Danzhou is located in the northwestern part of Hainan Island, bordering the Beibu Gulf. It has a tropical monsoon climate, warm and humid year-round, with an average annual temperature of 23-26°C. It is one of the earliest administrative regions established on Hainan Island.
Danzhou, anciently called Dan'er, has a long history dating back to the Western Han Dynasty when Dan'er Prefecture was established in 110 BC. The great Song Dynasty literary figure Su Shi was exiled here for three years, spreading Central Plains culture and leaving a profound cultural legacy.
Danzhou boasts unique culture, including folk arts like Danzhou Tiaosheng (folk antiphonal singing) and folk songs. Its cuisine is famous for seafood and local snacks, such as Danzhou Zongzi (rice dumplings), Changpo Milian (rice noodles), and Guangcun Sand Worms, with rich flavors.
Modern Danzhou relies on the Yangpu Economic Development Zone for industries like petrochemicals and port logistics, while also promoting tourism. The Haihua Island tourism complex has become a new landmark, and the city's landscape is changing rapidly.
The best time to visit 儋州 is November to April (dry season).
Danzhou is in the tropics and can be visited year-round, but the best time is from November to April during the dry season, when the weather is cool and less rainy, suitable for outdoor activities.
From May to October is the rainy season, often with typhoons, but rain concentrates in the afternoon; mornings and evenings are still fine for sightseeing, and there are fewer tourists with lower accommodation prices.
The Spring Festival is a peak tourist season, offering local New Year customs, but advance booking is recommended.
In 110 BC, Emperor Wu of Han established Dan'er and Zhuya commanderies on Hainan Island, incorporating Danzhou into the Central Plains dynasty's territory.
The Song Dynasty literary giant Su Shi was exiled to Danzhou, where he lectured and spread culture, profoundly influencing Danzhou's education.
The State Council approved the establishment of the Yangpu Economic Development Zone, making Danzhou a frontier of Hainan's reform and opening up, with rapid economic growth.
Recommended places to visit
Built in memory of Su Shi, located in Zhonghe Town, it is Danzhou's most cultural attraction, featuring Zai Jiu Pavilion and Qin Shuai Hall.
A large artificial island tourism complex invested by Evergrande Group, integrating hotels, theme parks, and shopping, with brilliant night views.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
A form of folk antiphonal singing in Danzhou, with beautiful melodies, inscribed in 2006 as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Danzhou currently has no civil airport. Fly to Haikou Meilan International Airport or Sanya Phoenix International Airport, then transfer by high-speed rail or bus to Danzhou.
Reference: Bus from Haikou to Danzhou about 50 RMB, high-speed rail about 40 RMB
Hainan's round-island high-speed rail passes through Danzhou, with Baimajing and Yintan stations, providing convenient access to Haikou, Sanya, etc.
High-speed rail: Danzhou-Haikou about 40 RMB, Danzhou-Sanya about 80 RMB
Danzhou city has bus routes covering major attractions and urban areas, fare 1-5 RMB, also taxis and ride-hailing services.
Bus fare 1-5 RMB, taxi starting fare 8 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Danzhou specialty zongzi, filled with glutinous rice, pork, salted egg yolk, wrapped in phrynium leaves, soft and savory.
A specialty snack from Changpo Town, made from rice noodles, topped with garlic oil, peanuts, bean sprouts, smooth and refreshing.
Located at Bayi Farm, a natural karst cave with spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and stone flowers, accessible by boat.
Located in the city center, an antique-style building offering panoramic views of the city, a new landmark of Danzhou.
Located on Yangpu Peninsula, a traditional solar salt field dating back to the Tang Dynasty, still in use, showcasing ancient salt-making techniques.
A specialty of Guangcun Town, sand worms are a marine product with crisp tender meat, can be stir-fried or in soup, delicious.
A snack made from chicken manure vine leaf juice and glutinous rice flour, believed to clear heat and detoxify, soft with herbal aroma.
Coastal specialty of Danzhou, red fish salted and dried, firm meat, can be steamed or braised, savory and goes well with rice.