By KOJO Collective Ambassador Richard Whitworth
At this time of year, the Wuzhishan area of Hainan enjoys sublime late autumn, pale blue skies, mid twenties temperatures and the odd light shower that soon passes. Hainan is a stunningly beautiful, lush, sub- tropical island in the South China Sea with two international airports, high speed trains from Hong Kong and Guangzhou, and world class roads… what’s not to like?
The island is also home to a UCI Fran Fondo qualifying event – our author came 4th in the his age cat.
Hotels are great value with abundant local cuisine brought daily from the surrounding country side. Fill your jersey pockets with your snacks and 10 minutes on the bike, through busy yet calm central traffic along the river, you will find A-grade roads winding along tropical ravines at fairly mellow gradients, rising up and over the mountains and through the rain forest.
The roads in the Mount Wuzhi area are pristine, seemingly swept daily. I saw just one pot hole as I rolled along – and that was being repaired! Wide shoulders are lined with perennial bougainvillea, poinsettia, hibiscus, giant ferns, palms and mountain streams.
A sensory overload!
The province has a land area of 33,920 square kilometers and a population of just over 10 million
After a day of riding, take a stroll in the balmy early evening along the river, where you will find a lively market atmosphere every night of the week! Hang out on any one of several of the bridges and you’ll encounter little local treasures – on one I came across a saxophone trio playing lively café jazz!
(Not sure this is cafe jazz Rich! – CP)
Key facts:
The island has 5G signal everywhere… and I mean everywhere.
I used a combo of Strava, Komooot, Amap and WeChats for mapping. There are new roads evolving, hence the combo approach.
WeChat is an absolute essential, you won’t get very far without it, and the international version is mostly in English
Cash is not widely used, you need the WeChat app, AliPay or other similar apps. Remote village stalls all have these apps, get your drinks from the fridge… tap, ping and go.
A translation app is also essential, it is a common and method of communicating, even as you pass through remote villages, they all have it on their own phones.
I stopped for lunch in Maogan, a remote village south west of Wuzhishan, selected fresh bean sprouts, mushrooms, broccoli, tofu, shredded pork… all fresh on display and 10 minutes later, voila.. accompanied naturally with steamed rice… I paid cash this time, RMB22 and enjoyed lunch with two curious young school boys.
I could go on but would rather let a few photos tell the rest…. Try it, you won’t be disappointed!
Suggested Itinerary:
Hainan Cycling Multi-Day Itinerary (Approx. 7 Days)
Day 1: Haikou → Qionghai (~85 km)
- Route: Haikou (north coast) → Ding’an → Qionghai
- Terrain: Rolling hills, mostly flat with gentle climbs inland.
- Highlights:
- Haikou Old Town for morning coffee and culture
- Ride along coastline north of Ding’an
- Accommodation: Mid-range hotel or guesthouse in Qionghai.
- Cyclist Tip: Early start recommended to avoid traffic on coastal roads.
Day 2: Qionghai → Wanning / Shimei Bay (~82 km)
- Route: Qionghai → Bo’ao → Wanning
- Terrain: Coastal roads with small climbs near Bo’ao and Shimei Bay.
- Highlights:
- Bo’ao Forum area – scenic coastal views
- Shimei Bay – beautiful beach to rest post-ride
- Accommodation: Shimei Bay resorts (Le Meridien or similar).
Day 3: Wanning → Lingshui → Yalong Bay (Sanya area) (~78 km)
- Route: Wanning → Lingshui → Sanya/Yalong Bay
- Terrain: Coastal with moderate climbs, a few rolling hills inland
- Highlights:
- Tropical coastal scenery
- Small climbs near Lingshui
- Relaxing beaches of Yalong Bay
- Accommodation: Sanya resorts (Renaissance or Marriott)
Day 4: Rest / Exploration Day in Sanya
- Activities:
- Easy spin along the coastline or small climbs around Yalong Bay
- Coffee stop at Fly Coffee or Xiangcao Coffee House
- Beach, local food, or massage recovery
Day 5: Sanya → Wuzhishan / Central Hainan (~85 km)
- Route: Sanya → Baoting → Wuzhishan
- Terrain: Hilly inland terrain, first major climbs
- Highlights:
- Hilly countryside, tropical forests
- Wuzhishan mountains – start of more serious climbing
- Accommodation: Local guesthouses or small hotels in Wuzhishan
Day 6: Wuzhishan → Qiongzhong → Wenchang (~90 km)
- Route: Wuzhishan → Qiongzhong → Wenchang
- Terrain: Mountainous, some steep climbs, scenic inland views
- Highlights:
- Central Hainan plateau
- Coffee/tea plantations along the route
- Rewarding downhill into Wenchang
- Accommodation: Mid-range hotels in Wenchang
Day 7: Wenchang → Haikou (~88 km)
- Route: Wenchang → Chengmai → Haikou
- Terrain: Mostly flat to rolling coastal roads
- Highlights:
- Ride back along northern coastline
- Easy finish in Haikou with beach or city relaxation
Tips for the Trip
- Daily distance: 78–90 km; manageable with climbing included.
