Day Trips and Nearby Attractions from Chengmai: Your 2026 Guide to Hainan's Hidden Heartland
Welcome to Chengmai, the quietly confident county on Hainan's northern coast that most international tourists have never heard of — and that is exactly why you should visit in 2026. Known as the "World Longevity Town" (世界长寿之乡) for its unusually high number of centenarians, Chengmai sits between the buzz of Haikou to the east and the volcanic landscapes of Danzhou to the west. It is the perfect base for a series of day trips and nearby excursions that reveal a side of Hainan that resort towns rarely show: coffee plantations, volcanic craters, ancient salt fields, and mangrove forests.
This guide covers the best day trips from Chengmai, how to get around, and practical tips for international visitors in 2026. Whether you are staying in Chengmai for a wellness retreat, a golf holiday, or simply to escape the crowds of Sanya, these excursions will fill your itinerary with authentic Hainan experiences.
Why Chengmai Makes an Ideal Base for Day Trips
Chengmai (澄迈) lies roughly 40–60 km west of Haikou, connected by the Hainan Ring Expressway, the Hainan West Line High-Speed Railway, and a network of local buses. The county's main towns — Jinjiang, Laocheng, and Ruixi — each have their own character, but for day-tripping purposes, most visitors base themselves in Jinjiang or near the Fushan coffee area.
Three factors make Chengmai a smart base in 2026:
1. Proximity to Haikou. Haikou Meilan International Airport is about an hour away by car, and the high-speed rail from Haikou East or Haikou Station to Chengmai takes only 20–30 minutes. This means you can land in Hainan and be in a quiet, green, coffee-scented county town by lunchtime.
2. Lower costs. Accommodation and food in Chengmai are significantly cheaper than in Sanya or even central Haikou, leaving more budget for excursions.
3. Central location on the west coast route. From Chengmai you can reach Haikou's historic Qilou Old Street, the volcanic village of Rongtang, the salt fields of Yangpu, and the beaches of Danzhou — all within a 1–2 hour drive or train ride.
Top Day Trips from Chengmai
1. Fushan Coffee Cultural Tourism Area (福山咖啡文化风情镇)
Distance from Chengmai: 20–30 minutes by car from Jinjiang town
Best for: Coffee lovers, photographers, slow travelers
Hainan is China's original coffee island, and Fushan (福山) in Chengmai is its beating heart. The Fushan Coffee Cultural Tourism Area is a purpose-built coffee town where you can tour plantations, watch traditional roasting, and taste Hainan's signature coffee — a smooth, slightly chocolatey brew often served with condensed milk.
In 2026, the area has expanded with boutique cafés, a coffee museum, and weekend markets. The best time to visit is morning, when the air is cool and the roasting houses are active. Many cafés offer "coffee + local snack" sets for around 30–50 RMB, including Fushan coffee and Chengmai's famous sweet potato treats.
Practical tip: If you are not driving, taxis and ride-hailing apps (Didu, Gaode) work well from Jinjiang. A round trip with waiting time costs roughly 100–150 RMB. Some hotels in Chengmai also run shuttle services to Fushan on weekends.
2. Rongtang Volcanic Village and Crater (荣堂村火山口)
Distance from Chengmai: About 1 hour by car via the Ring Expressway
Best for: Hikers, geology enthusiasts, cultural photographers
Just west of Haikou lies one of Hainan's most surreal landscapes: the volcanic cluster around Rongtang village. Here, houses are built from black volcanic basalt, and the surrounding crater — part of the larger Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark — offers short hiking trails through lush tropical vegetation.
The village itself is a living museum. Elderly residents still tend small plots among the lava-stone walls, and the contrast between ancient volcanic rock and modern Hainan is striking. Entry to the geopark area is modest (around 60 RMB for the main crater scenic area), and the hiking is easy enough for most fitness levels.
Practical tip: Combine this with a stop at the nearby Meishe River area or Haikou's Qilou Old Street on the way back. Bring sturdy shoes — the volcanic paths can be uneven — and plenty of water, as shade is limited in some sections.
3. Haikou Qilou Old Street and Hainan Museum (海口骑楼老街)
Distance from Chengmai: 45–60 minutes by car, or 20–30 minutes by high-speed rail plus a short taxi
Best for: History buffs, foodies, architecture lovers
Haikou's Qilou Old Street is a beautifully restored arcade district lined with early 20th-century shophouses blending Chinese, European, and Southeast Asian styles. It is one of the best free attractions in Hainan and an easy day trip from Chengmai.
Spend the morning wandering the arcades, then visit the Hainan Museum (free entry, closed Mondays) to understand the island's history, from Li and Miao indigenous cultures to the maritime trade that shaped its ports. For lunch, try Hainan chicken rice, coconut chicken soup, or a bowl of Hainanese noodles in one of the side alleys.
Practical tip: The high-speed rail from Chengmai to Haikou runs frequently and costs around 20–30 RMB one way. From Haikou East Station, take a taxi or metro to Qilou. If you are driving, park in the designated garages near Zhongshan Road — street parking is extremely limited.
