Haikou to Wanning: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The G98 Expressway, completed in 2003, loops the island and connects Haikou to Wanning in just 140 kilometers. This coastal drive is part of the eastern ring, where coconut palms and rice paddies give way to the South China Sea.

Start in Haikou's Qiongshan district, where the Qiongzhou Strait meets the Nandu River. From here, the road heads south through Dongshan and Wenchang, where the landscape shifts to rolling hills and rubber plantations.

Driving time is about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and weather. The route is well-maintained, with service areas every 30-40 kilometers, but the real appeal is the chance to slow down and explore.

For a deeper dive into discovering hidden stops, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Drive carefully during summer rains; the G98 can be slippery, so maintain a safe distance. Speed limits are 100 km/h on the expressway, with radar traps. Always buckle up—enforcement is strict.

For families, the Haikou Meridian Moonlight Shell Cultural Park (near Qiongshan) is a fun stop with kids' play areas and marine exhibits. Also, the Wenchang Space Launch Center offers educational tours (book in advance) that fascinate children.

Pets are welcome at outdoor rest areas, but many attractions have restrictions in indoor areas. Carry a leash and waste bags. Service areas like Xiapu have designated pet relief areas.

Fatigue management: take a break every hour. The Dongxin Section Rest Stop is a peaceful spot for a nap, and the Shibu Park provides picnic tables under banyan trees. Avoid driving during the 2-4 PM slump; instead, plan a lunch stop at a local restaurant.

Fuel is readily available along the G98, with stations at Changle, Dongfang, and Waning services. Prices are standard for Hainan, averaging 8-9 RMB per liter. Cash is common, but most stations accept mobile payment.

Road quality is excellent: the expressway is smooth and well-marked, with occasional tolls (about 30 RMB total). Alternative route: take the S201 provincial road for a more scenic but slower trip (3 hours).

Rest zones are frequent, offering restrooms and small shops. Service areas like Xiapu and Nanshan provide full amenities, including restaurants and convenience stores. Check your gas tank before leaving Haikou; the next reliable station is at Dongcheng, 40 km in.

For electric vehicles, charging stations are available at Qiongshan, Meilan, and Wanning city. Plan for a 30-60 minute charge at each; the drive consumes about 20-30% battery.

Wenchang's coconut groves are a must-see, stretching for kilometers along the coast. Stop at Dongjiao Coconut Plantation to walk among 200,000 trees, then sample fresh coconut water for 5 RMB.

Further south, the Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden in Wanning is a living museum of tropical flora. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (not a World Heritage site, but notable) features over 1,000 plant species, including rare orchids and spices.

Local commerce thrives along the road: every few kilometers, roadside stalls sell tropical fruits, packaged coffee, and cashews. Wanning is famous for its pepper—visit a pepper farm to see the vines and buy peppercorns directly from growers.

In Dangzhan, an old fishing village, you can watch fishermen sort the morning catch and eat steamed grouper at a family-run eatery for 50 RMB. The market culture here is authentic and uncommercialized.