Things To Do
in Bo’ao
Bo’ao is a small coastal town on Hainan Island known for its breezy seaside atmosphere and vibrant seafood scene. It hosts the high-profile Boao Forum for Asia, which adds a cosmopolitan energy to the tranquil shores. Beyond the conference center, the town offers beaches, mangroves, and a laid-back waterfront life that appeals to nature lovers and foodies alike.
With a tropical climate and easy access to rural villages, Bo’ao serves as a relaxed base for exploring eastern Hainan.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the Bo’ao Forum for Asia, a prominent international conference center. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds, taking in the modern architecture and serene environment. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café while discussing the significance of the forum’s role in regional cooperation.
After your morning tour, head to the nearby Bo’ao Aquarium to explore its fascinating marine life exhibits. Spend some time learning about various aquatic species native to the South China Sea and their ecosystems. Indulge in a seafood lunch at a local restaurant, savoring fresh catches from the waters surrounding Bo’ao.
As the sun sets, take a relaxing walk along the scenic coastline of Bo’ao, enjoying the gentle sea breeze. Visit a local night market where you can sample delicious street food and shop for unique souvenirs. Conclude your evening with a drink at a beachfront bar, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Begin your day at the picturesque Jiuqu River Beach, where you can soak up the morning sun on the golden sands. Engage in thrilling water sports like jet skiing or banana boat rides, making the most of the beautiful coastal setting. Recharge with a refreshing coconut drink from a nearby vendor.
After lunch at a beachfront café, join a guided snorkeling tour to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Spend the afternoon swimming alongside tropical fish and marveling at the underwater scenery. Return to the beach for some leisure time, sunbathing or playing beach volleyball with fellow travelers.
As evening approaches, prepare for a seaside barbecue dinner where you can grill fresh seafood and enjoy a variety of local dishes. Gather around a bonfire with fellow travelers, sharing stories and laughter under the stars. Wind down with a peaceful stroll along the shoreline, listening to the gentle waves lapping at the beach.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥤Soft drink or bottled water | $1-2 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🏨Hotel per night (budget) | $25-60 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short distance) | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed coastal atmosphere with easy access to nature
- Coastal seafood cuisine and tropical fruits are readily available
- Close to notable cultural and medical tourism zones like Boao Lecheng
- Accessible from major airports with reasonable travel times
- Limited nightlife and few large-scale entertainment options
- Public transport within Bo’ao is modest; depends on taxis or rideshares
- Seasonal weather can bring heat, humidity, and typhoon considerations
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问洗手间在哪儿？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "这个多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "你会说英语吗？" - Do you speak English?
- "我想要这个" - I would like this
- "请给我一杯水" - Water, please
- "很高兴认识你" - Nice to meet you
Places to Visit in Bo’ao
Visit one of these nice places.
A long coastal boardwalk perfect for sunrise and blue-hour shots with the South China Sea as a backdrop.
Wide sandy shoreline ideal for silhouette and golden-hour photography with boats and palm silhouettes in the foreground.
Colorful boats, nets, and local activity provide dynamic foregrounds for documentary-style coastal photography.
Modern architecture along the water offers striking lines and reflections during blue hour.
Shaded, reflective waterways with mangroves; best for serene landscape and nature-close portraits.
Food in Bo’ao
Bo’ao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Boiled, lightly seasoned chicken served with a ginger-scallion sauce and steamed rice; a signature dish of the region found across Bo’ao’s eateries.
Must-Try!
Grilled or steamed fish, crab, and shellfish sourced from the local waters, often accompanied by garlic, scallions, and lime.
Fragrant rice cooked with coconut milk, commonly paired with seafood and light vegetable dishes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively spot to sample grilled seafood skewers, fried fish, coconut water, and fresh tropical fruits from local vendors.
Evening stalls along the promenade offer quick bites like skewers, fried seafood, steamed buns, and refreshing fruit desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A brief handshake or nod is common; address elders with politeness and avoid loud behavior in public spaces and religious or cultural sites.
Remove shoes when entering some homes or traditional spaces if asked; use polite phrases like 'Ni hao' (Hello) and 'Xie xie' (Thank you).
Ask for permission when photographing people in intimate settings or local markets; avoid flash in temples or sacred areas.
Safety
Tipping in Bo’ao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not widely expected in everyday Chinese dining, but small tips (5-10 CNY) for exceptional service at tourist-oriented spots are appreciated. In larger international hotels or premium services, tipping may be more common.
Cash (RMB) is widely accepted. Mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay are ubiquitous and often preferred; some larger merchants and hotels may accept cards, but cash/phone payments are safest.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid days with frequent afternoon showers. Typhoon season can bring occasional strong winds; carry sun protection and a light rain jacket.
Warm and comfortable with lower humidity; pleasant for outdoor activities and photography in the late afternoon.
Mild and dry by coastal standards; cooler evenings but generally comfortable for beach walks and markets.
Gentle warmth and blooming tropical flora; great for outdoor exploration and photography along the coast.
Bo’ao at Night
Hiking in Bo’ao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, scenic coastal trail ideal for sunrise or sunset photography and relaxed hikes along the shoreline.
A gentle inland route through rural landscapes and waterway scenery, suitable for a half-day excursion from Bo’ao.
Airports
How to reach Bo’ao by plane.
Main gateway to northern Hainan; about a 2.5–3.5 hour drive to Bo’ao depending on traffic and route via the coastal highway.
Major southern Hainan airport; roughly a 3.5–5 hour drive to Bo’ao via highways and coastal roads.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Han Chinese with a growing influx of visitors and tourism workers; communities along the coast rely on fishing and hospitality services.
Domestic and international travelers attracted by seaside scenery, seafood, and the Boao Forum area; facilities cater to varying budgets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Swimming, snorkeling (seasonal), kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular along Bo’ao’s coast.
Casual games on the beach occur in the evenings and on weekends.
Coastal promenades attract runners and walkers, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bo’ao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes are vegetable-forward or can be prepared without meat stock. Ask for no fish stock and request tofu-based options or stir-fried vegetables with rice.