1 Day
Daily Tour
10 people
Chinese, English
Escape the Ordinary in Hainan’s Hidden Gems
If you’re looking to go beyond the postcard-perfect beaches, this carefully curated experience reveals the soul of Hainan’s capital—a place where cinematic nostalgia meets coastal wonder. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking something different, this journey celebrates Haikou’s unique blend of history, creativity and natural beauty. Come discover the stories most travelers miss.
Travel Smart and Prepared
.Dress for Adventure: Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the movie studio’s extensive grounds. Sun protection is essential – bring a hat and sunscreen for outdoor exploration.
.Coastal Comfort: Pack a light jacket as the sea breeze can bring a refreshing chill, especially during the boat cruise.
.Capture Every Moment: Bring your camera or ensure your phone is fully charged. You’ll want to capture everything from nostalgic film sets to breathtaking natural vistas.
.Smooth Sailing: The mangrove boat cruise is gentle and suitable for most travelers. Please let us know in advance if you have any mobility considerations.
Why This Tour Stands Out
More than just a sightseeing tour, this experience invites you to step into living history and unspoiled nature – all within a single day. It’s perfect for travelers seeking authenticity beyond typical tourist paths, offering a chance to see a different side of Hainan, from Hollywood-style sets to ecological treasures. Whether you’re capturing vintage photos in period costumes or watching rare birds in their natural habitat, these memories will stay with you long after you leave.
The studio offers a variety of period costumes reflecting different eras featured in the streets, such as 1940s attire, Republican-era cheongsams, or retro Socialist-style outfits. You can choose and rent them on-site, and there are often photo spots designed to match the themes.
The boat cruise typically lasts about 40-60 minutes. You'll glide through serene waterways surrounded by lush mangroves, observe unique root systems, and spot wildlife like water birds, fiddler crabs, and occasionally rare species like the Chinese white dolphin in their natural habitat.
The movie studio involves walking on flat, paved streets, which is generally manageable. The mangrove reserve includes a boat cruise (accessible) and wooden boardwalks, which are mostly flat but may have some gentle slopes. Those with significant mobility concerns should inform us in advance.
We recommend bringing sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), insect repellent, a light jacket in case of wind on the water, a camera for wildlife sightings, and drinking water. Binoculars can enhance bird watching if you have them.
Yes, both Fengxiaogang Movie Studio and Dongzhaigang Mangrove Reserve have restroom facilities. The movie studio has several cafes and snack shops. The mangrove reserve may have a simple visitor center with drinks; we recommend having lunch in Haikou before or after the visit.
You can freely explore the different themed streets at your own pace. There's no fixed route—you might wander through the nostalgic "Street 1942," the colonial-style "Nanyang Street," and the retro "Socialism Street," immersing yourself in each unique atmosphere.
Commonly seen are various water birds (like egrets and kingfishers), fiddler crabs on mudflats, and mangrove crabs. The rare Chinese white dolphin is occasionally spotted. Early morning or late afternoon often offers better wildlife activity, and migratory bird seasons (spring/autumn) bring more species.
The studio is expansive, so expect 1-2 hours of walking at a leisurely pace. The streets are mostly open with period buildings providing some shade, but there are also shaded rest areas and cafes. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended.
The tour operates in light rain. In case of moderate to heavy rain or unsafe water conditions, the boat cruise may be adjusted or replaced with an extended walk on the protected boardwalks under shelter. The movie studio visit can proceed as many areas are covered or indoors.
The reserve's main signs may have basic English. For a deeper understanding of the ecosystem, we recommend using a translation app or arranging for an English-speaking guide in advance to explain the mangroves' ecological importance and point out wildlife.
Morning or late afternoon light is ideal for photography, offering softer shadows and warmer tones. The studio is less crowded on weekday mornings, making it easier to capture clean shots of the streets and architecture without many people in the frame.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, breathable clothing suitable for the weather, and consider layers. For the movie studio, you might want more stylish options for photos. For the mangrove cruise, practical clothing and protection against sun/insects are key.
Yes, the tour can be customized. You could add a visit to nearby Volcanic Park, Wugong Temple, or spend more time exploring Haikou's Qilou Old Street and local markets. Discuss your interests with us to tailor the itinerary.