Shimei Bay
石梅湾
A roughly 6-kilometre pristine bay with qingpi trees, the Phoenix Nine-Mile Bookstore and quiet resort beaches. Ideal for gazing at the sea and cycling.
Shimei Bay lies on the southern side of the Overseas Chinese Tourism Area in Xinglong, Wanning City. The bay stretches about 6 km, with fine white sand, a gentle slope and clear water. It is considered one of Hainan's most beautiful bays. It sits next to Riyue Bay but has a very different character. There is no surfing crowd here. The bay is dominated by quiet resort hotels, such as the Element and the Westin, and by unspoiled beaches. Behind the sand is a rare stretch of dense qingpi forest, a tropical tree species that forms a natural green corridor along the shore. At the southern end of the bay is the Phoenix Nine-Mile Bookstore, Hainan's best-known seaside bookshop. Facing the sea, it's a place to order a drink, read and watch the sunset, and it's a popular spot for social media photos. Suggested itinerary: in the morning, cycle along Shimei Bay Avenue or stroll the beach. At midday, head to the bookstore to read. In the evening, watch the sunset, then have dinner in Xinglong town, which serves Southeast Asian food and Xinglong coffee. Shimei Bay beach is free to access, and the bookstore is free to enter (spending is optional). Getting there: Shenzhou station on the coastal high-speed railway is about 10 km from Shimei Bay, and Wanning station is about 20 km away. Take a taxi from the station. From Riyue Bay it's about a 15-minute drive. Accommodation is mostly high-end resorts, which offer good value in the off-season. If your budget is limited, stay in Xinglong town or a guesthouse at Riyue Bay and visit from there. Notes: Do not swim in areas without lifeguards, as waves can be big and rip currents occur. The qingpi forest is a protected area, so do not enter it or pick anything. The bookstore is crowded on holidays, so visit in the morning when it's quieter. Dining options nearby are limited, so most people eat at their hotel or in Xinglong town.
Opening hours
Open all day (bookshop approx. 09:00–21:00)
Nearby sights
- Jiajing Island
- Xinglong Tropical Garden
- Shenzhou Peninsula
- Xinglong Coffee Valley
- Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden
- Xinglong Overseas Chinese Farm
- Fenjiezhou Island
- Riyue Bay