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Last Updated: Sep 25th, 2006 - 11:36:04 |
Hainan: A "Treasure Trove" Of Natural Beauties
From Mahanum Abdul Aziz
HAIKOU (Hainan), Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Despite not having "wonders of the world" tourist draws like the Great Wall and terracotta warriors of mainland China, the island of Hainan is still able to pull in visitors.
Blessed with cool temperatures ranging from 21 to 28 degree Celsius and beautiful beaches of palms and conifers, Hainan manages to stamp its own mark in the international tourism industry.
For newcomers to the island, Hainan's enchanting features are not limited to only its worldwide-famed chicken rice.
After getting off the flight at Meilan International Airport enroute to the provincial capital of Haikou, tourists encounter a scenic view -- a long line of coconut palms planted neatly before the newly-arrived visitors crosses a beautiful river.
Upon reaching Haikou, Hainan's economic and administrative centre, visitors would be greeted by skyscrapers as well as elevated and tiered roads that reflect the island's rapid development.
Heavy traffic volume is normal in this city but it poses not much problems as construction of Haikou's streets is well planned.
HOT SPRINGS
Tourists would also be taken to historical sites like the mausoleum of renowned Ming Dynasty's palace official, Huirui.
Another top tourism draw in Hainan is Xinlong -- renowned for its natural hot springs.
Along the Haikou-Sanya motorway to Xinlong, the scenery is breath-taking.
In Xinlong, there is a traditional medicine centre that provides tourists with information on Chinese herbs. It also offers reflexology massage for interested visitors.
An interesting feature about Xinlong hotels are that they were constructed at the foot of hills and close to the hot springs. No surprise as several hotels offer rooms with taps linked direct to the hot springs.
Tourists love this as they can soak their body for hours without having to walk to the location of the hot springs.
After spending the night at Xinlong, visitors can proceed to Sanya city, the prime tourism spot in Hainan.
Among Sanya's attraction are Yalong Cape, renowned worldwide for its sparkling white beach and crystal blue sea.
YALONG CAPE
At Yalong Cape which has a seven-km stretch of beautiful beach, tourists can indulge in various recreational activities like yachting, swimming and scuba-diving.
There is an ocean park here which is adorned with various-coloured corals and fish.
Visitors can also shop at Hainan's pearl centre -- "Sanya Jigrun Pearl Cultural Center". The centre boasts beautiful pearls extricated from the sea and visitors would be briefed on how pearls were formed and how to differentiate genuine pearls from fake ones.
Apart from the pearl centre, Sanya's other attractions are health tea centre, Lihuitou Park, silk-making factory, local product centre and a crystal plant which exhibits and sells crystal-based wares.
A sojourn to Sanya would not be complete if tourists do not make a tour of Tianya-Haijiao, which means "land at the end of the world". Its spotlessly-clean beach is decorated with palm trees as well as various-sized rocks and boulders, giving it a different look as compared to the Cape of Yalong.
HALAL EATERIES
Muslim visitors should not be perturbed when they make a visit to Sanya as there are a number of "halal" restaurants operated by the members of the Hui clan who are believers of the Islamic faith.
Among these joints is the "Big Muslim Restaurant" which offers various Chinese dishes including that from Xinjiang.
In the move to lure more Muslim tourists to the island resort, Hainan China Travel Service general manager Wang Lu Chew said a big drive is under way to set up more halal food restaurants.
For those who love coconut milk-based products, Hainan is a must as sweets, coffee creamers, juices and snacks made from this milk are available in abundance.
Tourists visiting China should not give this island a miss as it is a "treasure trove" of natural beauties.
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