Hainan is the southernmost province of China - warm all year, averaging over 20 C in winter, making it the top choice for escaping the cold. A ring high-speed railway links Haikou, Wenchang, Wanning and Sanya; 7 days is just right.
Days 1-2, Haikou: sip old man tea in the arcaded Qilou Old Street of colonial-era buildings, and climb the volcanic crater park for a city panorama.
Day 3, Wenchang: see the Wenchang space launch site, eat coconut chicken in the East Coast coconut groves, and watch the lighthouse shaped like a rocket by the sea.
Days 4-5, Wanning-Lingshui: surf at Riyue Bay (beginner-friendly), dive to coral reefs off Fenjiezhou Island, and stay in a beachfront resort.
Days 6-7, Sanya: Yalong Bay, Wuzhizhou Island and the Ends of the Earth rocks; finish with duty-free shopping - the offshore duty-free allowance is generous, and cosmetics and electronics are cheaper than at the airport.
Book hotels at least a month ahead in winter; summer (June-September) brings typhoons - check the forecast before travelling.
