Tropical city to fly high soon for space fans

Best launch views

There are numerous sites and means to watch space launches in Wenchang-on its beautiful sprawling beaches, in paddy fields, on roofs of homestays or just inside rooms of seaside hotels. However, frequent visitors say that sites around Qishui Bay, which is three kilometers from the launch center, are known for offering the most impressive views.

Other local attractions

The launch complex itself should not be missed, apart from launch day itself, for a number of reasons including the 101-meter-high stainless steel gate-the highest in Asia. The exhibition center which presents a panorama of China's aerospace development is a must see.

Old traditional residences in Wenchang are popular among tourists to the island.

Hainan produces 99.8 percent of China's coconuts while Wenchang is known for growing about half of them. A huge workshop complex has been opened to display the history of coconut tree growing in Hainan and whole processing chains turn out tons of delicious coconut biscuits, candies and cookies popular with tourists and as gifts.

A mangrove site known as "Marine Forest Park" is a popular tourist destination.

Attractions beyond Wenchang

Further south, the coastal resort city of Sanya offers grand sea views, world-class hotels, cozy homestay experiences and thrilling boat tours, including diving and adventures into the underwater "rainforest" that unfold breathtaking coral beauty, colorful fish and vibrant ecosystems.

Westward into the inland areas, the country's only tropical rainforest national park provides adventurers all the amazing elements of an ecological kingdom, including the critically endangered Hainan gibbon, which has only a tiny population of 36.

Before leaving Hainan, visitors can enjoy themselves shopping in Sanya or Haikou for a countless array of duty-free gifts for friends and family back home.