Scenic Rail Journey Through Hainan’s Underrated West Coast

If you’ve only visited Hainan’s well-trodden eastern coastline, you’re missing half the island’s magic. Until December 30, most travelers skipped over western Hainan due to poor transport links—but the new island-wide high-speed rail now connects five lesser-known prefectures via 12 stations. Whether you crave therapeutic hot springs, artisanal coffee, dramatic coastlines, or ancient villages, these stops deliver. Here’s where to get off and what to do next.

In short: Step off at 12 key stations along Hainan’s westbound high-speed rail and discover 12 uniquely local experiences—volcanic hot springs near Old Town, specialty coffee in the Fengshan Coffee Culture Town, prime sunset views at Golden Moon Bay, and even the iconic “Mao Zedong rock” in Ledong. All are reachable via one train ride.

1. Old Town Station: Hot Springs & Heritage Flavors

Alight at Old Town and head straight for Yingbin Peninsula—a crescent-shaped, triple-bay coastal stretch with rare volcanic hot springs perfect for a post-travel soak. Nearby Ruixi Town serves up must-try local bites: shredded coconut sticky rice cakes, Ruixi zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings), and Wan Chang bitter tea. For history buffs, Meilang Village houses the 14th-century Meilang Twin Pagodas, also known as the Sister Towers.

2. Fengshan Station: Sip Specialty Coffee in a Themed Town

Fengshan Coffee Culture Town is a 76-square-kilometer Mediterranean-meets-coffee haven, built with local volcanic stone accents. As Hainan’s first “card-swipe friendly tourism zone” (since 2012), its AAA-rated core blends global coffee culture exhibits, a trading hub, hands-on pottery workshops, and leisure resorts. It hosted the 2010 Hainan Island Carnival and remains a top stop for slow coffee experiences.

3. Lin’gao South Station: Nature’s Waterfall Spectacle

About 4 kilometers northeast of Lin’gao County lies Bairan Beach on the Wanlan River. Its jagged rocks and rapid currents create the dramatic Bairan Waterfall, where whitewater crashes over boulders with a roar audible 10 kilometers away in town. The eroded stones resemble a crowd of heads—hence the name—which translates roughly to “Hundred Ren Cliff.”

4. Silver Beach Station: Ponder Peace with Migratory Egrets

The “Egret Paradise” in Wujii Village, Luji Town (10+ kilometers north of Danzhou City), hosts around 10,000 egrets seasonally. They nest in three towering banyan trees (each 3–4 stories high) and surrounding bamboo groves from April (pre-Qingming Festival) until Frost’s Descent (roughly September), staying about 8–9 months yearly. The site is a nationally promoted eco-tourism highlight.

5. Baimajing Station: Dive into Literary & Historical Landmarks

This Dongfang District town features relics like the “White Horse Spring,” the Qing-era Tomb of Imperial Scholar Huang Heqing, the Temple of General Fubo, and the Wenfeng Pagoda. Nearby, the Dongpo Academy in Danzhou’s Zhonghe Town is a national cultural relic (designated 1996) spanning 25,000 square meters. Its grand gate, lush courtyards, and traditional halls—including the Zaijiu Pavilion and Aotang niche—offer a glimpse into Su Shi’s legacy on Hainan.

6. Haitou Station: Try the Unforgettable Pig Intestine Pancake

Haitou, located 83 kilometers southwest of Danzhou’s downtown along the Zhubijiang River, offers a local street-food gem: Pig Intestine Pancakes. Described in local verse as “white flour tubes stuffed with papaya-coconut filling, tender, sour-spicy, and appetite-whetting,” these rolls have earned citywide fame.

7. Qizi Bay Station: Explore Seaside Karst and Crystal Waters

Qizi Bay stretches 20 kilometers along Hainan’s southwest coast in Changjiang. Its gentle S-curve, fine white sand, and clear waters are studded with multicolored pebbles resembling scattered chess pieces. Limestone cliffs and lush hills frame the bay, creating a postcard-perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, and tidal pool exploration. The 1412-meter peak nearby adds to its dramatic backdrop.

8. Dongfang Station: Discover Boat-Shaped Houses & Sandy Shores

Dongfang boasts the Baijia Village boat-shaped stilt-houses—81 surviving examples of the Li ethnic group’s iconic “inverted boat” architecture (listed as intangible cultural heritage in 2008). These high or low-rise huts, woven from red/white rattan and thatched with grass or palm leaves, dot the landscape alongside attractions like Yulin Fish Scale Islet Scenic Area, the large Karst Cave Bays, E’xian Ridge, and the Datian Slope Deer Reserve.

9. Golden Moon Bay Station: Chase One of Hainan’s Best Sunsets

Just 4 kilometers from Banqiao High-Speed Rail Station, the Golden Moon Bay resort zone combines theme parks with beachfront living. Known for its year-round sunshine, soft sands, and turquoise waters, it’s ranked among Hainan’s most stunning sunset-viewing beaches—a perfect spot to unwind after your rail journey.

10. Jianfeng Station: Breathe Pristine Tropical Air

Jianfengling National Forest Park spans 600 square kilometers (with 260+ square kilometers of core rainforest) across Ledong and Dongfang. Home to 2,800+ plant species (8% of China’s total, 85% of Hainan’s) and over 1,000 animal types, it holds the record for China’s highest negative ion count: 80,000 per cubic centimeter. The 1,412-meter main peak makes it both a biodiversity hotspot and a lung-cleansing escape.

11. Huangliu Station: See Asia’s Largest Sea Salt Fields

The Yangpu Salt Field—China’s biggest and a top regional producer—is a mesmerizing grid of silver pans stretching endlessly. Built in 1958 (3,793 hectares), it peaks at 300,000 tons annual output (69% mechanized), yielding crude salt, sun-dried fine salts, premium solar salts, and powdered refined varieties. Overhead cables, pumps, and crystallizer pools showcase industrial-scale salt production in action.

12. Ledong Station: Visit the “Mao Zedong Rock”

Baoguo Mountain in Baoguo Farm (eastern Ledong) features a 4,000-meter ridge where a 630-meter granite peak eerily resembles the reclining profile of Mao Zedong. The “head” section alone stretches 183 meters (matching Mao’s reported height) with distinct nose, lips, chin, and neck contours—created by natural stone formations that align uncannily with the late leader’s features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the easiest way to access these 12 western Hainan destinations?

All 12 stops are serviced by Hainan’s island-wide high-speed rail, which launched on December 30. Check schedules for connections from major eastern hubs like Haikou or Sanya to reach these less-visited western stations directly.

Are there any natural wonders that require hiking or special gear?

Jianfengling National Forest Park features dense rainforest trails and high-altitude viewpoints (its main peak is 1,412 meters), so wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Qizi Bay’s rocky shores are great for light exploration, while Bairan Waterfall is viewable from the riverbanks without strenuous effort.

What’s the best time of year to visit these western Hainan spots?

The dry season (October to April) offers the most comfortable weather—sunny, with lower humidity—ideal for beach visits, hot springs, and outdoor hikes. Sunset at Golden Moon Bay and egret sightings in Wujii Village are particularly striking during these months.

Is there local food worth trying at each stop?

Absolutely. From Ruixi’s sticky rice cakes and bitter tea (Old Town) to pig intestine pancakes (Haitou), Dai minority boat-house cuisine (Dongfang), and Yangpu’s famous sea salt (Huangliu), each station has signature bites tied to its region’s culture.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Scenic Train Trips

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