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For the traveling tourist landmarks and monuments of Lingshui County are best divided by location. The locations are easy to comprehend especially after having read our general introduction to Lingshui Li Autonomous County and when making use of the available geographic maps in order to form a mental image of the situation of the County along the South China Sea Coastline.
The regions to divided the various places to visit are as follows; Lingshui Town (Yelin District) proper, subsequently Xincun Harbor Town, Yingzhou Town, Li An Port Town and last but not least the tropical and mountainous interior of Lingshui County. Far less accessible and mostly comprised of agricultural villages the latter is the least visited part of the county even today.
Landmarks of Lingshui Town are:
- Houshan Miao
The only monastery in the town of Lingshui and wider County. There is however no information available on this Monastery.
- Lingshui Cultural and Sports Square:
Is a modern square up in the north of Yelin Town (Lingshui) which among things features some modern architecture and sits south adjacent the soccer stadium, a badminton stadium and an outdoor swimming pool.
- (Lingshui Train Station):
Part of the Hainan Eastern Ring High-Speed Railway with connections in the direction Yalong Bay and Sanya or otherwise Wanning County-Level City to the north and ultimately to Haikou. The station is a standardized type building fully modern as one may find strung along what will soon be a railroad encircling the entire island.
- Sansheng Temple and Leitang Sansheng Temple:
Are a Temple to the Goddess Mazu found due north-east of Yelin Town (Lingshui) on the north side of the Lingshui River along the road leading eastward to the coast. Although this Temples is marked on maps as Sansheng Temple, it is better understood as Temples dedicated to the Goddess Mazu, among things hailed as the protector Goddess of seafarers. In the world there are but some 2500 such Temples of which some 40 are found in China's Guangdong Province and Hainan Island. Lingshui County has two such Temples, including one in Yelin Town and another one in Gangpo Cun Fishing Port. The story of the Goddess Mazu is historically based on the person of a female Shaman operating on Meizhou Island in Fujian Province at some time in the late 10th century. Officially associated with Daoism but
There are no maps specific to Lingshui Li Autonomous County available at this Time. For most complete listing of available maps on Hainan Island, please refer to Hainan Island Maps Index via below button.
Asia Report - Map of Hainan Island Province including South China Sea Prefecture
This Google supported Satellite Map provides a clear overview of Hainan Island Province of the Peoples Republic of China, including its South China Sea Prefecture. Map of the South China Sea further includes parts of Taiwan and coastline, Gulf of Tonkin, coastline of Vietnam, Brunei, Borneo (Malaysia), and western Philippines.
Marked on the map for orientation are the names of major National Capitals, locally relevant cities, several towns and villages, names of oceans, islands in the South China Sea, as well as locations of interest such as naval bases, artificial islands, airfields, tourism locations, etc.
Browse the map and follow the links to more information, maps and photos of each location.
Yingzhou
Xincun
Overview Map of Lingshui Li Autonomous County (2016) and parts of adjacent territories highlighting the main geographical features of especially the coastline. With the interior hilly, forested, tropical and devout of infrastucture or tourist attractions most holiday makers remain near the beach and coast of Lingshui Bay in the south. - Click Map image to go to Full Version.
Lingshui
Li An
Lingshui Bay
Perfume
Bay
Monkey Island is associated with the Nanwan Houdao Ecological Scenic Spot which is the tropical wildlife reserve which occupies Nanwan Peninsula virtually entire. The ecological protection zone is kept pristine and clean by considerable staff and the Nanwan is one of the best albeit it at times crowded places to get acquainted with local flora and fauna as found along the coast of Hainan Island and the South China Sea.
Yingzhou Town and Qingshuiwan Holiday Resort:
- Qingshuiwan Holiday Resort
- Qingshuiwan (Blue Water Bay) Golf Course
- Yetian Li and Miao Style Village (Yetian Li Ethnic Village)
The fake Li and Miao Ethnic Cultural Village at Yingzhou Town in the south of Lingshui County. Though artificial it is still fun and it is a mainstay location for food, fun and entertainment with a twist of learning about the minorities and former traditions of the island.
- Wanningwantou Islamic Cemetery (Tombs and Mausolea) of Lingshui Bay
Previously among the most popular and most visited landmarks of Lingshui County. Wanningwantou Islamic Cemetery today is among the most elusive locations to find. Previously a remote and relatively unprotected site right on the beach front of clear water bay (well outside of Yingzhou Town), today the site appears to have been swallowed up by the recent boom in the development of Holiday Resorts exactly in this area. The best location that can be given of this beachfront spot is that it lies west adjacent Zhuomeiya Qinsghuiwan Elegant Restaurant Hotel. It is unclear if the site still exists since it can not be readily recognized on available satellite imagery (see link to Satellite Image Map of Hainan Island at bottom of Page).
