Gaolong Bay in Wenchang,Hainan

Among Wenchang’s many beautiful coastal destinations, Gaolong Bay (高隆湾) stands out for its gentle and relaxing charm. Unlike the dramatic and rugged beauty of Wenchang’s rocky coastline, Gaolong Bay is known for its clear water, soft sand and generally calm waves. It is one of the most peaceful seaside escapes close to Wenchang’s urban area.

A long coconut-lined shoreline, crystal-clear “jelly-like” blue water, a popular pier extending into the sea and a quiet seaside library come together to create a uniquely relaxing atmosphere. Without overwhelming crowds or excessive commercial development, Gaolong Bay offers both the romance of a tropical island and the easygoing character of everyday coastal life. It is an excellent destination for families, seaside walks and watching the sunrise or sunset.

Discover a Peaceful Bay with Clear Water and Soft Sand

A Hidden Coastal Retreat in Wenchang

Gaolong Bay is located in the Qinglan area (清澜片区) of Wenchang and features a long stretch of soft, light-colored coastline. It is a natural shallow-water bay with an open sea view and generally gentle waves.

The nearshore water is clear and bright, often displaying transparent shades of blue that give the sea a beautiful, glass-like appearance. The beach is soft and comfortable underfoot, making it especially pleasant for a barefoot walk along the shore.

Along the coast, extensive coconut groves create a classic tropical landscape. Sea breezes carry the fresh scent of coconut palms, while swaying leaves, blue water and open skies come together to form a peaceful coastal scene with a distinctly tropical atmosphere.

Compared with Hainan’s busier social-media-famous beaches, Gaolong Bay feels quieter and more relaxed. During the day, sunlight sparkles across the water, and seabirds may be seen flying low over the coast. Early mornings offer opportunities to watch the sunrise over the sea, when warm light gradually spreads across the water.

Toward evening, the last light of the day falls across the coconut groves and beach. With a gentle sea breeze and an increasingly peaceful sky, the bay becomes particularly atmospheric. From sunrise to sunset, Gaolong Bay offers beautiful conditions for sightseeing and photography throughout the day.

Experience Wenchang's Iconic Seaside Pier and Ocean Library

Walk Above the Sea and Enjoy a Unique Cultural Landmark

One of Gaolong Bay’s most recognizable attractions is the Yilong Bay Seaside Pier and Ocean Library (逸龙湾海上栈桥与海上图书馆). The approximately 400-meter wooden pier extends straight out toward the sea and includes several viewing platforms along the way.

Walking along the pier feels almost like walking across the surface of the ocean, with the blue sea and open sky surrounding you. It is a popular place to enjoy the coastal scenery, take photographs and experience the refreshing sea breeze.

At the end of the pier is the distinctive Ocean Library, a unique cultural landmark set above the water. The simple and elegant white-and-glass building creates a striking contrast with the blue sea. Inside, visitors can browse a collection of books and enjoy a quiet moment by the windows with the ocean stretching out beyond them.

A book, the sea and a cool breeze come together to create a particularly peaceful experience. The library has also become one of the area's most popular photography and social-media check-in spots.

Enjoy a Variety of Relaxed Seaside Activities

From Family Beach Fun to Water Sports and Coastal Walks

Gaolong Bay offers a range of easy coastal activities suitable for visitors of different ages. The relatively gentle shallow-water area is well suited to family beach trips, walking in the water, playing on the sand and exploring the shore at low tide.

For travelers looking for a more active experience, light water sports such as windsurfing and jet skiing may also be available along the coast, offering another way to enjoy Wenchang’s seaside scenery.

You can also simply follow the coastal walkway for a leisurely walk or jog, stop to enjoy the sea view or sit beside the beach and do nothing at all. The relaxed pace of Gaolong Bay makes it easy to slow down and experience Wenchang’s easygoing island lifestyle while escaping the noise and pressure of the city.

Explore More of Wenchang's Coastal and Cultural Attractions Nearby

Combine Beaches, Seafood, History and Mountain-and-Sea Landscapes

Gaolong Bay is located in one of Wenchang’s main coastal areas, with convenient access to a variety of nearby attractions and travel facilities. The bay is close to Qinglan Port (清澜港), where visitors can find many local seafood restaurants and seafood markets. After exploring the coast, you can enjoy fresh local seafood and experience the lively everyday atmosphere of Wenchang’s fishing communities.

The bay is also within easy reach of Wenchang Confucius Temple (文昌孔庙) and Qinglan Bridge (清澜大桥), making it possible to combine cultural heritage and coastal sightseeing during the same trip.

For travelers with more time, Gaolong Bay can also be included in a wider journey toward Longlou Town (龙楼镇) and its major attractions. Combine your visit with Stone Park (石头公园) and Tongguling (铜鼓岭) to experience Wenchang’s diverse scenery, from gentle sandy beaches and coastal city life to dramatic volcanic rocks and spectacular mountain-and-sea panoramas.

With its combination of natural scenery, local culture, seafood and relaxed coastal life, Gaolong Bay is an excellent starting point for discovering the many different sides of Wenchang.

Travel Tips for Gaolong Bay

Location

Gaolong Bay Tourist Resort (高隆湾旅游度假区), Qinglan Development Zone (清澜开发区), Wenchang, Hainan, China.

Opening Hours

The bay is open throughout the day. The Seaside Pier and Ocean Library are generally open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Tickets and Reservations

The entire bay area is open free of charge, with no admission ticket or advance reservation required. The Ocean Library is also free to visit and use for reading.

Recommended Visiting Time

Allow approximately 2 to 3 hours for your visit. Early morning is ideal for watching the sunrise and taking photographs of the sea in softer light, while late afternoon and evening are perfect for walking along the coast, watching the sunset and enjoying the sea breeze.

Although the beach is relatively gentle, there may be rocks in some nearshore areas, so take care when entering the water and watch your footing. Light-colored clothing works especially well for coastal photography, and adequate sun protection is recommended throughout the year.

Whether you come for a peaceful beach walk, a family outing, a quiet moment at the Ocean Library or simply to enjoy the slow rhythm of Wenchang’s coastline, Gaolong Bay offers an easy and refreshing seaside escape filled with tropical charm.