Hainan Province boasts dozens of villages that are somewhat “off the beaten path” and not overly commercial.

 

These ancient villages are great places where you can experience the local, peaceful lifestyle, the ancient architecture, and the graceful landscapes.

 

Now WOS has introduced four such quaint attractions worth visiting for their distinct cultures, history, and architectures.

 

1. Baoping Village in Sanya 三亚保平村

 

 

  

Located 4km southwest of Yacheng Town, Baoping Village is the birthplace of Yazhou folk songs that have been listed as national, intangible, cultural heritage pieces.

 

Now Baoping Village has 210 local-style dwelling houses. Most of these houses have been well-preserved and retain great historical value.

 

With talented people coming forth in large numbers in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Baoping Village was a prosperous and famous village in ancient times.

 

The Baoping Village in Sanya’s Yacheng Town has been listed among the first of recognized traditional Chinese villages in 2014.

 

2. Chubao Village in Wuzhishan 五指山初保村

 

 

Chubao Village, where the Li people have remained faithful to their ancient traditions and customs, lies to the west of Wuzhishan Mountain. Here, village life centers around agriculture, fishing, and weaving; just as it has for countless generations.

 

The land is rich with a subtropical climate and plenty of rainfall. Tropical crops such as coconuts, mangos, bananas, pineapples, coffee, and palm oil produce bountiful harvests.

 

Visitors can see the local farming life and traditional architecture of the Li people here. The houses display an interesting architectural style that resemble overturned boats.

 

3. Luoyi Village in Chengmai澄迈罗驿村

 

 

Luoyi Village in Chengmai County of Hainan is an ancient, historical, and cultural village founded at the end of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

 

Because Luoyi Village is located in a volcanic rock area, its water and soil are rich in selenium, a chemical element said to help prevent aging. Besides the fine ecological environment, a tradition of respecting elderly people also contributes to longevity here.

 

Chengmai was honored as the "longevity hometown" of China, and the world, respectively, in 2009 and 2012. Luoyi village is among the 10 largest longevity villages in Chengmai.

 

The villagers share the same surname "Li", and more than 100 of the locals are over 80 years old. The oldest local is 106 years old, winning Luoyi fame as a "longevity village".

 

4. Xinghui Village in Haikou 海口星辉村

 

 

  

In Haikou’s Meilan district, near Dongzhai Harbor, is a village called Xinghui, meaning "starry".

 

About 400 years ago a violent earthquake shook Dongzhai Harbor and 72 villages sank into the sea — forming the country’s only undersea village cluster. As the tide retreats, relics from the village appear like stone coffins.

 

Xinghui villagers have been fishermen for generations and worshipped the goddess Mazu. Nowadays, thanks to tourism, they have become rich after opening seafood restaurants.

 

Xinghui is also known for the longevity of its people. The seafood and fruit are delicious and nutritious due the mangrove leaves make the seawater and soil rich in micro-organisms. The nutrient-dense food might explain why Xinghui villagers have such long lives.

 

SOURCE: WOS Team