Hidden Villages in Hainan Where Time Slows Down

By Cai Rong, Hu Jiaqi / HIMC / Updated: 20:35,04-May-2025

1.Yahu Terraces

Yahu Village in Wuzhishan is home to the Yahu Terraces, a 300 year-old agricultural wonder now transformed into a popular vacation destination. Stroll along the terraced rice paddies and immerse yourself in nature. Afterwards, sip local Shanlan Rice Wine for a refreshing summer treat. Step into a slow-paced countryside lifestyle and be refreshed by the picturesque terraced landscape, like an ancient Chinese scroll painting come to life!

The Yahu Terraces glow with lush green life. (Wang Wei / Hinews)

With over 300 years of agricultural history, this once-hidden farming sanctuary has been transformed into a vibrant destination where agriculture meets enjoyment.

Step into the terraced fields and feel as though you're walking through a living landscape painting that changes with the seasons. In summer, the cool mountain air provides a welcome respite from the heat, while the lush green scenery offers a soothing escape for the soul.

The Yahu Terraces bask in the morning light. (Meng Zhijun)

You can enjoy more than just the breathtaking views—local cuisine, boutique inns, and exquisite handicrafts abound. Not to be missed are the village’s locally brewed beverages, including a variety of rice wines and mulberry liqueurs, each carrying the distinctive flavor of Hainan.

2.Rongtang Village

A cultural heritage home has been transformed into a trendy landmark. In Rongtang Village, Haikou, visitors can create their own coconut shell crafts and enjoy a strong sense of accomplishment. Wander through clusters of volcanic stone buildings and uncover traces of the area’s ancient history. Looking for some countryside creativity? Come to Rongtang Village for a modern take on traditional culture.

Rongtang Village’s Wind Chime Courtyard—a revamped historic residence—is emerging as a new landmark. Coconut shell wind chimes hanging below ancient trees sway gently in the breeze, ringing out cheerful, musical tones to welcome every guest.

Inside the courtyard, the atmosphere is elegant and peaceful. At the Wind Chime Courtyard’s Wuniao Island Workshop, visitors can try crafting coconut shell wind chimes and flutes, painting coconut shells, or other hands-on arts. Locals are thrilled to pass on their creative skills and traditions to all who visit.

A local resident carefully crafts a coconut flute. (Shi Zhonghua / Haikou Daily)

Rongtang Village features three distinctive village gates. The first, named Taigu Xianmen (Ancient Immortal Gate), exudes a mysterious and timeless aura. About 50 meters beyond it lies the second gate, designed as a corridor passage strategically located along the village’s main entrance path. Nearby stands a third, much simpler gate—constructed from six or seven large stones, standing less than two meters high and only wide enough for one person to pass through at a time. This is believed to be the village’s earliest gate. Passing through these three gates feels like stepping into a time tunnel leading deep into the historical heart of Rongtang Village.

The Wind Chime Courtyard is a great place to snap a memorable photo. (Shi Zhonghua / Haikou Daily)

The village is also home to the captivating Seventy-Two Lava Caves, natural formations born from ancient volcanic eruptions. These caves are geological treasures of nature. The entrance of the first cave is located just a few minutes’ walk from the village’s main entrance. Shaped like a natural half-tunnel and stretching around 20 meters in length, the cave serves both as a convenient path to nearby farmland and a quiet retreat for rest and shade. Stepping into the cool, serene space of the cave offers a chance to marvel at nature’s craftsmanship and sink deep into an otherworldly calm.

3.Rongshanliao Village

Get ready for an exciting lineup of events this May Day holiday in Rongshanliao Village, Haikou! Enjoy sea breezes and breathtaking sunsets, and don’t miss the romantic sunset concert featuring a variety of musical performances. Stroll through the Sunset Collection Project photography exhibition and immerse yourself in stunning sunset views captured through the lens of the camera. By the end of May, the village’s volcanic lychee trees will be in full bloom, their branches heavy with ripe fruit. Come on out and pick fresh, juicy lychees and take part in outdoor sketching and educational harvest activities—an experience not to be missed!

Rongshanliao Village has long been a popular destination for visitors to Haikou. During the May Day holiday, many enjoyable cultural activities and outdoor events will take place here.

The Rongshanliao Village beach is a popular destination. (Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sport of Haikou City)

Known for magnificent sunset views and a pristine coastal ecosystem, the village will host a sunset concert featuring diverse musical genres sure to strike a chord with every music lover and provide an unforgettable evening. From May 1 to 4, the Sunset Collection Project photography exhibition will be held at Jinshawan Park, showcasing the village’s unrivaled sunset beauty through the work of local photographers.