- Hydration & Snacks: Plenty of small convenience stores along the coastal roads; carry energy gels and water.
- Bike Maintenance: Some towns have small bike shops, especially in Haikou, Qionghai, Wanning, and Sanya. Bring a basic repair kit.
- Accommodation: Mix of resorts along coast (Sanya/Shimei Bay) and guesthouses inland (Wuzhishan, Qiongzhong) for authentic experience.
- Coffee Stops: Haikou (Lanye, Guaishou), Bo’ao (small cafés), Sanya (Fly Coffee, Xiangcao Coffee).
How to Get There: Hainan Island
✈️ By Air (Best Option)
Flying is the easiest way to reach Hainan. The island has two main airports:
- Haikou Meilan (HAK) in the north
- Sanya Phoenix (SYX) in the south, closest to the beaches
There are frequent direct flights from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. Some international routes also fly directly to Hainan, and many travelers connect via mainland China or Hong Kong.
Bonus: Travelers from many countries can enter visa-free for up to 30 days if arriving directly on an international flight.
🚆 By Train
You can travel by train from mainland China to Hainan. Trains cross the Qiongzhou Strait on a ferry before continuing to Haikou. Once on the island, a high-speed rail line circles Hainan, making it easy to reach Sanya and smaller coastal towns.
⛴️ By Ferry
Ferries operate from southern Guangdong to Haikou, carrying both passengers and vehicles. This is a good option if you’re road-tripping or bringing a car, though it’s slower than flying.
🚗 Getting Around
Hainan has excellent roads and a scenic coastal highway. Trains, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps make travel around the island simple and affordable.
🚴♂️ Cycling on Hainan Island: Shops, Support & the Adventure Factor
Hainan isn’t just beach resorts — it’s one of China’s most rideable adventure islands, with a full coastal loop, jungle interiors, and long, quiet roads.
Bike Shops & Repairs
Your main launch points are Haikou in the north and Sanya in the south. Both have proper bike shops, brand stores, and mechanics who can handle road and touring setups. Once you leave the cities, shops become sparse — expect small roadside repair stalls rather than full service centers.
Bike Rental & Touring Support
People usually rent in Haikou or Sanya, where you’ll find road bikes, touring rigs, and e-bikes. Several operators focus on island-loop cycling, offering route planning, multi-day support, luggage transfer, and guided rides — ideal if you want long days in the saddle without worrying about logistics.
Cycling Service Points
The coastal ring road is dotted with cycling service stations — simple but invaluable. Expect water, shade, pumps, basic tools, and a place to regroup.
Community & Ride Culture
Hainan has a growing cycling culture, especially in the cooler months. Local clubs organize long coastal rides, sunrise starts, and multi-day loops.
When To Go
Best season is October to March. Cooler temps and little chance of rain!
Here are some coffee spots you can visit in Hainan — great for recharging during a bike ride (though there aren’t many official cycling‑themed cafés specifically advertised, the coffee culture and cycling services are both growing across the island).
☕ Coffee Stops in Haikou (North Hainan)
Haikou has a variety of cafés that are ideal for coffee breaks during urban or nearby scenic rides:
Coffee & Cozy Stops
- Lanye Coffee – Highly rated local coffee shop.
- Guaishou Xidian Monster Cafe – Small café with good reviews.
- A to Z Cafe – Popular café with good coffee.
- Man Coffee – Well‑reviewed local spot.
- Xinglong Coffee – Another nice local option.
- Shangnan Coffee – Casual café near central Haikou.
- Coffee Time Western Restaurant – Café‑style Western food + coffee.
- Lavender Cafe – Near Hainan University, good for a lighter stop.
Haikou has many other coffee places worth exploring — from classic Chinese cafés to hospitality spots along bike‑friendly roads. For example, cafés in Chengmai and rural parts of Hainan are increasingly popular with cycling tourists as rest points between rides.
☕ Coffee in Sanya (South Hainan)
Great options if your cycling route takes you toward the beaches and scenic southern part of the island:
- Fly Coffee – Highly rated coffee spot in Sanya.
- Xiangcao Coffee House – Well‑reviewed café near the beach.
- 希尔顿咖啡厅 – Stylish café at a resort district.
- Ka Coffee Bar – Great reviews, relaxing atmosphere.
- Blue Moon Coffee House – Classic coffee house.
- 43 Lan Coffee Shop – Cozy local café.
- Dujin Coffee – Great neighborhood café.
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