Although there is absolutely no specific information available on the Islamic Cemetery of Blue Water Bay Beach it likely is an original burial grounds of Islamic People who during the long gone era's of the Chinese Song Dynasty (960 AD - 1269 AD) and the following Mongolian Yuan Dynasty (1271 AD - 1368 AD) world Empire traveled across the sea's to the South China Sea, the Chinese Coast and also Taiwan and The Philippines (Manila). As is well known in these centuries a lively overseas trade merged between the Arabian Peninsula, the Persian Coastline and Indian Coastlines and China and Islands further out at Sea. Famous physical historical remnants of this period of blossoming of what has since been dubbed the maritime silk road, include the Grand Mosque of Quanzhou, which was then known as Zaitun, the largest Chinese Trading Port in the period 1087 AD - 1368 AD (and declining into the Ming Dynasty). Today, Islamic Families, often qualified under the Ethnic banner of the Hui People still exists in Fujian Province and Quanzhou City. What is however far less known that other groups who have not necessarily been stamped with the official label of Hui ethnicity also widely exist along the coastline of Fujian Province as well as, among things, on Hainan Island.
As a engraved map of the Song Empire on a historic stone stele found at the Bei Lin Stele Museum (Former Confucius Temple) of the city Xi'An in Shaanxi Province reveals (Yu Ji Tu (禹迹图); Map of following in the foot steps (the tracks) of Yu ; commissioned in 1137 AD), at the time Hainan already counted the major settlements at Sanya and Haikou, and the Island was a strategic stop over point on along the maritime route up to the major port of Quanzhou. It is quite possible that shipwrecked families quite literally landed on the blue water bay beach and were left stranded there.
Thus, the cemetery is a collection of tombs and mausolea of overseas migrants who once came across the ocean and settled here on Hainan, to have their descendants slowly assimilate with the other population groups on the island. Due to the assimilation process tombs may or may not be oriented westward in the Islamic tradition.
- Fengche International Holiday Center
Is a holiday resort town.
- Lingshui Bay and Beach
- Zhuomeiya Qingshuiwan Elegant Restaurant Hotel
Is a resort and Restaurant facing the beach of Blue Water Bay and the larger Lingshui Bay.
Li An Harbor and Town:
- Li An Fishing Port
- Lingshui Li An Harbor Ocean Theme Park
To be opened in 2017 the Hainan Ocean Theme Park as it is popularly called will be the main entertainment venue for all of Lingshui County and its many high end brand resorts. The number of attractions at the theme park is to be truly staggering and outside of the park proper resorts will add more pools, shows and restaurants.
The Main Landmarks, Monuments and Scenic Sights of Lingshui County are:
- Baishui Ridge Tropical Forest Nature Reserve
Is one of the most remotely located attractions of Lingshui Li Autonomous County situated in the far north-western corner of the county well within the mountainous inner territories. Although listed as one of the popular day trip destinations, there is sparse information on what this reserve is about. There are as yet no available youtube video's. However as the name suggest the Nature Reserve is intended to preserve a natural habitat of local tropical trees, the most common of which are banana trees, coconut trees and bamboo, however a multitude of trees species and assorted species of birds live within this reserve. Other travelers recommend going there to see the pristine waterfalls and the tropical forest.
Find the reserve by following S305 Provincial road up to the area of Shijing Town of Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County. Just before crossing the border between the counties there is a turn off in the northern direction which leads to the mountain reserve.
- Fengguoshan Pubu (Scenic Spot)
- Boundary Island / Fenjie Zhou Dao
One of the most visited and renowned scenic locations is the boundary Island, which as its name suggests sits in the north west off the coast in Riyue Bay, exactly on the border with neighboring Wanning County-Level City. However, the true reason for its name is that the island (although situated off shore) is part of a watershed which runs through Hainan Island. All rain that falls on Hainan Island below this watershed line essentially flows southward or eastward into the South China Sea.
A ticket onshore distributes tickets to take a ferry to the Island, which has a little port, a lighthouse and quite the attractive little beach facing west towards the mainland of Hainan Island. Apart from the people, the flowers and birds and the very rare occasional sea turtle, there is nothing much there. The north side of the island is a dump, on the east side facing the ocean is no beach and the coast consists of rocky cliffs which do not allow for access to the (quite dangerous) waters below. Along the south east of the island is a small village of what appear to be holiday homes.
