Name: Wuzhishan

Chinese name: 五指山

Province: Hainan

Status: District city

Population: 104,122

Area: 1,128 km²

During your next vacation in Hainan, be sure to organize a trip to Wuzhishan. This city located in the center of the island province of Hainan takes its name from the mountain it shelters, Mount Wuzhi.

Although it has few major attractions, the city perfectly reflects the local life of the province and offers unexpected encounters. Wuzhi Shan will be an opportunity to escape the tourist coastlines of Haikou or Sanya for a few days.

History

Formerly called Tongshi or Tongzha, Wuzhishan was the administrative center of the province. For a time, it was Chine's smallest provincial capital.

In 1949, Wang Guo Xing, leader of the Li people and general director of the Communist Party in Hainan, established the first Communist Party center in Wuzhishan.

The first provincial government of Hainan was created in Wuzhishan, making the city the provincial capital in 1955. The capital was later moved to Qiongshan and then to Haikou in 1988.

Formerly called Tongzha, which means "rice field on the summit of the mountain surrounded by tropical forest" in the Li language, the city was renamed Wuzhishan in 2001, due to the Mount Wuzhi that borders it and which is the highest mountain and the symbol of Hainan island.

Today

During your stay in Hainan, it is recommended to set aside a few days to discover the wild nature of the island's interior at Wuzhishan. Leave the beautiful beaches of Sanya behind and venture into one of Chine's most famous mountains.

Wuzhishan city itself has few major attractions, except that it is pleasant to relax there. You may encounter some students delighted to practice their English over tea. The very calm city moves at the leisurely pace of its inhabitants, who spend most of their day sitting and watching time pass. This atmosphere is the city's entire charm, contrasting sharply with the hustle and bustle of Haikou or Sanya.

In the evening, as the heat gives way to some coolness, certain neighborhoods come alive, including the Jia Jia Shao Kao Yuan district and Jiefang Lu.

The city's real appeal lies in the Mountain of Five Fingers (Wuzhi Shan). Hainan's highest mountain, it represents the five most powerful gods of the Li people in local culture.

The Wuzhi Shan (Mount Wuzhi)

This Mountain of Five Fingers peaks at 1,840 meters at its highest summit. A symbol of Hainan, Mount Wuzhi captivates with its grandiose landscapes of mountains and dense forests. The park is home to one of the world's rare pristine natural tropical forests still intact.

The Wuzhi Shan owes its name to its rocky formation, which features five peaks symbolizing five fingers.

The hike to the summit is quite challenging, but you will be rewarded with wonderful surrounding nature featuring lush vegetation and impressive waterfalls. You may be tempted to take a refreshing dip in natural pools. The summit, regularly shrouded in mist, prevents you from fully appreciating the panorama but adds a special charm to the site.

The more athletic or daring can try rafting in Wuzhishan's Grand Canyon through rocks, mountains, and tropical forest.

During your excursion, you can arrange a customized tour and venture into the region's remote villages to meet the Li and Miao minorities. Sample the local cuisine, which will be authentically flavorful.

A trip to Wuzhishan will be a wonderful adventure full of encounters you won't regret.

Climate

The climate is very hot and humid in Wuzhishan. Its tropical climate brings abundant rainfall throughout the year.

The average annual temperature hovers around 22°C. In winter, average temperatures are around 17°C.

The rainy season extends from April to October with humidity levels sometimes exceeding 80%.

The best time to visit Mount Wuzhi and Wuzhishan city is from November to April to avoid heavy rains.

Wuzhishan has no airport or train station.

Regular buses depart from Sanya. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.

Other buses and minibuses leave Haikou for Wuzhishan. The travel time is approximately 3 hours.

Local buses or motorcycle-taxis can take you to Mount Wuzhi from Wuzhishan city.

What to do in Wuzhishan?

• Hike to the summit of Wuzhi Shan.
• Try rafting in Wuzhi Shan Grand Canyon.
• Visit the Li and Miao minorities in surrounding villages.
• Stroll through the animated streets in the evening and sample local dishes.