The coastline of Hainan, an island province in southern China, stretches for 1,528 kilometers, along which are scattered the most generous of nature's gifts — 68 beautiful bays. Now, thanks to the recently opened Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway, more visitors and residents are able to experience the diversity and charm of all of these bays. In honor of World Oceans Day, HIMC has compiled a list of five of Hainan's most special bays. If you are in Hainan, why not hop in the car or on a train or bus and come feast your eyes?

The First Bay Under Heaven:

Yalong Bay, Sanya

In addition to paddling in Yalong Bay's stunningly clear water, you can also experience a variety of water sports and underwater activities here, as well as unique resort hotels.

Surfing Mecca:

Riyue Bay, Wanning

Riyue Bay boasts China's best surfing conditions and infrastructure; it's no wonder that this is where international surfing competitions are held every December.

Divine Chess Pieces:

Qizi Bay, Changjiang

This is the only bay in Hainan that retains its original natural state. Here, you can enjoy a forest of strange rocks of various shapes, said to chess pieces thrown down from heaven by the immortals.

Sunset Beach:

Longmu Bay, Ledong

Many of Hainan's more well-known bays are on its east coast, but this bay boasts the island's best sunset views thanks to it facing due west.

Sea Forest:

Dongzhaigang Bay, Haikou

Dongzhai Port was the first mangrove conservation area established in China. The bay has more than 17 square kilometers of marine mangrove forest, among which can be found over 60% of China's total mangrove species.

(Photos: Hainan Daily)