Gangpo Village (Gangpo Cun) with Gangpo Fishing Harbor:
Gangpo Village and Bay are situated to the south of the much more famous Perfume Bay Xiangshui Wan). Today it may be one of the most original feeling fishing villages along the Lingshui County Coastline. Apart from the ancient small town, the Gangpo River and its mouth at the beach forming a natural port there was until recently almost nothing.
Recently swollen in size Gangpo Port, the river mouth that is, has now been transformed into a fully concrete shaped harbor and river end with to the south of it the obligatory ∢development∢ by means of yet another luxury resort town.
- Gangpo Village Sansheng Temple
Gangpo Village Sansheng (Mazu) Temple is the ancient local Temple of the fishing village of Gangpo found along the coast of Riyue Bay in the north-east of Lingshui Li Autonomous County. Alike its counterpart outside of Lingshui Town it is dedicated to Mazu, (among things) protector Goddess of Seafarers. This Temple seems to have been recently rejuvinated or if you will restored.
- Diaoluo Mountain
Is not really a location proper but a large area of tropical forest reserve situated roughly north of Lingshui Town (Yelin District). The village of Diaoluo gives access to this mountainous area which mostly lies to the north of it. The Diaoluo Mountain is covered with thick tropical vegetation and has several minor county roads which allow for explorations up into the mountains. Its main scenic spot is the largest waterfall to be found on Hainan Island. The waterfall is found at the end of a long trail leading up the mountain, at the end of which there are 1700 stairs that lead up to the scenic spot proper. Altogether reaching it can be rather difficult.
There appear to be a few little lakes (at least one of them artificial). To the east of the mountains proper and about due north of Diaoluo Town lies the Xiamen Reservoir of the Liyue River held back by a large dam. The Xiamen Reservoir is not a recreational area and in order to preserve water quality boats are not allowed. There is however fishing possible on the steep and rocky lake shore.
Not only the forested mountains but the wider area are known as pleasurable surroundings for walking, hiking and bicycling.
Landmarks, Monuments and Hotspots of Xincun Harbor:
- Xin Village (Xin Cun) Port
Is natural port on the Lingshui Bay and beach giving access to the large inland lake known as the Nanwan (South Bay). The Xincun Port is this a lively fishing harbor on the South China Sea with as a double attraction its easy access to the inland Nanwan which serves as the base for a multitude of pearl farms and fish farms. The Nanwan lake is the location of what is known as the floating village of the Dan People (Dan Jia), who historically lived entirely on the water. Today, the floating village is a tourist attraction and one may catch a boat ride through Xincun Harbor and onto the South Bay (Nanwan) for a closer look at the lifestyle of these people.
- Hailing Pearl Farm at Xincun Port
Hailing Pearl is an active pearl farm where tourists can watch, look around and learn about the complicated process of farming pearls and where they can also buy pearls at (it is said) bottom prices. A visit to the farm is a great way to experience some of the local industry which is an important part of the livelihoods of local peoples.
Among the most famous traditional tourist attractions of Hainan Island, the Monkey Island is situated near Xincun Port on the coast of Lingshui County. Situated on the Nanwan Peninsula is home to a state protected wildlife zone in which some 2000 Macaques have their home. A 2138 meter long cable way give access from Xincun Port to the Nanwan Peninsula gives access to the Peninsula where one may observe the monkeys and catch several monkey shows.
- Nanwan Houdao Ecological Scenic Spot
Nan
Wan
Gangpo
sometimes also with Buddhism (in which she appaears as a Guanyin type goddess), worship of Mazu is regarded as a Cult in mainland China. Historically, the worship of Mazu is predominantly a trait of traditional seafaring Chinese people in the wider south China seas and their offspring. Matsu (Mazu) is the guardian deity of Taiwan which de facto is also the political enemy named Taiwan (or in China: Chinese Taipei). Mazu is also widely worshipped throughout the Malaysian Islands. A large Sansheng (Mazu) Temple may be found in Sydney Australia which also is a the largest Chinese Temple in that Nation today.
These are a local temple and surrounding park or gardens found due north-east out of Lingshui Town proper (Yelin District) along the north bank of the Lingshui River. Mazu Temples are not found in Sanya or Haikou where the cult remains banned,
Youtube Video: The Story of the Goddess Mazu (Matsu); UNESCO World Cultural Heritage of the South China Sea and South East Asia.
however in less conspicuous places the worship is allowed in parts of Hainan Island in order to maintain peaceful relations with the ethnic local population. Traditionally, the north around Haikou is dominated by Buddhism and Confucianism which sometimes are locally seen as imported religions associated with the mainland and its centuries long domination or attempts there to over Hainan Island and its populace. Mazu is the goddess of the ethnic people and local fishermen and sea men of Hainan Island. There are therefor no Buddhist Temples nor Confucian Temples found along the southern and eastern coast of Hainan Island except for the purpose built new Guanyin Buddha found in the west of Sanya Bay (near the end of the (Chinese) world marker of the Ming Dynasty. Since the Goddess Mazu is often represented through Buddhism as a Guanyin type Goddess, this is an obvious attempt at converting the locals to the larger school of Buddhism or fusing the local religion which larger accepted cadres.