The area surrounding Rongshanliao Village is also home to many must-visit attractions, including the Wuyuan River Wetland Park and the Haikou Volcano Park—ideal destinations for nature lovers seeking to explore the region’s scenic beauty.

By late May, Xiuying District will enter the peak season for volcanic lychee harvesting. A variety of cultural and lychee-themed events will be held here, including the Volcanic Lychee Harvest Season and Volcanic Countryside Tours. Visitors are welcome to pick fresh volcanic lychees, take part in outdoor sketching sessions and educational harvest experiences, and gain deeper insight into the region’s intangible cultural heritage and natural landscapes.

The trees are full of beguiling lychee blossoms. (Liu Sunmou / Hinews)

4.Li and Miao Traditional Medicine Experience Zone

Hainan’s tropical rainforest sustains the unique, ancient medicinal practices of the Li and Miao peoples. Step into the Qiongzhong Experience Zone to explore Li herbal exhibits and learn about their remarkable healing properties. Visitors can also try traditional therapies such as herbal steaming, leech therapy, and fire moxibustion.

In traditional Li and Miao medicine, even a single leaf, a piece of bark, clump of roots, or a tiny flower can become a valuable remedy. To truly experience the depth of this traditional knowledge, visit the Li and Miao Traditional Medicine Experience Zone in Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County.

Li and Miao traditional medicine exhibits. (Wang Wei / Hinews) 

Here, a wide variety of Li medicinal herbs are showcased, each accompanied by detailed descriptions of their uses. In addition, recognized Li traditional medicine representatives are on site to offer treatment experiences, including signature Li herbal steaming treatments, live leech therapy, and Miao fire moxibustion.

For visitors eager to explore traditional medicine and experience distinctive wellness practices, this is undoubtedly an ideal destination to gain insight into centuries-old wisdom—offering a unique and unforgettable wellness journey.

5.Bohou Village

Bohou Village offers a picturesque escape with into romantic rose fields and distinctive Li-style boutique inns. Stroll through colorful, blooming gardens by day and settle into a cozy local inn by night. Join in on fun farming activities and savor authentic local cuisine. In Bohou Village, slow down, embrace the moment, and embark on a healing countryside retreat.

Nestled near Sanya’s Yalong Bay, Bohou Village is the perfect destination to fully enjoy the healing practice of ‘slow living’. Upon entering the village, visitors are greeted by vibrant seas of roses—Yalong Bay International Rose Valley features a wide variety of different rose varieties. As you make your way through the fields, the fragrant aroma soothes your senses, and every photo you take is more beautiful than the last.

The true essence of spring can be seen in Rose Valley, Bohou Village, Sanya. (Wang Chenglong / Hainan Daily)

Bohou Village’s boutique inns are equally impressive, with 74 establishments offering over 2,000 uniquely styled guest rooms. This area offers so many options to choose from!

All kinds of boutique inns have opened in Bohou Village. (Wang Chenglong / Hainan Daily)

Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of countryside experiences in Bohou Village. Head into the fields to pick fresh fruits and vegetables and enjoy the happiness of farm life. Join locals in making traditional dishes like bamboo rice and coconut pudding to savor the authentic flavors of the countryside. The village frequently hosts cultural events such as Li song and dance performances and handicraft exhibitions, offering an in-depth look into the rich heritage of Li culture.

A cultural event held in Bohou Village. (Huang Dongguang / Hainan Daily)

6.Maona Village

In Maona Village, time slows down. Watch the mist drift over green hills in the morning, listen to ancient legends in the afternoon, and admire the pastoral scenery at dusk. Come to Maona Village to enjoy a peaceful slow-paced lifestyle deep in the mountains, inhale the fragrance of fresh picked tea, and discover the beauty of the local culture. You’ll make the memories of a lifetime!

Located in southwest Shuiman Township, Wuzhishan, Maona Village is a tranquil and picturesque destination perfect for slowing down and enjoying life. Surrounded by lush mountains and flowing streams, and adjacent to the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, the village boasts a pristine natural environment that instantly soothes the soul.

Maona Village is nestled between lush mountains and clear waters. (Li Tianpin / Hainan Daily)

Bona Village sparkles after the rain.  (Li Tianpin / Hainan Daily)

Tea is the pillar industry here, especially the unique broad-leaf tea native to Wuzhishan. Visitors can enter the tea gardens to pick their own tea leaves, learn the art of tea processing from local farmers, and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea in the serene surroundings.

Maona Village also offers a rich array of folk activities. The spirited Li firewood dance, an intangible cultural heritage art of Hainan, invites visitors to dance alongside locals and immerse themselves in Li culture. The Li long-table feast is another highlight, featuring colorful rice, fresh-caught fish, and other delicacies that showcase the community's warm hospitality. Additional cultural experiences include Li Brocade weaving, bark clothing displays, and nose flute performances.

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