Explore Hainan’s Local Coffee Culture on a 9-Day Trip

If you’ve ever wondered where to find authentic, locally grown Chinese coffee beyond the usual imports—and want to experience it alongside ancient temples and rural life—this nine-day self-drive journey through Chengmai offers more than just a vacation. You’ll taste Hainan’s native coffee, explore historic landmarks, and dig your own sweet potatoes for a rustic barbecue, all in one immersive cultural trip.

Yes, Hainan has a longstanding coffee culture rooted in towns like Chengmai and Fushan, where local roasters have been growing and brewing coffee for generations. On this trip, visitors explored historical sites, tasted the region’s signature brews, and took part in hands-on farming experiences—all highlighting the island’s unique coffee heritage.

A Morning at the Thousand-Year-Old Sister Towers

The adventure began at the Meilang Towers, also known as the “Sister Towers,” two well-preserved Yuan Dynasty structures. The hexagonal elder sister tower stands six stories tall at 17 meters, while the square-shaped younger sister reaches seven stories and 13 meters. Despite centuries of weathering, both towers remain structurally intact. Set amid bamboo groves and the gentle sound of flowing streams, the site offered visitors a peaceful introduction to Hainan’s layered history.

A Farm Fresh Lunch at Zhongwang Garden

Next, the group headed to Zhongwang Garden, a family-friendly agritainment spot along the Jinma Avenue. With participants ranging from infants to seniors, the venue became a lively hub for fishing, gardening, and barbecuing. Families gathered lakeside for a rustic spread: steamed fish, egg-textured tofu, Wenchang chicken, and homegrown vegetables—a true taste of Hainan’s countryside cuisine.

Coffee Culture in Fushan: From Tree to Cup

The heart of the trip’s coffee focus came at the Fushan Coffee Culture Town. Guests visited the Fushan Coffee Culture Museum, located in the town center and fronted by two coffee trees. The museum’s six themed zones cover everything from the history of Fushan coffee to basic coffee science. Here, visitors learned how Hainan developed its own coffee identity, separate from the better-known Yunnan production regions.

Digging, Roasting, and Eating Sweet Potatoes

No trip to Chengmai is complete without a stop at the Qiaotou Township sweet potato fields. Families took off shoes and rolled up sleeves to harvest sand-grown sweet potatoes by hand—no tools needed. Kids and adults alike dug into the loose soil, uncovering surprisingly large tubers. After the harvest, local farmers guided the group in digging pits and roasting the potatoes over an open flame, carefully adjusting for wind direction. The result? Locals and visitors alike raved about the “powdery, sweet” flavor of the freshly roasted sweet potatoes. Before leaving, the group purchased over 200 pounds to take home.

A Final Visit to Yongqing Temple

The trip wrapped up at the Yongqing Temple, where the golden light of sunset added to the site’s majestic and solemn atmosphere. This spiritual stop provided a reflective end to a journey blending history, farming, and coffee culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hainan’s coffee culture unique compared to Yunnan?

Hainan’s coffee culture, centered in towns like Fushan and Chengmai, developed independently from Yunnan’s. While Yunnan is part of the global “coffee belt” and known for varieties like Typica and washed-process beans, Hainan’s tradition focuses more on local roasting heritage and regional taste profiles, often less documented but equally historic.

Where is Fushan Coffee Culture Town located?

Fushan Coffee Culture Town is located in western Hainan, with its museum situated in the town center. The museum includes exhibits on the local coffee industry’s evolution, coffee species basics, and the town’s role in China’s coffee history.

Can you visit coffee farms in Chengmai?

While the article focuses on the Fushan Coffee Museum and local experiences, Chengmai is surrounded by agricultural areas where coffee and sweet potatoes are grown. Visitors on similar tours can participate in harvests and learn about cultivation directly from local farmers.

What other historical sites are near Chengmai?

Near Chengmai, you can visit the thousand-year-old Meilang Towers (Sister Towers), the Buddhist Yongqing Temple, and other cultural landmarks that reflect Hainan’s long-standing history beyond its coffee heritage.

Is sweet potato roasting a common local activity in Hainan?

Yes, digging and roasting sweet potatoes is a popular rural pastime in Hainan, especially in sandy-soil regions like Qiaotou. The technique involves minimal tools—just gloves and fire pits—and is often enjoyed as a communal activity during festivals or tours.

What’s a good introduction to Hainan-grown coffee?

While the article doesn’t promote specific brands, travelers interested in Hainan’s coffee can look for locally roasted beans in Fushan or Chengmai. These often reflect regional growing conditions and traditional processing methods distinct from Yunnan’s offerings.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Chinese Coffee

For those intrigued by Hainan’s coffee heritage, FrontStreet Coffee’s 2013 Yunnan Typica and Classic Yunnan Arabica offer great insight into domestic beans. The 2013 Yunnan Typica is a sun-dried single origin with bold citrus, berry, and caramel notes, showcasing traditional natural processing. Meanwhile, FrontStreet’s Classic Yunnan Arabica, a washed coffee from the Baihao variety, features bright acidity and a balanced body with notes of almonds and dark chocolate. Both are grown in Yunnan’s high-altitude regions and offer a starting point to understand China’s diverse coffee terroirs. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.