For now, as long as Mazu remains officially banned as a religious deity, local Temples will remain masked as Sansheng House of Worship and the Sanya Statue and associated Monastery will remain the representation of local legend towards the masses of tourists herded through what is essentially a propaganda station not a real monastery in the spiritual sense. Visit a Mazu Temple to find out the difference. It is quite obvious.
- Site of the Soviet Government of Lingshui
The site of the Government of the Autonomous Government of Hainan Island established after a local uprising on the Island in the year 1943 during the Japanese Occupation of Hainan Island. The location was the town Postal Office and was not only the site of the Communist Party inspired Soviet, it was equally the location of command of the independent majority Li ethnic rebel army of the Island. Today it is one of very few Museum sites commemorating the local rebel army which fought all outside invaders and helped the Communist Party regain Hainan Island as part of Peoples Republic. For fans of officialised Communist History a visit could be interesting. Certainly, it is one of the few historic venues directly associated with the revoltionary history of the Island, which factually goes back many centuries.
- Xiayuan Temple (Xiayuan Si):
There is little or no information available on any Temple on Hainan Island. Xiayuan Temple is one of two Temples in Lingshui Town (Yelin District). It is the northernmost Temple found in Xiayuan (Temple) Village (Xiayuan Cun) on the north bank of the river immediately adjacent its waters but south and east of G98 Hainan East Ring Expressway.
Perfume Bay is historically the most poetic name and the most lauded location of Lingshui County.
With a modest length beach it is a relatively out of the way location of Lingshui County situated along the coastal road north to Wanning County-Level City. Relatively, because factually the distance to Lingshui Town proper is but some 17 kilometers along G98 Expressway.
Traditionally, since the 1980's, the Perfume Bay beach is known for hosting surfing events and much more recently is has become home to the ultra-luxury Narada Resort & Spa of Perfume Bay and the adjacent Sandalwood Resort.
Regardless of it being a surfing destination waves at the bay or often but modestly sized. All depends on season and regional weather patterns of course.
Since fairly recently Perfume Bay knows two luxury resorts. These are the Narada Resort & Spa of Perfume Bay and the near adjacent Sandalwood Resort. More holiday homes are found to the south of these inland from Perfume Bay public beach.
There is no golf course at Perfume Bay and apart from the leisure of the resorts there is actually fairly little to do but enjoy the beach. Perfume Bay is limited to the south by rocky outcroppings and a small Cape, which separate it from the villages of Powei (Powei Cun) and Gangwei Cun which are the location of Perfume Bay's third resort or holiday hotel, the Hainan Wanjingdi Holiday Hotel and Resort. Strictly speaking however this beach is situated along Gangpo Bay, the earlier described rocky outcroppings forming the divider.
- The Narada Spa & Resort is a four to five star rated resort which forms the central piece of the modern resort town along the Bay and Beach and is by far the most well known, renowned and also luxury resort of Perfume Bay. As its name suggests, the resort functions as full on Spa with all luxury oriental amenities imaginable, and has two more outdoor pools which are of a magnificent design. Elevated slightly above the beach itself from any location at the front of the resort one has a splendid view of both the elongated pool out front and the clear blue waters of Perfume Bay beyond.
The 91 available rooms are not really rooms but private villa's which come standard with a balcony, a private garden, Jacuzzi and private swimming pool.
And this not all, there is a kids club and other additional facilities or services for families with children. The resort goes highly rated however recently there have been complaints about the beach of Perfume Bay which is increasingly littered with trash such as bags, plastic bottles and the like.
This is a problem frequently encountered along all coastlines of the South China Sea, Indian Ocean etc.
- Sandalwood Resort: Is located north adjacent the Narada Spa and is far smaller and less developed. Th resort features traditionally styled but modern buildings and facilities. There are two restaurants; one western styled the other Chinese Oriental, and also a massive pool with view of Perfume Bay and Beach. Apparently there is an outdoor tennis court however this is not visible on any satellite imagery. Although this may sound like a rather poor experience compared to the adjacent ultra-luxury Narada Spa, ratings on the Sandalwood Resort are usually very good to excellent and especially families who would like to see more than a spa and beach have no complaints due to the great accessibility to all nearby tourist locations.
The hotel has a babysitter service for exhausted parents who need to spend some time off which appears to be one of the most lauded services given.
