Danzhou is a city in Hainan Province, known for attractions such as Ocean Flower Island, Dongpo Academy, and the Shihua Water Tunnel. Ocean Flower Island is a large resort area with a theme park and cultural sites. Dongpo Academy is a historic site where the poet Su Shi once taught. The Shihua Water Tunnel is a natural cave formation. The city center is located at approximately 109.58°E, 19.52°N.
Overview
Danzhou features the large resort Ocean Flower Island, historic Dongpo Academy where Su Shi taught, and the Shihua Water Tunnel cave.
Ideal Pace
2-3 days
Seasonal Window
November–April: dry and mild
Overview
Danzhou in Hainan offers Ocean Flower Island resort, Dongpo Academy historical site, and Shihua Water Tunnel cave.
Getting There & Around
Attractions are in eastern suburbs; city center serves as hub. Taxis and buses available.
Transportation
Danzhou's attractions are spread across the city. Ocean Flower Island and the Dongpo Cultural Tourism Area are located in the eastern suburbs. The city center serves as a central point for accessing these sites. Local transportation options include taxis and buses, but specific routes are not detailed in available sources.
Practical Information
Ocean Flower Island needs 1-2 days; Ocean Paradise theme park 3-4 hours; Dongpo Academy 1 hour; Shihua Water Tunnel 1.5-2 hours.
Practical Info
Visitors to Danzhou should note that Ocean Flower Island recommends a stay of 1-2 days, while the Ocean Paradise theme park requires 3-4 hours. Dongpo Academy can be visited in about 1 hour. The Shihua Water Tunnel tour takes 1.5-2 hours. It is advisable to plan accordingly.
Top Experiences
Ocean Flower Island resort complex, Haihua Island Ocean Paradise polar park, Dongpo Academy lecture site of poet Su Shi.
Danzhou offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions.
- Ocean Flower Island is a large resort complex with entertainment, shopping, and dining options.
- Haihua Island Tongshi World Ocean Paradise features a polar marine park with beluga whales, sea lions, and dolphins.
- Dongpo Academy, a historic lecture site of poet Su Shi, provides cultural insight.
- Shihua Water Tunnel is a natural cave over one million years old.
Best Time to Visit
Tropical monsoon climate. Dry season Nov–Apr is mild with less rain; rainy season May–Oct has humidity and typhoons.
Danzhou has a tropical monsoon climate. The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April, when weather is mild and rainfall is low. The rainy season from May to October can bring high humidity and typhoons. Specific seasonal events are not detailed in available sources.
Attraction Highlights
Ocean Flower Island, Haihua Island Ocean Paradise, Dongpo Academy, Danzhou Dongpo Cultural Tourism Area, Shihua Water Tunnel.
Ocean Flower Island
Ocean Flower Island is a large cultural tourist resort in Danzhou, covering 7.8 square kilometers. It features attractions such as a water kingdom, ocean paradise, museums, theaters, shopping streets, and botanical gardens. The resort is open year-round, 24/7, and is suitable for a 1-2 day visit.
Haihua Island Tongshi World Ocean Paradise
Haihua Island Tongshi World Ocean Paradise is a large polar marine park on Ocean Flower Island. It covers 130,000 square meters and includes three ecological zones: polar world, tropical rainforest, and deep-sea dream. The park features beluga whales, sea lions, penguins, polar bears, and dolphins, and offers interactive experiences. It is currently reopening soon.
Dongpo Academy
Dongpo Academy is where the celebrated poet Su Shi lectured after his demotion to Danzhou. The site retains its ancient charm, displaying inscriptions and artifacts that evoke a scholarly atmosphere. Su Shi founded a school here to teach poetry and spread Central Plains culture. Today, the main hall and adjacent rooms house many of his manuscripts.
Danzhou Dongpo Cultural Tourism Area
Located in the eastern suburbs of Zhonghe Town, this cultural zone marks where Su Dongpo taught during his three-year exile. The original Zaijiutang, built on the site of a local residence, served as his lecture hall. The name 'Zaijiutang' derives from a classical allusion meaning 'carrying wine and food to study'. The area preserves the legacy of Su Dongpo's educational contributions.
Shihua Water Tunnel
Shihua Water Tunnel is a rare natural cave over one million years old. The resort includes an inner cave, stone forest, and tropical orchard. Inside, stalactites of various shapes adorn the cave, along with small, dense, exotic cave flowers blooming on the walls.
Ocean Flower Island Botanic Garden
The Rare and Characteristic Botanical Garden on Ocean Flower Island spans about 74,000 square metres. It combines rare plant viewing, flower events, theme activities, and science education. The park features five areas and a museum, including a main entrance with restaurants and shops. Over 200 plant species are on display, including more than 40 rare varieties such as the Maitreya Buddha tree and rubber fig, gathered from tropical regions worldwide.
Fairyland Ocean Park
Fairyland Ocean Park, also known as Haihua Island Water Kingdom, is a world-class water park located on Haihua Island in Danzhou. Spanning 110,000 square meters, it features 18 rides including a 6,000-square-metre wave pool, multimedia snow-capped mountains, and a drifting river. It is one of the few water parks globally with a panoramic sightseeing cableway. The park is currently closed for maintenance and will reopen on July 22 at 2:00 PM.
Ocean Flower Island Springs Resort
Ocean Flower Island Springs Resort, or the Five Countries Hot Spring City, brings together hot spring cultures from Thailand, Japan, Turkey, Italy, and Finland. It offers over 120 themed hot spring pools, 50 health SPA rooms, and 23 special bath houses. The resort features deep seabed alkaline hot springs and unique massage techniques. It is currently closed for maintenance and will reopen on July 22 at 2:30 PM.