4. Yangpu Ancient Salt Fields (洋浦千年古盐田)
Distance from Chengmai: About 2 hours by car (or high-speed rail to Yangpu plus taxi)
Best for: Culture seekers, photographers, off-the-beaten-path explorers
On the western coast of Hainan, near Yangpu, lie salt fields that have been in use for over 1,200 years. Unlike the flat salt pans you might imagine, these are hundreds of volcanic stone basins carved into the shoreline, where seawater evaporates under the sun to leave behind salt crystals.
Local salt farmers still work these fields using traditional methods, and in 2026 the site remains refreshingly low-key compared to Hainan's major attractions. There is no flashy visitor center — just the sea, the stones, and the workers. It is a powerful reminder of how long people have lived off this island's resources.
Practical tip: This is a longer day trip, so start early. Combine it with a seafood lunch in Yangpu town. The best light for photography is late afternoon, but check tide times — at high tide the basins are submerged.
5. Dongzhai Port Mangrove Nature Reserve (东寨港红树林保护区)
Distance from Chengmai: About 1.5 hours by car
Best for: Nature lovers, birdwatchers, families
Dongzhai Port, northeast of Haikou, protects one of China's largest and most important mangrove forests. A boat tour through the mangroves reveals a labyrinth of green tunnels, home to egrets, herons, mudskippers, and crabs. The reserve is also a living laboratory for coastal protection and sustainable tourism.
In 2026, the reserve offers boardwalk trails and small electric boats, making it accessible for all ages. It is a peaceful, educational contrast to Hainan's beach scene, and a great option if you have already had your fill of sand and sun.
Practical tip: Bring insect repellent and sun protection. The boat tours typically last 40–60 minutes and cost around 80–120 RMB per person. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
6. Danzhou Dongpo Academy and Songtao Reservoir (儋州东坡书院与松涛水库)
Distance from Chengmai: 1.5–2 hours by car
Best for: History and literature fans, scenic drives
Danzhou, west of Chengmai, is home to the Dongpo Academy, a memorial to the Song dynasty poet Su Dongpo, who was exiled to Hainan in the 11th century. The academy is a serene complex of halls, gardens, and stone inscriptions that offers a window into Hainan's literary history.
Nearby, Songtao Reservoir is one of Hainan's largest man-made lakes, surrounded by rolling hills and rubber plantations. A drive around the reservoir makes for a scenic afternoon, with several viewpoints and local restaurants serving freshwater fish.
Practical tip: This trip pairs well with a stop at the Hainan Tropical Botanical Garden in Danzhou if you have time. The roads are good, but a car or hired driver is essential — public transport to these sites is limited.
How to Get Around Chengmai for Day Trips
By car: Renting a car is the most flexible option. International visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus a translation or a temporary Chinese driving permit, which can be arranged through some rental agencies in Haikou. In 2026, major rental companies like eHi and CAR Inc. operate from Haikou Meilan Airport and Haikou East Railway Station.
By high-speed rail: The Hainan West Line connects Chengmai to Haikou, Danzhou, and other west coast towns. Trains are clean, punctual, and cheap. Book via the Railway 12306 app or at station counters with your passport.
By taxi and ride-hailing: Didi and Gaode are widely used in Chengmai and Haikou. For longer day trips, consider hiring a driver for the day (typically 400–600 RMB for 8 hours), which is often more economical than multiple one-way rides.
By bus: Local buses connect Chengmai's towns, but for tourist attractions, buses are slow and infrequent. Use them for short hops, not full day trips.
Practical Tips for International Visitors
Language: English is not widely spoken in Chengmai. Download a translation app (Pleco, Google Translate with offline Chinese) and save your destinations in Chinese characters. Hotel staff in larger properties may speak some English.
Money: Mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay) is standard. Link an international card before you arrive, or carry cash for smaller vendors. ATMs are available in Jinjiang and at larger hotels.
Weather: Chengmai has a tropical monsoon climate. The best months for day trips are November to April, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is lower. May to October is hot, humid, and prone to typhoons — always check forecasts before heading out.
What to pack: Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle. For volcanic and salt field trips, bring a light rain jacket.
Etiquette: When visiting villages and religious sites, dress modestly and ask before photographing people. Tipping is not customary in China.
Suggested Day Trip Itineraries from Chengmai
One-day coffee and culture: Morning at Fushan Coffee Cultural Tourism Area, lunch in Jinjiang, afternoon visit to Chengmai's local market and Meilang Twin Pagodas (美榔双塔), a rare Yuan dynasty pair of stone pagodas.
One-day volcano and city: Morning hike at Rongtang Volcanic Village, afternoon in Haikou's Qilou Old Street, dinner at a seafood night market.
One-day west coast adventure: Early start for Yangpu Ancient Salt Fields, seafood lunch in Yangpu, return via Danzhou's Dongpo Academy.
One-day nature escape: Dongzhai Port Mangrove Nature Reserve in the morning, followed by a relaxed afternoon at a Chengmai hot spring resort — Chengmai is known for its thermal springs, a perfect way to end a day of exploring.
Final Thoughts
Chengmai may not be on the standard international tourist trail in 2026, but that is precisely its charm. From coffee-scented plantations to 1,200-year-old salt fields, the day trips and nearby excursions around Chengmai offer a slower, richer, and more authentic Hainan. Use this guide to plan your itinerary, pack smart, and give yourself permission to wander. The longevity town's secrets are best discovered one day trip at a time.