If you're seeking to experience authentic Asian culture and the sea in one holiday, there's a solution! The Island of Long-Livers, All-Chinese Sanatorium, Tropical Paradise, Coconut Garden – these all describe Hainan, an island located south of China, in the South China Sea. Hainan translates as ‘South Sea’ and lies on the same latitude as Hawaii. As such, it’s often referred to as the ‘Eastern Hawaii’. Many centenarians live on the island, thanks to its excellent ecological conditions and climate, fresh air, and clean water. In addition to stunning beaches and a gorgeous sea, the island boasts a variety of landmarks and attractions, allowing you to lift the veil on Chinese culture and gain a deeper understanding of the mentality of this wise and industrious nation.
Peace, Tranquillity, and Connection with the Eternal in the Nanshan Buddhist Culture Park
The Celestial Empire's concept of wisdom is closely tied to the Buddhist religion: one of the main tenets of Buddhism is attaining enlightenment through personal experience. Therefore, your journey should begin at the Nanshan Buddhist Culture Park, situated in a picturesque location surrounded by green mountains and tropical forests. This park symbolises the quest for understanding one’s inner world and finding harmony with nature and oneself. You’ll encounter lotus-filled ponds, bridges leading to temples, and traditional Chinese lanterns that add a magical, peaceful, and tranquil atmosphere.
The complex can be accessed through the Pearly Gates, a giant arch and fine example of traditional Chinese architecture. Beyond the gates lies a vast space featuring beautiful parks and temples, with the main one being the Nanshan Temple, located atop a hill. The temple houses a monument of the Future Buddha, who, according to beliefs, will one day arrive on Earth, where everyone will live in peace and harmony. The most notable structure is the three-faced goddess of mercy, Guanyin, regarded as a protector from misfortune. The goddess holds a book, prayer beads, and a lotus, symbolising peace, wisdom, and mercy. Standing at 108 metres tall, the statue is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest statue on the planet.
Guanyin stands on an artificial island, accessed by a bridge. At the base of the statue is a temple containing another statue of Guanyin, which holds Buddha's ashes. This statue is made of gold and encrusted with precious stones such as sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, rubies, and pearls. It’s commonly known that calmness contributes to longevity. The Buddhist culture park features a special valley where portraits of supercentenarians are displayed. While wandering there, you’ll notice numerous turtles' skulls, which are associated with longevity. You can also tie red ribbons at a designated spot, imbuing them with special power. This ritual ensures happiness and contentment throughout your life.
A Man's Best Friend? A Monkey, of Course!
For centuries, the Chinese have believed that worshipping monkeys promotes longevity, health, and success. As a result, they are treated with great respect. The public-protected Nanwan Reserve was created especially for monkeys, who are its true inhabitants. You can reach Monkey Island by cable car, which travels at a speed of 6 m/s over a distance of more than 2,000 metres. The journey itself is an adventure, offering spectacular views along the way. From this great height, you can see coconut palms, sandy beaches, and numerous pearl plantations. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by an unusual monument: a monkey posed like Rodin’s ‘Thinker’, sitting atop a stack of Darwin’s books. In one paw, the monkey holds a human skull; in the other – a compass for measuring heads.
The area is covered in broadleaf forests and shrubs, with flowers and fruit growing all year round. Amidst this riot of colours, approximately 2,000 macaques roam freely. They wander the territory, allowing you to observe their natural behaviour: sunbathing, swinging in hammocks, and strolling along narrow paths.
Monkeys are known not only for their friendliness but also for their curiosity and sociability. They are very active and may even snatch something valuable from your bag if you’re not careful!
Tianya Haijiao: The Edge of the Sky, the Edge of the Sea
Monkeys feature prominently in Chinese mythology. According to one story, on his travels, the monkey king Sun Wukong stopped at the southernmost province of China – on the coast of Hainan – and named the place ‘The Edge of the Sky, the Edge of the Sea’. The Tianya Haijiao Park truly does feel like the end of the world: here, towering rocks and cliffs stretch out into the ocean, creating the sensation that beyond lies nothing but the vast azure sea.
The park’s main attractions are the giant boulders, each linked to a legend. Every boulder resembles an animal or a mythical creature. One of the cliffs is shaped like an elephant’s trunk, and visitors can climb it. From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape, forget your worries, and breathe in the fresh, clean sea air – another secret of longevity.
A Sound Mind in a Sound Body
Achieving harmony between body and mind, and between humanity and nature, is the third key to longevity. This can be supported by traditional Chinese medicine, which includes herbal treatments, acupuncture, therapeutic massage (Tui Na), Gua Sha, foot massages, and cupping therapy. These methods are particularly effective when combined with nature’s gifts, such as thermal springs.
The island is home to many, ranging from radon to sodium-potassium springs. Nantian Thermal Springs are among the best, boasting around 36 springs with healing waters of various temperatures and compositions. Soaking in these thermal springs can improve circulation, reduce stress, and enhance skin health. The minerals in the water may also help treat various ailments. Perhaps the combination of all these factors is the true recipe for Chinese longevity.
Wrap Up: Our Reasons to Visit Hainan
If you’re looking for a healing holiday in Hainan, look no further than hotelin.com. This hotel price comparison website is an excellent tool for finding accommodation anywhere in the world. Visit the website to browse a wide range of options, from budget-friendly to luxury stays, and compare prices across several booking platforms. By using hotelin.com, you make the selection process easier and more enjoyable. Rather than checking multiple booking platforms, you can view all your options in one place. Have a wonderful holiday in Hainan, China!
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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