1. Changjiang Kapok Blossoms

The brilliant red kapok flowers bloom in Hainan’s Changjiang County every February - March. The large red flowers open on dark bare branches, providing a truly striking landscape. Photographers and nature lovers won’t want to miss this!

The Kapok flowers can be enjoyed against many different backdrops in Changjiang, such as on the rice terraces, on the riverbank, and along the train tracks. Try to see them all!

Kapok blossoms can also be seen along the road or on the mountains in a few other parts of Hainan, including Dongfang and Danzhou in the west, and Baisha in central Hainan.

2. Fucheng Flower Exchange Festival

Today’s Flower Exchange Festival originated in the custom of exchanging incense sticks for Lantern Festival. At that time, Fucheng was the headquarters of the Hainan government, and the Lantern Festival was celebrated there every year, brightening the night with colorful hanging lanterns. Young men and women, children and the elderly all thronged to see the lanterns.

At that time, there were no street lights, and many people carried lit scented candles or sticks of incense to light their way, and would generously give a few to anyone they met. When they saw a friend, the two might joyfully exchange candles or incense, and wish each other well. It was from this custom that a unique style of greeting arose in Hainan.

Later, after electric street lights became common, people began to exchange flowers in friendly greeting instead, eliminating the risk of being burnt by candle flame. Fresh flowers or green branches are now exchanged in the street every year during the Flower Exchange Festival.

3. Madam Xian Cultural Festival

Madam Xian was instrumental in uniting China during a time of great chaos in the nation’s history. She stabilized Hainan, and brought the island into a time of great economic prosperity, which lasted through the time of her grandson.

Every year from the 6th - 12th day of the second month on the lunar calendar, Xinpo Town is full of excitement. Adherents of Madam Xian gather from far and wide to celebrate “Junpo”, and commemorate the great achievements of Madam Xian. In 1990, the local government joined in, bringing even more interesting and exciting activities to the festival, attracting over 100,000 people to participate in that year alone. Since then, the Junpo celebration has become one of Hainan’s most popular folk holidays.

4. Haikou Gongqi Festival

There are many different local gods and heroes worshipped during the Gongqi festival, such as important historical military officials like Madam Xian. No matter if it’s a historical figure or local deity, the most important thing is that they bless and protect the people, bring good weather, and keep the children safe.

There are two ways to celebrate Gongqi. One is through ceremonies, and the other is through food and drink. Ceremonies are only held in a few places, but people celebrate everywhere, shouting Gongqi greetings and eating large celebratory feasts together.