Dongfang: Hainan’s Most Affordable Retirement Haven with 7-Yuan Noodles, Yet So Low-Key It’s Almost Unknown Online!

This obscure little town has zero online travel guides.

When winter comes, I just want to migrate to Hainan!

The warm 23°C weather and endless azure sea are simply delightful! But in recent years, Sanya has become overcrowded and expensive, while once-quiet spots like Wanning and Lingshui are now packed with tourists, and prices have skyrocketed.

If you, like Donkey on Wheels, just want to escape the crowds and enjoy a few leisurely days by the sea, consider this hidden gem in Hainan.

It’s not a tourist city, yet its coconut breezes, ocean charm, and sunny beaches rival Sanya’s.

With an average annual temperature of 24°C, it’s perfect for wintering, boasts the lowest prices on the island, and remains so under the radar that there are almost no online guides.

© Xiaohongshu: Limuzi

The cheapest city in Hainan for retirement living, just 40 minutes by high-speed rail from Sanya!

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Skip Sanya—this little town is the ultimate cozy retreat!

Dongfang, though named "East," is actually located at the westernmost tip of Hainan Island, with a stunning 84.4-kilometer coastline.

Despite its low profile, it has over 2,000 years of history, making it one of Hainan’s oldest cities, where time seems to slow down.

Nine out of ten visitors to Hainan overlook it, but those who come never want to leave!

Its warm climate makes it a secret winter haven for many Northeasterners.

Situated between the golden latitudes of 18°-19°N, Dongfang enjoys an average annual temperature of 24°-25°C, abundant sunshine, lush greenery year-round, and none of the humid "returning south" weather common elsewhere in Hainan—just dry comfort.

With a forest coverage rate of 51%, every breath here feels like therapy.

It’s affordable, well-equipped, and offers a convenient yet vibrant lifestyle.

As Hainan’s largest agricultural production base, fruits and seafood here cost just 2-3 yuan per pound.

It’s also the economic hub of southwestern Hainan, where ocean-view homes start at just 10,000 yuan per square meter, and the island’s second Wanda Plaza ensures a comfortable, low-pressure life.

Best of all, unlike noisy Sanya, here you’ll find only time waiting to be idled away.

You can bike through century-old arcades in quaint villages or wait for a cinematic sunset by the sea in the evening.

You can also dig for oysters, catch crabs, and experience the pure life of a fisherman; or stay in the thatched boat houses of the Li people...

A friend who visited Dongfang said that no one here rushes you to the next tourist spot, and the pace of life suddenly slows down.

You naturally become more relaxed, and your weary body and mind, exhausted from a whole year, are quietly healed.

In Dongfang, rediscover the long-lost slow island life~

© Xiaohongshu: Adventure-loving Teacher Dai

If I were to find a city to escape the cold this winter, I'd want to stay in Dongfang for over half a month, without detailed plans, just following the locals to experience the long-lost tranquility.

Dongfang not only boasts the same azure seas and skies as Sanya,

but also has mountains, lakes, forests, and hot springs—everything you could want.

Here, you can find surprises beyond coconut groves and sea breezes.

© Xiaohongshu: Adventure-loving Teacher Dai

Hidden here is a "Little Kamakura"

A sight you won't want to miss, and as early as the Kangxi era,

it was already one of Hainan's scenic attractions!

The lighthouse stands tall, with sea breezes gently blowing,

blending with the ocean, full of artistic charm.

In the distance, windmills slowly turn,

while cacti and seashells adorn the white sandy beach.

Hidden here is a "Little Guilin"

Along with vast stretches of untouched tropical rainforests,

And aerial pastures reminiscent of Western Sichuan.

© Xiaohongshu: Hainan Colorful Travel Diary

Here you can camp and picnic with friends,

At night, countless stars hang in the sky,

Admire the tropical rainforest karst landscape,

Explore the secluded E'niang Cave,

Listen to the cold flowing water inside, as if stumbling into a hidden paradise.

The Daguangba Reservoir, Asia's longest earthen dam,

A morning stroll here feels like stepping into an ink painting;

Home to the坡鹿, the原型 of "deer calling" in the Book of Songs;

Featuring a 500-year-old six-body connected banyan tree...

