Just 30 min from Haikou
Once a remote fishing village, Bei Gang Island (北港岛) has quietly transformed into a popular Hainan eco-tourism destinations.
Sitting off Haikou’s northeast coast, this island blends rich maritime heritage, lush mangrove ecosystems, and modern accessibility, all without losing its authentic charm.
A Place Born From Disaster
Bei Gang’s story begins with a catastrophe. In 1605, a massive earthquake reshaped the coastline between Haikou and Wenchang, sinking 72 villages into the sea. But one patch of land rose above the chaos, what is now Bei Gang Island. The descendants of those who survived still live here, spread across three quaint villages.
From Isolation to Connection
For centuries, Bei Gang was only reachable by small ferry boats. That all changed in 2018 with the opening of the Haiwen Bridge, China’s first cross-sea bridge built over an active fault line. Now, travelers can drive from downtown Haikou to the island in under 30 minutes. This single piece of infrastructure reshaped life on the island, cutting transportation costs, shortening travel times, and opening the door to sustainable tourism.
A Biodiversity Hotspot
Nature lovers will be in their element. Bei Gang is part of the Dongzhai Port National Nature Reserve, home to thriving mangrove forests, tidal flats, and seagrass meadows.
Wildlife Highlights:
Expect to spot white egrets, herons, black-winged stilts, and if you’re lucky, a peregrine falcon overhead. The tidal flats are crawling with crabs, clams, and even the endangered Chinese horseshoe crab.
Unique Ecosystems:
The mangroves don’t just look good, they act as a natural shield against storms, filter the water, and provide habitat for countless species.
The Joy of Sea Foraging
Bei Gang is famous for “Ganzhai” (赶海), the traditional practice of sea foraging. When the tide recedes, locals and visitors head out onto the exposed seabed to hunt for razor clams, oysters, and crabs.
It’s hands-on, muddy, and wildly fun, perfect for families, foodies, or anyone craving an authentic coastal adventure.
Fishing Heritage:
Chasing the dawn: Local fishermen set out from Bei Gang Island as the first light of sunrise paints the water gold, a daily rhythm unchanged for generations. Over 120 boats still operate from Bei Gang’s shores. Fishing remains a way of life, alongside new eco-tourism ventures.
The Bei Gang Temple:
Pay a visit to this centuries-old temple, built incorporating pieces of driftwood believed to protect fishermen.
A Resilient Community:
When Typhoon Rammasun slammed into the island in 2014, much of Bei Gang was devastated, the island suffered extensive damage with 70% of tile-roofed houses destroyed and 123 fishing vessels sunk or damaged.
Despite government relocation offers, residents chose to remain and participated in comprehensive disaster preparation improvements, including sea wall construction and enhanced port facilities. The locals rebuilt, not by leaving, but by strengthening their homes and sea defenses.
Where to Stay & What to Do
Stay: Family-run guesthouses offer cozy stays, often right in the heart of the villages. A few eco-lodges cater to those wanting a bit more comfort.
Explore: Walk or bike the 5-kilometer island loop. Explore mangrove boardwalks, watch fishing boats return at sunset, or simply unwind by the water.
Digital Discovery: The island runs a WeChat mini-program that offers tide charts, virtual museums, and even interactive games for kids. The official WeChat mini-program for Bei Gang Island is called “发现北港岛” (Fāxiàn Běigǎngdǎo), which translates to “Discover Bei Gang Island.”
Getting There
By Car: From Haikou, cross the Haiwen Bridge, just 30 minutes from downtown or 15 minutes from the airport.
By Ferry: Traditional wooden ferries still run from Puqian Town in Wenchang if you fancy a more old-school route.
When to Visit
The island is welcoming year-round. For the best sea foraging, plan around low tides. Winter (November to March) offers cooler, comfortable weather perfect for outdoor adventures.
Respect the Island
Bei Gang sits within a protected nature reserve. Visitors are asked to respect local guidelines: take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints, especially in mangrove and tidal areas.
Bei Gang isn’t just another pretty island, it’s a blueprint for how tourism, community, and conservation can coexist. Here, the rhythm of the tides meets the resilience of its people, offering a travel experience that feels both meaningful and memorable.
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