The Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone is located in Sanda Town, Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, Hainan Province, at the 18-kilometer mark along the Haiyu Middle Route from Sanya to Baoting. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a national-level cultural industry demonstration base. The scenic area covers a total area of 45 square kilometers, surrounded by a 123-square-kilometer ecological restoration and protection zone. The zone is centered around tropical rainforests and integrates elements such as "rainforest culture, Li ethnic culture, southern medicinal culture, and zodiac culture," creating a theme of "primitive green ecology." It combines folk customs, sightseeing, leisure experiences, and health wellness, serving as a condensed representation of Hainan's five major tropical rainforests and a valuable exhibition of tropical rainforest resources. The area features multiple scenic zones, including Rainforest Valley, Dream Valley, and Sandao Valley, as well as the Rainforest No. 1 Resort Hotel and the "Dream Back to Yanoda" large-scale performance area. It boasts the most beautiful and largest boardwalk among the world's three major tropical rainforests, China's largest open tropical rainforest ecological exhibition hall, and Asia's longest rainforest zip line.
History and Culture
In October 2005, the environmental impact report for the Yanoda project was approved by the Hainan Provincial Department of Land, Environment, and Resources. In December of the same year, the overall plan for the Yanoda Rainforest project was approved by the Baoting County Government. Starting in 2006, Yanoda was designated as a key construction project in Hainan Province by the Hainan Provincial Development and Reform Commission. On July 1 of that year, the scenic area officially began construction. On February 2, 2008, the Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone opened for trial operation.
In November 2008, the scenic area obtained dual certifications for the ISO14001 Environmental Management System and the ISO9001 Quality Management System. On January 20, 2012, Yanoda was awarded the status of a national 5A-level tourist attraction, becoming the third 5A scenic area in Hainan after Sanya Nanshan and Sanya Size Cave. Since then, the scenic area has received numerous honors, such as being named a "Public Service Excellence Tourist Attraction in China" by the China Tourist Attractions Association in January 2019 and being recognized as a "National Civilized Unit" by the Central Steering Committee for Spiritual Civilization Construction in 2020.
The term "Yanoda" means "one, two, three" in Hainan's local dialect. The scenic area has imbued it with new meanings: "Ya" represents innovation, "Nuo" represents commitment, and "Da" represents action. It is also interpreted as a greeting, meaning "welcome" or "hello," symbolizing friendliness and blessings.
Main Attractions
Zodiac Square
Based on the "Classic of Mountains and Seas," the square features large rainforest sculptures inspired by ancient myths and legends related to the twelve zodiac signs. Visitors can feel the protection of divine spirits and the hope for peace and happiness.
Rainforest Valley
This area showcases pristine tropical rainforest landscapes, featuring towering banyan trees, century-old vines, and rare plants like the "living fossil" black tree fern. The valley is lush and shaded, serving as a natural oxygen bar with an average annual temperature of 24°C. The 3.5-kilometer-long trail consists of wooden boardwalks, stone steps, and suspension bridges, divided into large, medium, and small loop routes.
Dream Valley
Representing the pinnacle of valley waterfalls in tropical rainforests, Dream Valley stretches 1.2 kilometers with a 200-meter drop. It features waterfalls like the Welcoming Waterfall, Heaven's Gate Waterfall, and Lotus Grace Waterfall, along with stunning water landscapes, giant trees, strange rocks, and streams, creating a mysterious and dreamy zone.
Sandao Valley
Spanning approximately 3 kilometers, the valley has a depth of over 30 meters and a width of 30–40 meters. The surrounding peaks range from 270 to 380 meters in elevation. The valley is composed of waterfalls, unique rocks, giant trees, deep pools, and springs, showcasing extraordinary geological formations and abundant medicinal resources.
Wailu Ocean View Platform
This is the best vantage point in the scenic area, offering panoramic views of Haitang Bay's coastline, Wuzhizhou Island, and Monkey Island, providing a unique visual experience.
Wetland Area
Strolling through the wetland, visitors can enjoy the refreshing coolness and appreciate Hainan's tropical rainforest "green ecological culture." The area also features performances of Hainan Bayin (traditional music) and parrot shows.
Cuisine
Li Ethnic Bamboo Tray Feast
Yanoda's signature dish, the Bamboo Tray Feast, features a balanced mix of meat and vegetables with a unique presentation, embodying the essence of Hainan's Li ethnic culinary culture. It is served at the Luwayi Rainforest Restaurant in Rainforest Valley.
Rainforest Buffet
A high-value option, the buffet includes vegetarian dishes, meat dishes, and cold dishes, all made with local ingredients to offer a healthy and delicious dining experience. It is available at the Luwayi Rainforest Restaurant in Rainforest Valley.
