Is There to Do in Hainan?
From exploring tropical beaches and landscapes to discovering local villages, markets and a distinctive food culture, Hainan offers the perfect mix of sport, nature and culture. And then there’s Sanya, with its beaches, hotels, restaurants and laid-back tropical atmosphere.
Ready to discover Hainan and China your way? Get in touch and we’ll design your perfect tailor-made trip, built around your schedule, preferences and budget, and taking you to some of the most special places in China.