🚀 Buckle up, wanderlusters! Hainan just unveiled its ultimate road trip playground – a 988-kilometer coastal highway circling the tropical island opened fully on December 18. Dubbed the 'National No. 1 Coastal Scenic Highway,' this route connects 12 coastal cities and counties like a shimmering pearl necklace. 🌴
⚡️ Why it’s lit: Imagine cruising past hidden capes, pastel-hued lighthouses, and mangrove forests – all while TikTok-ing the azure South China Sea views! The highway links 40+ attractions, including Yalong Bay (Asia’s answer to Hawaii) and the volcanic geopark. Perfect for sunrise chasers and sunset IG story flexes. 📸
💼 Local impact: Hainan’s tourism bureau says this mega-project will boost eco-tourism and rural economies. Electric vehicle charging stations and rest stops with local snacks (hello, coconut candies!) dot the route. One provincial official called it a 'green ribbon tying paradise to prosperity.'
🌏 Pro tip: Rent a convertible, blast some lo-fi beats, and drive counterclockwise for the best views. Who’s adding this to their 2024 travel bucket list? ✈️
Reference(s):
Round-the-island tourist highway fully open to traffic in south China
cgtn.com