Hainan looks beyond its beaches with rainforest and hot spring tourism - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Hainan is internationally associated primarily with tropical beaches and seaside resorts, but the Chinese island is increasingly developing tourism away from its coastline. Qixianling in Baoting, in the mountainous interior of Hainan, combines tropical rainforest, natural hot springs, outdoor activities and golf in an emerging alternative to the island's traditional beach holidays.

At Qixianling National Hot-Spring Forest Park, the average annual temperature is around 23 degrees Celsius. The comparatively mild mountain climate and extensive rainforest make the area particularly suitable for visitors seeking an escape from the summer heat, while geothermal springs add a year-round wellness component.

Hiking through Hainan's tropical interior

Walking trails lead through dense rainforest characterised by old trees, mountain streams and a rich variety of tropical vegetation. The mountainous landscape provides a marked contrast to Hainan's coastal resorts and is increasingly attracting hikers and nature-oriented travelers.

Visitors can also ascend through the forest on a so-called magic-carpet lift. Other attractions include a glass-sky rafting experience, combining views across the rainforest with a more adventure-oriented element.

The mix illustrates Baoting's attempt to broaden the area's appeal beyond conventional sightseeing. Nature experiences, outdoor activities and wellness are increasingly being combined into multi-day tourism products.

Hot springs add a wellness component

Natural geothermal springs are one of Qixianling's principal attractions. Together with the tropical forest and mountain climate, they form the basis of the destination's growing wellness tourism offer.

"The air here is wonderfully fresh. The rare blend of rainforest views and hot springs is incredibly soothing for body and soul," said a visitor from Singapore. "With golf facilities at the foot of the mountains, it truly is a rare one-stop holiday destination."

The combination also allows accommodation providers and tourism operators to package different activities within a single stay, ranging from hiking and rainforest excursions to spa experiences and sport.

Mountain golf amid rainforest and lakes

Qixianling Golf & Spa adds another tourism segment to the destination. The international-standard mountain course was designed around the existing terrain and features 12 natural lakes and 59 bunkers.

Rainforest, rubber plantations and mountain lakes surround the course, with views towards Qixianling's seven peaks. Its location also allows golfers to combine a round with a visit to the nearby natural hot springs.

This integration of golf, rainforest and thermal wellness distinguishes Qixianling from Hainan's better-known coastal golf resorts and gives Baoting an additional product for travelers interested in active and wellness-oriented holidays.

Baoting targets longer and more diverse stays

The development is part of a broader shift in Baoting's tourism strategy. In recent years, the destination has been moving away from a model focused mainly on sightseeing towards a combination of leisure activities, overnight stays and wellness tourism.

Infrastructure improvements, higher service standards and new tourism products are intended to support this transition. Baoting's longer-term objective is to establish itself internationally as a wellness destination built around its rainforest and geothermal resources.

For Hainan, the development also broadens the island's tourism profile. Combining coastal stays with a few days in the cooler mountainous interior could provide international tour operators with opportunities to create itineraries extending beyond the established beach resorts, while bringing visitors into a less familiar part of the tropical island.

Image Credit: © People's Daily Digital Communication