Two days in Xuwen, encounter the romance of the southernmost tip of mainland China.

Xuwen, known as the "South Pole Village" at the southernmost tip of mainland China, boasts magnificent coastlines, unique pastoral scenery of the "Sea of Pineapples," and a rich historical and cultural heritage. This guide will take you to experience its essence. Two-day in-depth travel guide to Xuwen: Encounter the "End of the Earth" of mainland China **Travel theme:** Sunshine, beaches, salt fields, pineapple sea, experience the slow life at the southernmost tip. **Best travel time:** October to April of the following year, with cool and pleasant weather, avoiding summer typhoons and heat. January to April is the pineapple harvest season, when the "Sea of Pineapples" is most spectacular. **Preparation before travel:** * **Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen!** The South China Sea sun is strong; high SPF sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing are essential. * **Comfortable sports shoes/beach shoes:** Some attractions require walking or stepping on sand. * **Mosquito repellent:** There are many mosquitoes in the countryside and by the sea. * **Camera:** The scenery is stunning; make sure your phone and camera are fully charged. Day 1: Adventure in South Pole Village **Core:** Experience the geographical wonder and coastal charm of the "southernmost tip of mainland China." Morning: Arrival and initial exploration Transportation options: Self-driving (highly recommended): About 2.5 hours from Zhanjiang city center. From Hainan, take a ferry to Haian New Port or Xuwen Port, then rent a car or take a taxi. Self-driving is the most flexible and convenient way to explore Xuwen. High-speed train: Take the train from Zhanjiang West Station to Xuwen Station, about 1 hour. After arrival, rent a car or hire a driver for sightseeing. Accommodation suggestions: Preferred: South Pole Village Fangpo Village homestay. These homestays are a local highlight, many converted from fishermen’s old houses with great design, sea views from the window, offering an immersive fishing village experience. Advance booking is recommended. Alternative: Hotels in Xuwen County town. More options but farther from core attractions, requiring daily commuting. Noon: Lunch and rest After checking in at Fangpo Village, enjoy lunch at the homestay or nearby seafood stalls. Food recommendation: Must-try Yang Sanwei (lamb porridge, lamb jelly, lamb bone soup), a local specialty that is nourishing and delicious. Fresh seafood is also a must, such as steamed grouper, boiled shrimp, sea urchin fried rice, etc. Afternoon: The ceremonial experience of mainland China’s southernmost point First stop: Dengloujiao (about 14:00 - 15:30) Highlights: This is the true marker of the "southernmost tip of mainland China." A blue and white lighthouse stands here, facing the ancient lighthouse at Lingao Cape, Hainan across the sea, marking the boundary between the Qiongzhou Strait and the Beibu Gulf. Activities: Take photos at the "southernmost tip of mainland China" stone monument, stroll along the boardwalk feeling the sea breeze, and gaze at the endless South China Sea. There is also the former command post of the PLA’s operation to liberate Hainan, where you can learn about a piece of revolutionary history. Second stop: Heshui Line (about 15:30 - 17:00) Highlights: Adjacent to Dengloujiao, this is where the waters of the South China Sea and Beibu Gulf meet. Due to differences in tides, waves, and water density, a clearly visible "line of waves" forms, called the "kissing waves," a rare natural phenomenon. Activities: Stand on the beach and witness the collision and gentle blending of two differently colored seas, a breathtaking sight. At low tide, a vast mudflat appears here, perfect for beachcombing, collecting shells, and catching small crabs. Evening: Salt field sunset and fishing village dinner Third stop: Ten-thousand-acre salt fields sunset (about 17:30 - 18:30) Highlights: About 20-30 minutes’ drive from South Pole Village, Xuwen’s vast salt fields. At sunset, the golden light reflects off the mirror-like salt ponds, the sky turns a brilliant orange-red, and the salt ponds shimmer with golden hues, creating a stunning "sky mirror" scene. Activities: Find a vantage point, quietly wait for the sunset, and capture this magical moment with your camera. Please do not enter the salt field working areas. Dinner: Return to Fangpo Village or head to the county town to continue enjoying seafood or try local specialties such as **Xuwen pickled rice noodles** and **papaya stir-fried sea conch**. Day 2: Symphony of countryside and history Core: Immerse yourself in the sweetness of the "Sea of Pineapples" and explore the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. Morning: Stroll through the "Sea of Pineapples" First stop: Sea of Pineapples (about 9:00 - 11:30) Highlights: This is not a real sea but China’s largest pineapple production base. The rolling pineapple fields glitter golden under the sun, resembling a golden ocean from afar, hence the name "Sea of Pineapples." The air is filled with the sweet aroma of pineapples. Activities: Best viewpoint: Go to the "Sea of Pineapples" viewing platform in Qujie Town for a panoramic view of the vast fields. Into the fields: Drive or cycle along country roads flanked by endless pineapple fields. You can get off and walk among the rows, chat with farmers at work, and pick fresh pineapples yourself (for a fee). Taste: Many farmers sell fresh "Golden Diamond Pineapples" roadside, sweet to the core and very affordable. Noon: Specialty farmhouse meal * Have lunch at a farmhouse restaurant near the "Sea of Pineapples." * **Food recommendation:** **Pineapple feast!** Try creative dishes featuring pineapple such as pineapple beef stir-fry, sweet and sour pineapple pork, pineapple rice, etc., with a unique sweet and sour flavor. Afternoon: Visit Dahan Sandun, a journey back a thousand years Second stop: Dahan Sandun Tourist Area (about 13:30 - 16:00) Highlights: One of the starting ports of the Han Dynasty Maritime Silk Road, with a long history. The area consists of three small islands (First Dun, Second Dun, Third Dun) and an ancient bay. The islands preserve Han Dynasty ruins, ancient docks, lighthouses, and tomb clusters. Activities: Historical exploration: Visit the "Dahan Sandun" museum to learn about the bustling trade port over 2,000 years ago. Natural scenery: Walk along the mangrove boardwalk by the sea, watch flocks of egrets fly, and enjoy the tranquility and simplicity. The volcanic rock formations and unique coastal erosion landscapes on Sandun Islands are also worth seeing. Photo ops: The ancient lighthouse, weathered city walls, and blue sea and sky create historically rich scenes. Evening: Return trip * After the tour, carry your full harvest and beautiful memories to Xuwen Station or drive back, concluding a pleasant two-day trip in Xuwen. Food and shopping list Must-eat foods: Seafood: various sea fish, shrimp, crab, conch, sandworms, sea urchin. Specialties: Yang Sanwei, Xuwen pickled rice noodles, papaya stir-fried sea conch, leaf cakes. Fruits: Xuwen pineapples, mangoes, bananas, papayas. Must-buy souvenirs: Dried Xuwen pineapples/dried jackfruit, easy to carry and sweet in taste. Dried seafood: dried shrimp, shredded squid, dried fish, etc. Xuwen salt: natural sea salt from the vast salt fields, top quality. Practical tips 1. Transportation: Xuwen’s attractions are scattered, and public transport is inconvenient; self-driving or hiring a car is strongly recommended. 2. Accommodation: South Pole Village homestays offer a unique experience but may not be as standardized as county hotels; choose according to your needs. Book early in peak season. 3. Expenses: Overall costs in Xuwen are low; seafood and fruit prices are reasonable, but always ask prices before buying. 4. Respect locals: When visiting pineapple fields and salt fields, respect local labor; do not damage crops or enter restricted areas. 5. Weather: Check weather forecasts closely before traveling, as coastal weather can be changeable. We hope this guide helps you start an unforgettable journey in Xuwen and feel the unique charm of mainland China’s southernmost tip!