Luosifen (Snail Rice Noodles)
This dish features a rich broth, abundant toppings, and smooth rice noodles, creating a uniquely aromatic delicacy. It can be found in the Wetland Scenic Area of Rainforest Valley.
Stinky Tofu
Deep-fried and coated with a special sauce, the tofu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a rich texture. It is available in the Wetland Scenic Area of Rainforest Valley.
Grilled Squid
Made to order, the squid is grilled to perfection—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—and brushed with a special barbecue sauce for extra flavor. It is located in the Wetland Scenic Area of Rainforest Valley.
Berry Tea
Available in flavors like blueberry cheese, forest berry, and orange c, the tea is rich in vitamin C and blended with ingredients like hibiscus and blackcurrant, offering a sweet and fragrant taste with a lingering aftertaste. It can be purchased in the Wetland Scenic Area of Rainforest Valley.
Pineapple Fried Rice
This dish combines sweet and tangy rice with fresh pineapple, stir-fried in a wok for a delightful fusion of flavors. It is located in the Wetland Scenic Area of Rainforest Valley.
Ticket Information
The ticket prices vary according to different packages and preferential policies. Generally, adult tickets are moderately priced, and the scenic area offers various combo tickets. For example, the "Rainforest Adventurer" combo ticket costs 399 yuan and includes entrance fees, round-trip shuttle buses, glass platform access, zip-lining, rainforest exploration, a time tunnel, waterfall trekking, and a buffet at the rainforest restaurant. Discounts or free admission are available for children, seniors, students, disabled individuals, journalists, and active military personnel with valid IDs. Specific policies include: free admission for children under 1.2 meters (inclusive) or aged 6 and under; discounts for children between 1.2 meters (exclusive) and 1.5 meters (inclusive) or aged 7 to 18 with valid IDs. Seniors aged 60–69 enjoy discounts with ID, while those aged 70 and above receive free admission (round-trip cable car tickets must be purchased separately). Full-time undergraduate students and below receive discounts with student IDs. Disabled individuals, journalists, and active military personnel receive free admission with valid IDs (round-trip cable car tickets must be purchased separately). Tour group participants are not eligible for these discounts.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open year-round from 08:30 to 18:00 daily.
Recommended Itineraries
Visitors can start by taking a sightseeing bus uphill to experience the glass platform and enjoy rainforest views before returning by bus. For outdoor activities, options include zip-lining, waterfall trekking, and cliff swings. For a more relaxed visit, attractions like the Wailu Glass Viewing Platform, Bird and Flower Experience Zone, and Petting Zoo are recommended. A detailed itinerary might include: starting at the ticket gate, taking a shuttle to Cable Line 1 for an aerial rainforest tour, visiting the glass platform for the "Sky Mirror" experience, trying the cliff swing, walking to the zip-line station, exploring Rainforest Valley's scenic spots, enjoying a buffet at the Luwayi Restaurant, taking Cable Line 2 to Sandao Valley to admire its landmarks and landscapes, and finally returning by sightseeing bus.
Transportation
- By car: From downtown Sanya, the 35-kilometer trip takes about 45 minutes; from Lingshui, it takes about 40 minutes.
- By bus: Take a bus to the final stop at Baoting Qixianling, with a fare of 13 yuan and a 45-minute journey.
- By taxi/ride-hailing: From downtown Sanya, the trip takes about 30 minutes and costs 100–200 yuan.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Wailu Glass Platform: Standing here, visitors can take in the lush mountains and distant Haitang Bay. Looking down through the glass, they can experience the depth and grandeur of the rainforest. The zip-line offers a thrilling ride above the rainforest canopy.
- Waterfall Trekking: Led by professional guides, visitors can wade upstream through challenges in Dream Valley, experiencing the excitement of waterfalls and exploring mysterious landscapes with rapids, strange rocks, and giant trees.
- Rainforest Valley: Featuring pristine tropical rainforest landscapes with towering banyan trees, century-old vines, and rare plants, this "natural oxygen bar" offers a 3.5-kilometer trail to fully immerse in the rainforest's charm.
Travel Tips
- Purchase tickets or combo packages online in advance to avoid queues.
- Visit on clear days for better views and outdoor activities.
- Bring spare clothes and waterproof phone cases for water activities like waterfall trekking.
- Due to many mosquitoes, carry repellent; also bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
- Wear comfortable sports shoes for steep paths.
- Plan time wisely based on interests and energy levels.
Precautions
- Follow scenic area rules and staff instructions.
- Protect the environment; do not litter or damage vegetation.
- Adhere to safety guidelines for activities like zip-lining and waterfall trekking, wearing protective gear.
- Supervise children to prevent accidents.
- Drive safely and park in designated areas when visiting by car.