Qizi Bay
Qizi Bay, located in Changjiang Li Autonomous County, Hainan, is a 4A-level scenic spot renowned for its striking chessboard-shaped volcanic reef formations and 3km golden beach. Spanning 4.2 square kilometers, the bay combines coastal beauty with Li ethnic culture and eco-tourism. Designated a provincial marine reserve in 2018, it offers visitors a blend of natural wonders, cultural encounters, and adventure activities.
Historical Overview
The bay’s name derives from its reef patterns resembling a chessboard (qizi in Chinese), first documented by fishermen during the Ming Dynasty. Modern development began in 2005 with the construction of coastal trails and viewpoints. Key milestones include the 2015 establishment of an eco-adventure park and the 2023 launch of a Li cultural preservation project. Recent upgrades include a marine education center and upgraded boardwalks.
Structural Layout
The bay is divided into four functional zones:
- Coastal Recreation Zone: Golden Sands Beach and sunset viewing platforms.
- Eco-Adventure Zone: Chessboard Reef trails, zip-lines, and kayaking routes.
- Cultural Experience Zone: Li ethnic village, craft workshops, and folk performances.
- Marine Conservation Zone: Protected coral reefs and tidal pools.
Key landmarks include the “Chessboard Rock” formation, the Sunset Cliff observation deck, and the Li Traditional Architecture Complex.
Major Attractions
- Chessboard Reef Formation: Volcanic rock patterns shaped by tides over millennia.
- Golden Sands Beach: 1.5km-long beach with calm waters ideal for swimming.
- Sunset Cliff: Panoramic vistas of the bay glowing orange-red at dusk.
- Li Cultural Village: Experience traditional Li thatched houses, Bamboo weaving, and folk dances.
- Eco-Adventure Trail: 2km coastal path with tidal pool exploration and birdwatching.
- Marine Education Center: Interactive exhibits on coral reef conservation.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Half-Day Coastal Tour (3–4 hours):
Entrance → Golden Sands Beach → Chessboard Reef → Sunset Cliff → Li Cultural Village.
Highlights: Beach relaxation and sunset photography. -
Full-Day Adventure (6–7 hours):
Morning: Eco-Adventure Trail hike → Afternoon: Kayaking in tidal pools → Evening: Li folk performance.
Highlights: Nature exploration and cultural immersion. -
Comprehensive Experience (Full Day):
Guided reef snorkeling → Li craft workshop → Sunset cruise → Night beach bonfire (seasonal).
Highlights: Marine life interaction and local traditions.
Ticket Purchase
- Free Access: Beaches and coastal trails are open to all.
- Paid Activities:
- Kayaking: ¥80/hour (equipment included).
- Li cultural performance: ¥50/person (weekends only).
- Online Booking: Reserve via Ctrip or Trip.com for discounts.
- By Car: 2 hours from Sanya via G98 Expressway to Changjiang exit. Free parking available.
- By Bus: Take the “Sanya-Changjiang” tourist bus (¥50/person, 2.5 hours) from Sanya Bus Station.
- By Taxi: Direct from Sanya (¥400–¥500 round-trip).
- Airport Shuttle: Shared vans from Sanya Phoenix Airport (¥250/person, 3 hours).
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: October–April (dry, sunny weather).
- Optimal Visiting Hours: 5:00–7:00 PM (sunset) or 8:00–10:00 AM (wildlife activity).
- Essentials:
- Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses for glare.
- Reusable water bottle and snacks (limited dining options).
- Prohibited Actions: Climbing on reef formations, feeding fish, or littering.
- Eco-Tip: Join monthly “Coastal Cleanup” volunteer programs to protect marine life.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
