· CN

Bo’ao

Bo'ao, Hainan, China

Bo'ao, located in Hainan, China, is a charming coastal town known for its serene beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. Situated at the mouth of the Wanquan River, Bo'ao offers a perfect blend of natural lands…

#Island#Tropical#Resort#Conference Center#Beachfront

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Bo’ao.

Top Hotels in Bo’ao

Top Flights to Bo’ao

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Bo’ao.

Tours

Visit the Bo'ao Forum for Asia

Explore the site where leaders meet to discuss economic and social issues affecting Asia.

Explore Traditional Bo'ao

Wander through the historic streets and explore traditional Chinese architecture.

Visit Permanent Site of Bo'ao Forum Tour

Take a guided tour of the permanent site of the Bo'ao Forum for Asia.

Turtle Exhibition Hall

Visit a fascinating exhibition dedicated to sea turtles located by the coast.

Shopping

Bo'ao Water Town

Enjoy shopping and dining in a newly developed water town area.

Outdoor

Bo'ao Jade Belt Beach

Relax at one of the world's longest stretches of beach with clear blue waters.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Bo’ao.

Currency
¥ | CNY | Chinese Yuan Renminbi
Population
Not Available
Languages
Chinese, Chinese
Average weather
Bo’ao
Jan
clear
21°15°
Feb
clear
22°16°
Mar
clear
25°18°
Apr
sun
28°21°
May
hot
30°24°
Jun
hot
31°25°
Jul
hot
32°25°
Aug
hot
32°25°
Sep
hot
31°24°
Oct
sun
29°22°
Nov
clear
26°19°
Dec
clear
23°16°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Bo’ao.

What people love

Bo'ao, located in Hainan, China, is a popular destination known for several reasons:

  1. Bo'ao Forum for Asia: Bo'ao is famous for hosting the annual Bo'ao Forum for Asia, which is a high-level conference that brings together leaders from government, business, and academia to discuss important issues facing the region. Attending this forum can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.

  2. Scenic Beauty: Bo'ao is situated along the coast, offering stunning views of the South China Sea. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and tranquil waters, making it a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

  3. Cultural Attractions: Bo'ao is home to several cultural attractions, including temples, museums, and traditional villages. Visitors can explore the local culture and learn about the history of the region.

  4. Water Activities: With its coastal location, Bo'ao offers a variety of water activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boat tours. The warm waters of the South China Sea make it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts.

  5. Relaxation and Wellness: Bo'ao is also known for its spa resorts and wellness centers, where visitors can relax and rejuvenate. The peaceful environment and natural surroundings make it a perfect place for a wellness retreat.

Overall, traveling to Bo'ao, Hainan, China, offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

What to know

Bo'ao, located in Hainan, China, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful natural scenery and tropical climate. However, there are some potential cons to traveling to Bo'ao that you may want to consider:

  1. Language Barrier: English may not be widely spoken in Bo'ao, so communication with locals and navigating the area could be challenging if you do not speak Mandarin or Cantonese.

  2. Limited Transportation Options: Bo'ao is a relatively remote location, and public transportation options may be limited. Renting a car or hiring a private driver could be necessary to get around the area.

  3. Crowds: Bo'ao can be a popular tourist destination, especially during peak travel seasons. Crowds at popular attractions and accommodations may impact your overall experience.

  4. Limited Dining Options: While Bo'ao offers some local restaurants and street food stalls, the variety of dining options may be limited compared to larger cities.

  5. Weather: Hainan's tropical climate means that Bo'ao can experience high humidity, frequent rain showers, and occasional typhoons during certain times of the year. These weather conditions could impact outdoor activities and travel plans.

It's important to weigh these potential cons against the many benefits and attractions that Bo'ao has to offer to determine if it is the right travel destination for you.

Bo'ao, located in Hainan Province, China, is a town of historical and contemporary significance, known primarily for its role as the host of the Boao Forum for Asia. Here is a detailed history of Bo'ao:

Historical Background

  1. Early History: Bo'ao has a long history dating back centuries, originally a small fishing village. The region has been inhabited since ancient times due to its favorable climate and abundant natural resources.

  2. Qing Dynasty: During the Qing Dynasty, Bo'ao was part of Ding'an County. As a coastal area, it served as a modest port for trade and fishing.

Modern Developments

  1. Boao Forum for Asia (BFA):

    • Establishment: The Boao Forum for Asia was established in 2001 as a non-governmental, non-profit international organization committed to promoting regional economic integration and bringing Asian countries closer to their development goals.
    • Significance: Modeled after the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, the BFA has become a platform for leaders in government, business, and academia to discuss pressing issues in Asia and beyond. The forum is typically held annually in Bo'ao.
  2. Economic and Infrastructure Development:

    • Over the last few decades, Bo'ao has seen significant development, largely driven by its role as the host city for the BFA. This includes the construction of hotels, conference centers, and improved transportation infrastructure.

Important Landmarks

  1. Boao Forum for Asia International Conference Center: This is the main venue for the annual conference and includes facilities designed to accommodate international delegates and media.

  2. Dongyu Island: Located near Bo'ao, it is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular tourist destination in the area.

  3. Qionghai Bo’ao Airport: The airport serves the town and the surrounding region, facilitating the arrival of international and domestic visitors attending the forum.

Cultural and Environmental Aspects

  • Ecological Environment: Bo'ao is situated where the Wanquan, Jiuqu, and Longgun Rivers meet the South China Sea, creating a unique ecological environment that supports rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes.
  • Cultural Significance: While the town is modernizing rapidly, it still retains elements of traditional Hainan culture, which can be seen in local customs, cuisine, and architecture.

Bo'ao has transformed from a small coastal town into a city of international importance due to its role in hosting the Boao Forum for Asia. The forum has provided a platform for dialogue and cooperation in Asia and has contributed to the town's economic and infrastructural development.