Beach / Island Resort · China

Boao

博鳌

Quiet coastal town where three rivers meet the South China Sea, known for its narrow sand spit, overseas Chinese mansions, and hot springs.

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Set on Hainan's east coast within Qionghai City, Boao sits at the dramatic estuary where the Wanquan, Longgun, and Jiuqu rivers empty into the South China Sea. Though famous for hosting the annual Boao Forum for Asia on Dongyu Island, for most of the year it functions as a laid-back coastal retreat with resort hot springs, river scenery, and the narrow sand spit of Yudai Beach. It offers a much slower, breezy alternative to the crowded resort bays further south.

One to two days is plenty to see the main sights. Most visitors base themselves along the beachfront strip near Binhai Avenue or in the resort complexes on Dongyu Island. Easy half-day trips lead north to Tanmen Fishing Port for fresh seafood and the China Museum of the South China Sea, or inland to Liuke Village. On a Hainan itinerary, Boao pairs naturally as a relaxing stopover on the high-speed rail line between Haikou, Wenchang, Wanning, and Sanya. It suits travelers seeking quiet sea breezes, golf, and thermal pools, while those looking for coral diving or energetic nightlife may feel underwhelmed.

Updated 24 October 2026

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Highlights

Yudai Beach (Jade Belt Beach), Cai Family Mansion (Cai Jia Zhai), China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea +2

  • 01Yudai Beach (Jade Belt Beach)

    This narrow, 8.5-kilometer sandy peninsula acts as a natural barrier separating the calm waters of the Wanquan River estuary from the rolling surf of the South China Sea.

  • 02Cai Family Mansion (Cai Jia Zhai)

    Tucked in nearby Liuke Village, this historic complex built by a wealthy returned merchant in the 1930s blends traditional Hainanese layouts with Southeast Asian and Western architectural details.

  • 03China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea

    Located just north of Boao in Tanmen Town, this large modern museum displays shipwrecks, export porcelain, and exhibits on the maritime history and ecology of the South China Sea.

  • 04Dongyu Island and BFA Venue

    sitting in the middle of the river estuary, this landscaped island houses the permanent conference center of the Boao Forum for Asia alongside golf courses and mineral hot spring resorts.

  • 05Tanmen Fishing Port

    A working harbor where visitors can watch wooden and steel trawlers unload their catch, stroll the tidal flats at low tide, and have fresh seafood cooked to order at dockside stalls.

Travel tips

Check Forum Dates Before Booking, Respect Swimming Warnings at Yudai Beach, Book Museum Entry Ahead +1

  • Check Forum Dates Before Booking

    The Boao Forum for Asia typically takes place over several days in late March. During the summit, Dongyu Island closes to casual visitors, road checkpoints appear, and hotel rates spike.

  • Respect Swimming Warnings at Yudai Beach

    While the river side of the sand spit looks calm, the ocean side has steep drop-offs and strong rip currents. Swimming in the open sea at Yudai Beach is prohibited and dangerous.

  • Book Museum Entry Ahead

    The China Museum of the South China Sea requires real-name registration. Foreign travelers should bring their physical passport to register at the service desk or book ahead via WeChat.

  • Use Ride-Hailing or Rent a Scooter

    Sights around Boao, Liuke Village, and Tanmen are spread out over several kilometers with infrequent public buses. Use the Didi ride-hailing app or rent an electric scooter from your hotel to get around easily.

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How to get to Boao

Boao sits directly on the Hainan Eastern Ring High-Speed Railway. Frequent bullet trains reach Boao Railway Station or nearby Qionghai Railway Station in about 45 to 60 minutes from Haikou East Station and Haikou Meilan International Airport, and roughly 50 to 75 minutes from Sanya. Qionghai Boao International Airport sits about 15 kilometers west of the coast and handles domestic flights from major Chinese cities. From the train stations or airport, taxis and ride-hailing cars reach the coastal resorts in 20 to 30 minutes.

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