Living Guide: After 3 Years in Hainan, I Swapped Sanya for Chengmai

When it comes to living in Hainan for an extended period, many people's first reaction is Sanya. However, after actually living on Hainan Island for three years and traveling from south to north and east to west, what I most want to recommend is this county town in the northwest of Hainan Island—Chengmai, Hainan. Here are the reasons:

Good Ecology: High-quality water and soil, with selenium-rich soil and water sources, making local fruits and vegetables naturally healthy.
World Longevity Township: It ranks among the top in the number of centenarians.
No Severe Cold in Winter: The annual average temperature is 25°C, which is warm, moist, and comfortable.
Low Cost of Living: Rent and commodity prices are far lower than in Sanya, resulting in less pressure for long-term stays.
Close to the Provincial Capital Haikou: It is adjacent to Haikou's West Coast, so you are not cut off from urban resources.
Beautiful Natural Scenery: The sea, beaches, and coconut groves are no worse than those in Sanya. Additionally, there are ancient villages, wetlands, volcanic rock coasts, hot springs, coffee, and farms. The natural and cultural scenery is even more pleasant.

This time, I chose Yingbin Peninsula in Chengmai, which is surrounded by the sea on three sides, and checked into a wellness apartment that includes room and board.

Apartment Details

The apartment is located at Peninsula · Twin Bays (Bandao Shuanghaiwan) on West Yongqing Avenue in Chengmai County. It is positioned primarily for wellness and recuperation, catering to medium-to-long-term stays. The core highlights are as follows:

Environment & Facilities: The residential area is lush with greenery and equipped with its own hot springs, chess and card rooms, ping pong tables, etc., making daily leisure convenient; some guest rooms are approximately 56㎡ with excellent lighting, and some feature sea-view balconies, ensuring comfortable living.

Room Facilities: Rooms are approximately 58 square meters, spacious and airy with balconies. They are fully furnished with home appliances and furniture, and provide 24-hour hot and cold water.
Convenient Transportation: There is a bus stop within 300 meters, providing access to Haikou's West Coast and Chengmai's Old Town (Laocheng); it is 9 kilometers from Haikou Station and 43 kilometers from Meilan Airport, making round trips convenient.
Surrounding Facilities: There are supermarkets and restaurants within a 1-kilometer walking distance, making purchasing and dining convenient; there are multiple hospitals within 4 kilometers, making wellness stays more reassuring.
Core Advantage: High cost-performance ratio; some packages are as low as 79 RMB/person/day including three meals, so you don't need to worry about meal planning.

Travel & Entertainment

Chengmai Specialties

Chengmai cuisine focuses on selenium-rich and light flavors, making it suitable for people seeking wellness and recuperation. Here are some nearby recommendations:

1. Must-Eat Specialties

Bailian Goose: The "Baiqie" (poached/boiled) preparation is the classic method; it is light and flavorful. Liqun Bailian Goose Old Shop is recommended.
Fushan Roasted Suckling Pig: Crispy skin and tender meat. It is about 20 kilometers from the apartment, so you can visit along the way for a taste.
Yongfa Suckling Goat: Delicious taste with a light preparation method, suitable for people on wellness stays to supplement nutrition.

2. Snacks and Specialties

Daily Snacks: Hainan Rice Noodles (Hainan Fen), Yiguo (glutinous rice cakes), and Qingbuliang (sweet dessert soup). They are light, refreshing, and suitable for breakfast or as a snack.
Selenium-Rich Specialties: Qiaotou Selenium-Rich Sweet Potatoes, Fushan Coffee, Ruixi Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), etc., which make great souvenirs.

Chengmai Attractions

Luoyi Ancient Village: An ancient courier station built during the Southern Song Dynasty, preserving hundreds of ancient volcanic stone houses and stone-paved lanes.

Meilang Twin Pagodas: Built in the Yuan Dynasty, these are the most complete ancient pagodas remaining in Hainan from the Song Dynasty.

Fushan Coffee Town: Taste authentic Fushan coffee and experience pastoral leisure.

Yongqing Temple: Located on Yingbin Peninsula, where you can pay homage to the Buddha and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Hongshuwan Wetland Park: Observe mangroves and flamingos; it is a natural oxygen bar.

Baoliang Ancient Village: An internet-famous ancient village with over 300 years of history, featuring a unique style.

Jinshan Temple: A famous local blessing site; climbing up offers a panoramic view of the entire Jinjiang urban area.

Yubao Port: A "Red Tourism" site built to commemorate the PLA's crossing and landing operation. It is a port built on a cliff with magnificent sea views.

Leigong Island: A niche internet-famous spot featuring a unique landscape of "half sea, half volcanic rock."