△ Ezhen Crocodile Park © Xiaohongshu: Bao Dajian

Days spent in Dongfang are like opening blind boxes,

Sometimes a cinematic coastal life,

Sometimes a reclusive retreat in nature, but always slow-paced and uncrowded.

Discover the vanishing ancient Li villages,

Enjoy the laid-back life of a primitive fishing village!

With over 2,000 years of history, Dongfang

Not only exudes a "slow-time" charm everywhere,

But is also home to the Li people, Hainan's earliest inhabitants.

China's last disappearing Li village.

Strolling through the village, the sea breeze rustles the coconut groves,

Thatched huts shaped like overturned boats,

Resemble a tranquil village from a fairy tale.

But there’s an even more leisurely island life.

Head to the stunning turquoise rocky shore to feel the sea breeze,

Or join local fishermen on their boats—never a dull moment.

Beili Village is nearly deserted,

Yet the century-old arcades lining its streets exude a chic charm.

Living a secluded life raising pigs, ducks, cows, and sheep,

As if forgotten by time.

© Xiaohongshu: Capturing Life Through the Lens

Here, there’s no city hustle and bustle,

Only the sound of waves and rustling leaves.

At low tide, you can chase the waves and gather clams!

The biggest regret in Dongfang!

If there’s one daily annoyance in Dongfang,

It’s the authentic Northeastern cuisine, Hainan seafood, and tropical fruits—

© Xiaohongshu: Qi Xiaoqi Mia

If you crave authentic Northeastern dishes,

Take a stroll through Changshun Market.

You can find all kinds of Northeast snacks here,

such as tofu rolls, Harbin red sausage, and more.

Walking inside feels like stepping into Northeast China.

The shoppers are mostly locals,

and the lively, down-to-earth atmosphere is deeply touching.

You can visit the "Oriental Garden Night Market,"

where there’s a huge variety of affordable and delicious snacks.

Hainan-style marinated noodles, qingbuliang, seafood noodles,

as well as night market staples like crayfish and stinky tofu.

Head to the seafood market at Basuo Central Fishing Port,

where freshly caught seafood is sold,

including mantis shrimp, fish, crabs, and more.

You’ll taste the natural sweetness of the seafood,

and hard-to-find authentic local snacks,

hidden in small, unassuming eateries across the streets and alleys.

With plenty of toppings like beef jerky, bamboo shoots, and peanuts,

it’s a hearty and delicious meal at a great value.

© Xiaohongshu: Qi Xiaoqi Mia

The crispy, thin-skinned, and lean Sigeng roasted suckling pig—

finishing a pound by yourself is no problem.

A Dongfang-style hot pot similar to oden,

So addictive you can't stop, so delicious you'll drink every last drop of the broth!

Chili-powdered mangoes for 3-5 yuan each,

Breakfast staples of Basuo fishermen: red fish porridge, shrimp cakes, white rice cakes...

These are the flavors Dongfang locals have grown up with,

A taste you'll crave no matter where you go.

This is Dongfang, a lesser-known

But treasure-filled winter retreat for wellness.

If you're looking for a warm island getaway,

Free from bustling crowds or rushed sightseeing check-ins,

Only the slow-paced charm of over 2000 years.

© Xiaohongshu: Capturing life through the lens

You can fly to Sanya or Haikou first, then take a high-speed train or drive to Dongfang. The train takes about 40 minutes, while driving only requires 2 hours.

Dongfang - Dongfang City Library - Hainan Railway Museum - Hainan Dongfang Skydiving Base - Yulin Bay Nature Reserve - Hanma Fubo Well - Datian Deer Reserve - Baicha Village - Daguangba Reservoir Scenic Area - Hainan's Little Guilin - Exian Ridge - Dongfang;

3. Recommended Hainan road trip routes:

East Route: Haikou - Wenchang - Boao - Wanning - Lingshui - Sanya;

West Route: Sanya - Dongfang - Changjiang - Danzhou - Chengmai - Haikou;

Central Route: Haikou - Tunchang - Qiongzhong - Wuzhishan - Sanya.