As waves of sweltering summer heat sweep across the land, the mountains and rainforests of central Hainan maintain a cool temperature of around 25 degrees Celcius year round. The dense, shady forests, deep valleys, and rushing waterfalls combine to create a ‘natural air conditioner’ in the secluded green havens that lie hidden in the island’s heart.

For adventurous travelers, the Wuzhishan Red Canyon offers a 3.8-kilometer-long rapids experience with a total of nearly a 100-meter drop along the total course, which alternates between rapids and gentle waterways. Meanwhile, the thick jungle vegetation of the rainforest on both banks provides ample shade. At the Yanoda Rainforest Park, hikers can traverse streams, climb up the Lian'en Waterfall, and be awed by the unique beauty of the wild rainforest.

For those in search of tranquility and healing, the deepest parts of the rainforest offer the best wellness solutions. The Sanya Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, nestled between the mountains and the sea, boasts exceptionally clear air with high concentrations of healing negative oxygen ions. A leisurely stroll along the boardwalk offers panoramic views of the blue sea and sky. Wuzhi Mountain, known as the "Roof of Hainan," is part of the island’s tropical rainforest national park, bringing visitors total relaxation and rejuvenation thanks to the consistently warm, humid microclimate, plunging valleys, and untouched forests. In Baoting you’ll find the rainforest is dotted with natural hot springs, with the selenium-rich hot springs of Qixianling Hot Spring National Forest Park providing the perfect wellness experience in a breathtakingly beautiful environment.

Hikers will be delighted by the rainforest trails of Hainan. The boardwalks that wind through the Wuzhishan Tropical Rainforest Scenic Area pass by tall trees reaching heights of over 30 meters tall, as well as all kinds of natural rainforest wonders, such as fresh flowers bursting directly from gnarled, ancient tree trunks, strangler figs, aerial ferns hanging down from the heights, and many more unique, fascinating sights. The Bawangling Yajia Scenic Area features six different themed hiking trails that showcase the stunning Yajia Waterfall, a variety of rock formations, caves, and the dense rainforest environment filled with many wild species found nowhere else on earth.

The coolest places in the rainforest are definitely the many waterfalls, each offering a unique, scenic vista and cool misty sprays. The Qiongzhong Baihualing Tropical Rainforest Park boasts a forest coverage rate exceeding 90%. Within, a three-tiered waterfall cascades down from an altitude of 700 meters. Along the Baihualing Cloud Ladder, the splashing water creates an ideal spot for stream tracing and other fun water activities. The Fengguoshan Waterfall Group in Lingshui Diaoluoshan National Forest Park thunders down a total of 350 meters, earning it the title of "Hainan's No. 1 Waterfall." The park also features hundreds of other waterfalls of varying sizes. The Lingao Guyin Waterfall is hidden deep within the forest, its cascading waters creating a refreshing misty atmosphere. The waterfall is bracketed by rocks of different shapes and sizes and ancient trees with gnarled roots, creating a uniquely wild beauty.

Pro tip - during your summer rainforest vacation, wear quick-dry clothing and non-slip sports shoes, and don’t forget your bug spray and sunscreen! Early morning is the best time for hiking. The cool morning mists and sea of clouds make the perfect cool start to the day!

Thanks to the new scenic highway that encircles the tropical rainforest national park, driving through the green ocean of central Hainan is truly bliss. This summer, why not escape into the cool tropical rainforests of Hainan, where you’ll enjoy a cool, comfortable summer vacation filled with gentle breezes, clear flowing streams, and plenty of healing fresh air?